We are currently updating our Web site for Summer Programs 2013. Please note that this information is subject to change. Continue to visit this Web site for additional updates and information.
Admission and Registration Procedures
International Student Information
Course Selection, Registration and Records
Summer Certificates
Financial Information
Getting to SAIS
I have more questions. How can I contact you?
Admission and Registration Procedures
What is required to apply to SAIS Summer Programs?
Admission requirements differ depending on whether you have a previous affiliation with SAIS or Johns Hopkins University. Please click here for specific details about the application and registration process.
I have previously taken classes at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Does this change my application requirements for SAIS Summer Programs?
Those who are current or incoming SAIS students, current matriculating JHU students, SAIS or JHU alumni, or returning non-degree students in good standing are considered SAIS affiliates. SAIS affiliates need to submit an Application and Registration Form, and, if applicable, proof of prerequisite courses not already on file at SAIS or JHU. Those who apply after April 27, 2012, must submit a $35 nonrefundable late fee. After submitting this information, SAIS affiliates are asked to submit a nonrefundable 10 percent tuition deposit per course to hold their place in their selected course(s).
If you have questions about your status, please contact us.
Are undergraduates eligible to participate in SAIS Summer Programs?
SAIS is a graduate school and all courses are conducted at the graduate level. However, if you have completed at least one year of undergraduate study, you may be eligible to apply for the Summer Language Institute or English for International Studies.
Only those who have completed a bachelor�s degree or equivalent or who are in the last semester of their undergraduate senior year at the time of application may be eligible to apply for non-language Summer Courses.
Is it possible to submit my application online?
Applicants may submit applications online via the secure Web site, www.sais-jhu.edu/apply/summer.htm. It is not possible at this time to submit personal statement or resume online, so please e-mail us these documents. Transcripts should be mailed in their sealed envelopes to the Office of Summer Programs.
Do you accept late applications?
Yes. Late applications received after Friday, April 27, 2012, must include a $35 late fee. We will accept late applications on a space-available basis through Friday, June 1, 2012.
Please be aware that summer applications are processed on a rolling basis. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and enrollment cannot be guaranteed for those who apply late. If you have questions about the status of a specific course, please contact us.
Can I have my transcripts sent directly from my schools?
Yes. Please ask the issuing institution to mail an official, sealed copy of your transcript to the Office of Summer Programs.
Will you accept unofficial copies of my transcripts?
SAIS requires official, sealed transcripts from all degree-granting institutions for all applicants. If you have a copy of your transcript that is unsealed or printed from the Internet, and you do not have time to order an official transcript before the application deadline, you may submit the unofficial copy so your application can be reviewed provisionally. If you are accepted to SAIS Summer Programs, it will be on a conditional basis. All official transcripts must be received by the end of the program or you will receive a failing grade for your summer courses.
I have taken language courses before, but I�m not sure which level I should take at SAIS. How do I know what level to list on my application?
Please give us your best guess based on the prerequisite information listed in the language course descriptions. Applicants to non-novice courses in the Summer Language Institute are given the contact information of the appropriate language program coordinator upon acceptance so they may arrange for a preliminary placement interview prior to the start of the program. Students are typically given a more formal placement exam at the start of the program to confirm placement levels.
If I take summer courses, will I be accepted to a SAIS degree program?
Admission to any of the SAIS Summer Programs is entirely independent from degree program admission. Acceptance to the summer program in no way guarantees acceptance to any of the SAIS degree programs. Students who are interested in applying for a SAIS degree should contact the SAIS Office of Admissions by telephone at 202.663.5700 or by e-mail or visit the Admissions Web site for more information.
International Student Information
Are there different application requirements for international students?
Application deadlines are the same for all students. However, international applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to leave time to plan for visa applications and logistical arrangements.
In addition, applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not studied for at least two years at a university in which English is the language of instruction, must submit an official TOEFL score. Furthermore, international students are required to submit an official translation of any transcript not in English and an explanation of the grading system of the university.
If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact the Office of Summer Programs.
Can I get a student visa to study at SAIS during the summer program?
SAIS provides student visa assistance for those who have been accepted for two Summer Courses, one course in the Summer Language Institute or English for International Studies. Once SAIS receives the 10 percent per course tuition deposit from accepted students, International Student and Scholar Services at SAIS will review the students visa request information. Please allow plenty of time for your initial application to reach SAIS; for SAIS to mail the admissions response; for you to complete and return the visa request information; and for you to schedule an appointment with the U.S. consulate.
Click here to download the comprehensive pre-arrival information outlining the visa application process. For more information about SAIS International Student and Scholar Services, visit the ISSS Web site.
Do I have to have a student visa to study at SAIS?
International students who are currently in the United States may be legally permitted to take courses at SAIS depending on the parameters of their current immigration status. Please contact your visa sponsor or government to determine your eligibility to take summer course work.
Course Selection, Registration and Records
When are summer classes?
The non-language Summer Courses take place June 4 to July 26, 2012. The Summer Language Institute is held June 4 to July 26, 2012. All courses are scheduled in the evening with classes beginning no earlier than 5:30 p.m. English for International Studies is held during daytime hours between June 10 to July 20, 2012. Please see the Calendar for more information.
Can I take both a non-language and a language course?
No. Due to scheduling conflicts, students may not enroll in both a non-language Summer Course and the Summer Language Institute.
Can I take more than one language course or more than two non-language courses?
No again. Scheduling conflicts prevent this from being possible. Also, please be aware that one language course, including English , is considered a full load. Two non-language Summer Courses is a full load.
If you would like to speak with an adviser about your course selection, please contact us.
What if I have not met the prerequisites for a course?
If you have not completed all prerequisites for a course prior to the start of the summer program, you will not be allowed to enroll in that course. To register for Microeconomics or Macroeconomics, you must submit an official transcript showing successful completion, with a grade of�B- or better, of a Principles of Microeconomics or a Principles of Macroeconomics course, respectively, or the equivalent. These principles, or introductory, courses can be taken from any accredited institution.
If you would like to register for International Trade Theory or International Monetary Theory, you must first submit an official transcript showing proof of successful completion of an intermediate Microeconomics or Macroeconomics course, respectively. You must then pass the Online Economics Waiver Exam in this subject. The exams will be offered at the end May.
Those who are applying for non-novice language courses should submit official proof of any prior study in that language. A placement exam will determine the appropriate level of study at SAIS.
If you are interested in discussing your qualifications further, please contact us.
How can I find out more about the Online Economics Waiver Exams?
If your course selection requires that you take one or both of the Online Economics Waiver exams, and your prior study demonstrates your eligibility, the Office of Summer Programs will register you for the appropriate exam(s). You will receive more information via email to the address listed on your application.
The exams are offered via the Internet and can be completed from anywhere in the world on a computer with Internet Explorer 5 or higher. There is no fee for taking the exams. Students may only attempt each exam one time. Please see the SAIS Economics Program Web site for more information about the format of the exams.
Please be aware that only the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams will be administered during the May period. Only prospective summer students are eligible to take the exams at this time.
I'm unsure of which courses to take this summer. Can I shop for courses and make up my mind after the term begins?
Shopping is not permitted during the summer. We encourage you to contact the Office of Summer Programs if you have any questions about your course selection. You may also view preliminary course syllabi and previous course evaluations using your JHED ID and password. If you do not have a JHED ID and you would like temporary access to view course syllabi and evaluations, please contact us.
Students may change their course selection by contacting the Office of Summer Programs anytime before the start of classes. Please be aware that the 10 percent per course tuition deposit is nonrefundable in most cases. Those who wish to drop, add or withdraw from courses after the start of the program should pay careful attention to deadlines and the refund schedule.
Can I audit summer courses? What if I decide later I want to take the course for credit?
Summer Programs participants may audit courses by paying full tuition and following the standard admission and registration procedures. Students who wish to change their grade status to audit may do so, with the professors permission, by submitting an Audit Form to the Office of Summer Programs by Tuesday, June 25, 2012. Those who audit must attend class regularly. Professors have the discretion to set additional requirements for auditors. Once changed to audit, the status cannot be reverted to credit.
Please be aware that some professors may not allow audits for their courses. Students must receive special permission to audit a language course.
Summer students who wish to change the status of a course from audit to credit may do so, with the instructor's permission, by obtaining and submitting a Change to Credit Form to the Office of Summer Programs by Monday, July 23, 2012. Once changed to credit, the status cannot be reverted to audit.
How can I obtain a transcript?
Grade reports are not automatically distributed after the summer program. You can view your final grades online via https://isis.jhu.edu. Students may also request official transcripts from the SAIS Registrars Office with this form. Students may obtain one transcript free of charge and additional copies at $3 per copy. Transcripts will not be issued for students with unsatisfied academic or financial obligations to the university.
Can the courses that I take this summer at SAIS be applied to a degree program?
Admission to any of the SAIS Summer Programs is entirely independent from degree-program admission and in no way implies acceptance to a SAIS degree program. However, if you apply to and are accepted into the SAIS M.A. program, credit can be given for up to four courses taken as a non-degree student. For the M.I.P.P. and Ph.D. programs, credit can be given for up to two courses.
Current and incoming SAIS degree students should be aware that the non-language Summer Courses count toward the number of courses needed for graduation. No credit is awarded for language courses, including ESL, although these courses may help you reach the language proficiency requirement for degree programs.
To determine whether credit for SAIS Summer Programs courses can be transferred to another institution, please contact that institution directly. Many institutions will accept SAIS course work, but each institution independently determines whether to accept SAIS credits and how many credits to award.
May I take SAIS classes during the fall and spring semesters, too?
Non-degree students in good standing may apply to take additional course work during the fall and spring semesters on a space-available basis only. Some courses will not be available to non-SAIS students. Please be aware that fall and spring tuition is higher than summer tuition. Fall and spring classes are also held primarily during daytime hours.
Summer Certificates
Is there a separate application process for the Certificate in International Studies or the Certificate in International Development?
Those who are interested in pursuing a SAIS Certificate should first apply to SAIS Summer Programs to be accepted as a non-degree student. Once you have been accepted, you can request to officially enroll as a certificate student by meeting with an adviser and submitting the Certificate Plan of Action Form. Please call 202.663.5716 to schedule an appointment with the Certificate Student Adviser.
Can I complete a certificate in one summer?
You will need a minimum of two terms to complete a certificate. This is because certificate candidates must successfully complete a series of four graduate-level courses, but cannot take more than two courses in any one term. By working at a rigorous pace, some students complete a certificate in two terms. Many others work toward a certificate over an extended period of time.
Financial Information
How much does the summer program cost?
Tuition for each of the non-language Summer Course, Summer Language Institute courses and the English for International Studies is currently being finalized. Please see the Financial Information section for additional information about tuition and fees.
Is the per course tuition deposit counted toward the total cost of tuition?
Yes. The 10 percent per course tuition deposit that is required upon notice of acceptance for first-time applicants or upon registration for SAIS affiliates, is applied toward the total cost of tuition.
How do I pay?
Application and late fees must be submitted via the online application. Accepted students should submit tuition electronically using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or e-check via https://isis.jhu.edu. Click here if you would like information about submitting payment via wire transfer. To inquire about paying through an alternate method, please contact us.
Can I get a refund?
Application and late fees are non-refundable. Partial tuition refunds are available prior to and during the first week of the program. For more information, click here.
Getting to SAIS
I am new to the Washington, D.C., area. How do I find housing?
Summer program participants are responsible for finding their own living accommodations. However, student housing opportunities may be available at Georgetown University, The George Washington University and The International Student House. For more information about these options, including deadlines and availability, please view click on the links above. You may also want to consider rooming in a group house or subletting an apartment. As another resource, accepted students are eligible to receive access to an internal SAIS Web site with additional housing listings.
Is SAIS Metro-accessible?
Yes. SAIS is about a 5-minute walk from the Dupont Circle Metro stop on the Red Line. After exiting through the South exit, turn around and face Dupont Circle. Cross Connecticut Avenue and turn right onto Massachusetts Avenue. SAIS is less than two blocks away on the right.
We recommend that summer students take public transportation to SAIS. However, for those who wish to drive, discounted parking rates may be available in two local garages. Limited parking in the evenings and on weekends may also be available along Massachusetts Avenue, 17th Street and surrounding side streets. Click here for driving directions and a map of the area.
I have more questions. How can I contact you?
We encourage you to contact the Office of Summer Programs by phone at 202.663.5671 or e-mail to sais.summer@jhu.edu. If you are in the Washington, D.C., area, we invite you to stop by and see us in Room 403 of the Nitze Building at 1740 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.