Admissions

Meet Us

Our team of global admissions professionals on three campuses can help you decide which program best meets your academic and professional needs.

Recruiting Events

Johns Hopkins SAIS admissions representatives organize and host recruiting events around the world. View our global recruiting schedule.

Information Sessions

Admissions representatives at each campus regularly offer on-campus and virtual information sessions. Join us in-person or online to learn more about our programs and to gain insider tips on the application process. Sign-up to receive notifications about information sessions and deadlines or login to your MySAIS profile here.

Master of Arts Interview

SAIS Europe: Dual nationals and non-US citizens applying to begin their studies at the school’s campus in Bologna, Italy (along with applicants to the Diploma, MAIA and MAGR degrees) will be contacted by the SAIS Europe Admissions Office to arrange an interview and should not self-schedule an interview.
 
Candidates applying to the MAGP, MIEF, MIPP degree programs will be contacted by the Office of Admissions to schedule an interview, if needed.  

Campus Visits

To learn firsthand what it would be like to be a part of the Johns Hopkins SAIS community, schedule a campus visit. Campus visits are a great way to meet current students, attend a class, and experience the Johns Hopkins SAIS advantage for yourself. Registration for spring class visits to the Washington, DC campus begin in late-February via your MySAIS page. To visit the SAIS Europe campus contact sais.eu.admissions@jhu.edu.

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A division of Johns Hopkins University, the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a global institution that prepares students to address multifaceted challenges in the world today. For nearly 75 years, Johns Hopkins SAIS has produced great leaders, thinkers, and practitioners of international relations. The school’s interdisciplinary curriculum is strongly rooted in the study of international economics, international relations, and regional studies.

Our Reach

• Johns Hopkins SAIS is one of nine academic divisions of Johns Hopkins University and is renowned for its world-class faculty, applied learning opportunities, and accomplished global alumni network. 
• With campuses on three continents, researchers in every time zone, and students from more than 120 different countries, Johns Hopkins University truly has a global perspective.
• The school's faculty are thought leaders on important issues of international significance and regularly advise government officials and private-sector executives around the world.  
• Each year more than 300 high-level events are held on its three campuses engaging world leaders and providing ground-breaking insights to complex issues.
• The school offers concentrations in 20 regional and functional areas of international relations and instruction in 17 languages.
• The school is home to 13 student career clubs including the Finance Club, Consulting Club and Global Women in Leadership.
• Each year more than two dozen study treks are organized by academic programs, giving students valuable opportunities to conduct field research, engage with partner organizations, and see firsthand the impact of the issues they study. Students also make connections in the job market through 14 sector-specific career treks every year to Asia, Europe, and North America hosted by the Global Careers staff.
• Last year, over 3,000 employers posted job opportunities at the school and 220 employers visited the school for recruiting or presentations on professional development.
• The Hopkins-Nanjing Center is the longest running US-China education partnership and the only target language program of its kind in China. The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) was the first master’s degree to be fully accredited in both the United States and China.

Our Impact

• Johns Hopkins SAIS has over 20,000 alumni worldwide with successful careers across all sectors and industries. The school is also part of the broader Johns Hopkins University community of over 205,000 alumni.
• Prominent alumni include Former US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams, Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai, former US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Co-founder of Warby Parker and Co-founder and Co-CEO of Harry's Inc Jeffrey Raider, Co-Founder of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) Greg Asbed, and former President and CEO of Citi Foundation Pamela Flaherty. 
• Johns Hopkins SAIS produces one of the highest numbers of Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) annually, including 23 in 2017.
• 94% of the Master of Arts Class of 2017 sought and found employment at 222 employers, obtained fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation.
• 91% of the Master of International Economics & Finance Class of 2017 sought and found employment at 20 employers, obtained fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation
• 96% of the Master of International Public Policy Class of 2017 sought and found employment at 31 employers, obtained fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation.
• 89% of the Master of Arts in Global Risk Class of 2017 sought and found employment at 9 employers, obtained fellowships/internships, or went on to further study within six months of graduation. 
• 87% of 2017 international Hopkins-Nanjing Center graduates sought and found employment, obtained fellowships/internships, or went on to further study within six months of graduation.   

Our Value

• Foreign Policy Magazine ranks Johns Hopkins SAIS as a top-three master's program for a policy career in international relations.
• US News & World Report ranks Johns Hopkins University as #11 in their national universities rankings and #10 for best global university.
• The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 named Johns Hopkins University #13 of 1,000 top universities in the world.
• The Times Higher Education ranks Johns Hopkins University #10 among US institutions for graduate employability.  
• The QS World University Rankings named Johns Hopkins University #17 of 950 top universities in the world.
• For 38 years in a row, Johns Hopkins University has put more money into research than any other US academic institution.
• 36 Johns Hopkins researchers past and present have earned Nobel Prizes, including Johns Hopkins SAIS alumna Jody Williams '84.
• The US-China Bi-National Commission on Trust-Building and Enhancing Borders recently recognized the Hopkins-Nanjing Center as “the most prominent program bringing American and Chinese students together."

Our Memberships

• The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies is proud to be a member of the Public Policy in International Affairs (PPIA) Graduate School Consortium and the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).
  
      

Recruiting Calendar

Important Dates

Contact Us
 

Washington, DC

Office of Admissions
The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
1740 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
+1.202.663.5700
+1.877.JHU.WASH (U.S. toll free)
sais.dc.admissions@jhu.edu

SAIS Europe

Office of Admissions
The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
via Beniamino Andreatta, 3 (formerly via Belmeloro, 11)
40126 Bologna, Italy
+39.051.29.17.811
sais.eu.admissions@jhu.edu

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center

Office of International Admissions
The Hopkins-Nanjing Center
1619 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
+1.202.663.5800
nanjing@jhu.edu

link

Our Advantage

A Johns Hopkins SAIS degree represents excellence in international relations, and our graduates are in great demand. 

Students are encouraged to study with purpose and choose courses to best fit their career interests. Learning from accomplished faculty across three global campuses gives students a strong understanding of economics and theories of international relations, as well as regional expertise, diplomatic skills, language proficiency, and the capacity to apply theory to real-world problems. To learn more about the academic programs, select one of the menu options to the left. Click here to view a comparison of academic programs.

Degree Programs

Master of Arts (MA) 
The majority of students at Johns Hopkins SAIS are enrolled in the two-year, full-time Master of Arts degree. The program’s interdisciplinary coursework emphasizes international economics, policy and regional studies, international relations, and languages. Students can begin their studies with one year at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, elect to spend either year at SAIS Europe, or spend both years in Washington, DC.
Learn more about the Master of Arts Program>>

Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP)
This 16-month master's program offered in Washington, DC is designed to help experienced professionals with at least seven years of work experience develop into global leaders while they maintain full-time employment. The curriculum reflects the school's core strengths and provides students in this cohort-based program with policy-relevant expertise in international politics, economics, and strategy. Students take classes together on alternating Fridays and Saturdays and participate in three multi-day residencies and one capstone residency abroad.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Global Policy program>>

Master of Arts in Global Risk (MAGR)
Offered at SAIS Europe, this 13-month, cohort-based program builds on the competitive advantages of the school by introducing students to a broad array of concepts and tools in the social sciences that are necessary to undertake sophisticated political and economic risk analysis. Students complete a capstone project in the form of a focused summer internship or original thesis.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Global Risk program>>

Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)
Offered at SAIS Europe, this two-year degree program is research-focused, allowing students to produce an original 20,000-word thesis. Students may pursue both years of the MAIA in Bologna or one year at another participating European university as part of a cooperative degree program.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in International Affairs program>>
 
Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS)
Offered at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC), this two-year program is the first master’s degree fully accredited in both China and the United States. Non-Chinese students complete course work and a thesis in Chinese, culminating in a degree jointly awarded by Johns Hopkins SAIS and Nanjing University. MAIS thesis topics reflect diverse course offerings and have covered topics ranging from women’s rights in China to Chinese soft power. Mandarin language proficiency required.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in International Studies program>>
 
Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MIEF)
The 11-month, full-time, cohort-based program degree program is offered in Washington, DC, and positions early-career professional to excel in rigorous economic and financial analysis roles. The curriculum prepares students to understand advanced economic theories, strengthen professional quantitative and econometric skills, and assess a wide range of international economic and financial scenarios.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance program>>
 
Master of International Public Policy (MIPP)
Offered in Washington, DC and Bologna, this degree is designed for experienced professionals with at least seven years of work experience who wish to develop advanced analytical and leadership skills. Students have the flexibility to tailor their coursework and focus on the areas of greatest importance to their careers. MIPP students represent diverse employment sectors and geographic regions and bring substantial work experienced into classroom discussions. This program is completed in the equivalent of one academic year.
Learn more about the Master of International Public Policy program>>

HNC Certificate/MA
Students in this program spend one year in Nanjing to complete the certificate and continue their MA Studies for two to three additional semesters in Washington, DC or Bologna. At least one semester must be completed in Washington, DC.
Learn more about the HNC Certificate/MA program>>

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This full-time doctoral program is for individuals who have earned a master’s degree seek to become scholars as well as practitioners in international relations. Each PhD candidate works with a faculty adviser to design a unique academic and research plan to prepare for their dissertation. PhD students develop a comprehensive understanding of qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, international relations, economics, and regional studies. Optional study at SAIS Europe is available
Learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy program>>

Degree Programs for Experienced Professionals

Master of International Public Policy (MIPP)
This flexible degree is designed for experienced professionals with at least seven years of work experience who wish to develop advanced analytical and leadership skills. Studying under world-class scholars and practitioners, students customize their course of study from an array of functional, regional, and economic course topics to advance their expertise and position themselves for continued professional success.
Learn more about the Master of International Public Policy program>>

Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP)
This 16-month master's program offered in Washington, DC is designed to help experienced professionals with at least seven years of work exprience develop into global leaders while they maintain full-time employment. The curriculum reflects the school's core strengths and provides students in this cohort-based program with policy-relevant expertise in international politics, economics, and strategy. Students take classes together on alternating Fridays and Saturdays and participate in three multi-day residencies and one capstone residency abroad.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Global Policy program>>

Study With Purpose

Each year, more than 1,000 students of diverse backgrounds, accomplishments, and career aspirations are welcomed across our three campuses and into a collaborative, close-knit community. Through their coursework, extracurricular activities, and an environment that inspires excellence, students develop as leaders with the knowledge, skills, and professional network required for success in today’s global economy.

The student body represents more than 70 countries, creating a rich learning environment. This talented and motivated community also brings a wealth of work experience in energy, environment, finance, international business, international development, journalism, public administration, and military service.

Student Profiles

Johns Hopkins SAIS is a community rich in scholarship, cultures, and people. Each year, the school seeks to attract a student body diverse in culture, language, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, values and beliefs, sexual orientation, life experience, and physical capabilities. We welcome applications from all.

Learn more about the Johns Hopkins SAIS experience by reading the snapshot profiles of current students across all degree programs.

Fall 2017

Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MIEF)

 Master of International Public Policy (MIPP)

 
Master of Arts in Global Policy Program (MAGP)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

US Veterans and Active Duty Military

Johns Hopkins SAIS welcomes current and former members of the United States Armed Services into its student body. The school has a long history of working with current and former members of the Armed Services and the institution remains committed to helping them achieve their educational and professional goals.

The school participates in a wide variety of programs that offer substantial financial assistance to active-duty service members, as well as veterans and their families. Student support services are available to help veterans transition back to school or to help current members of the Armed Forces manage the workload of being a full-time student and a member of the US Armed Forces.

This page summarizes the many opportunities for active-duty service members and veterans at the school.

Active Duty Military

Advanced Civil Schooling Program
The Army’s Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) program provides opportunities for officers to pursue advanced degrees in acquisition/business related disciplines at civilian universities on a full-time, fully funded basis.

ACS-related inquiries are managed by the Admissions Office in Washington, DC, at sais.dc.admissions@jhu.edu.

Commissioned Officers with Graduate School Option (GRADSO)
GRADSO allows commissioned officers to attend graduate school while serving in the Army.  GRADSO fully funds your attendance at the school of your choice, regardless of cost. Participants essentially take a two-year academic sabbatical while remaining on active duty and retaining all associated pay and benefits.

GRADSO-related inquiries are managed by the Admissions Office in Washington, DC, at sais.dc.admissions@jhu.edu.

GoArmy Tuition Assistance (TAPS)
The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are registered in GoArmyEd, are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the US Department of Education and are signatories to the current Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).

TAPS-related inquiries are managed by the Student Accounts Office in Washington, DC, at saisbilling@jhu.edu.
 
Army Performance-Based Graduate Incentive Program (PB-GSIP) (NOTE: CAC or AKO login required to view document.)
The program is open to basic branch officers in Operations, Operations Support and Force Sustainment career fields, and the tuition cap is $43,000 per academic year.

PB-GSIP-related inquiries are managed by the Admissions Office in Washington, DC, at sais.dc.admissions@jhu.edu.
 

Navy Political Military Scholarship program (POL-MIL)
Johns Hopkins SAIS is one of the approved universities for the POL-MIL scholarship program.  The PMM program provides Navy officers a graduate education in strategy and politico-military affairs at leading civilian institutions (CIVINS) throughout the United States. Approved officers will be selected for a one-year master's degree program. The two-year PMM and Arthur S. Moreau Program listed in reference (a) are not funded and are unavailable per the annual quota plan for AY16-17. The PMM program is recommended for junior officers (O3-O4) who are completing their division officer or department head tours, but is open to O5 as well.

POL-MIL-related inquiries are managed by the Admissions Office in Washington, DC, at sais.dc.admissions@jhu.edu.
 

Military Veterans & Eligible Dependents

The Johns Hopkins University is an approved institution for veteran’s benefits, including the following:

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill ® (Yellow Ribbon Eligible)
  SAIS participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Yellow Ribbon Program.  Click here for more information on using VA Benefits at SAIS, including current benefit rates.
• Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• Educational Assistance Test Program (Section 901)
• National Call to Service Program
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Click here for more information on using VA Benefits at Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Campus Resources

SAIS Veterans Network (Student Club)
Supports Johns Hopkins SAIS students who are military veterans, active duty military, or simply interested in learning more about the military community. Focuses on building cohesion amongst military members and the Johns Hopkins SAIS community through volunteer service and outreach.

For more information, email saismilitary@gmail.com.

Johns Hopkins SAIS DC Housing Resource Site
The school’s Washington, DC campus does not offer on-campus housing; students are responsible for finding their own housing.  This housing site lists local apartments and allows students to post/search for roommates.

Academic Advising
Most enrolled students are assigned a primary faculty advisor. Additional advising services are available through Academic Affairs.  Academic Affairs advisors support students in a more general way, but they are also familiar with each program’s requirements in addition to the general education components of your curriculum.
Please see below for degree-specific contact information:

• Master of Arts (MA): saisadvising@jhu.edu
• Master of International Public Policy (MIPP): jyoungs1@jhu.edu
• Master of Arts in Global Policy program (MAGP): raman2@jhu.edu
• Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MIEF):kkornell@jhu.edu
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): saisphdprogram@jhu.edu

Community & Family Resources

Johns Hopkins SAIS understands the importance of family and welcomes student spouses, partners, and children at many activities and events.

Make the Connection
MakeTheConnection.net is an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.  Watch and listen as other Veterans discuss the challenges they’ve faced, resources they’ve found, and actions they’ve taken to help navigate through life after the military.

Coaching into Care
Coaching into Care is a free and confidential coaching service for families and friends of veterans.  It is available to help callers discover new ways to talk with a Veteran in their life about their concerns and about treatment options.

Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.

Health Insurance & Health Care Information
The Johns Hopkins student health insurance plan can also cover spouses and children.  For more information on enrollment policies, benefits, and coverage, please visit https://studentinsurance.com/Schools/?Id=858.

School Districts
For a comprehensive ranked list of school districts in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and detailed information and statistics about each ranked district, click here.

Employment at Johns Hopkins University
For spouses/partners seeking employment at Johns Hopkins, please visit http://jobs.jhu.edu. 
 
Legal Disclaimer: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
 
 

Apply

The school offers an Early Notification process for enrollment in the fall semester. This provides applicants the opportunity to receive an admissions decision by December 29 for enrollment in the following fall semester. Through the Early Notification process, the Admissions Committee will either make an offer of admission or defer the application for consideration during the regular application process. If deferred, the applicant will be notified of an admission decision in mid-March. Early Notification is not binding.

Please note: For your application to be considered for Early Notification, please ensure that all supporting documents (as listed in the application instructions) are received by the Office of Admissions no later than November 1.  If any supporting documents are received after November 1, the application will be reviewed during the Regular Deadline process.

Dates and Deadlines

Degree Programs

• Online Application

Degrees for Experienced Professionals

• Online Application

Non-Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on one of the links below, or select from the menu options on the left.

• Academic Programs
• Admissions Information
• Visiting Johns Hopkins SAIS
• Financial Aid
• Reapplication, Deferrals, and Spring Admissions
• Standardized Tests

If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact the relevant Admissions Office.

FAQs: Academic Programs

• What degree programs are offered at Johns Hopkins SAIS?
• What is the student to faculty ratio?
• I have no background in economics. Is that going to hurt my chances of getting into the Masters of Arts program?
• Can I attend Johns Hopkins SAIS part-time?
• Does the school offer dual degree programs?
• Are there other academic partnerships offered?
• Can I pursue a dual degree with a school that is not listed?

What Degree Programs are offered at Johns Hopkins SAIS?

• Master of Arts (MA) (Washington, DC and SAIS Europe)
• Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) (SAIS Europe)
• Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MIEF) (Washington, DC)
• Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) (Hopkins-Nanjing Center)
• Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP) (Washington, DC)
• Master of Arts in Global Risk (MAGR) (SAIS Europe)
• Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) (Washington, DC and SAIS Europe)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Washington, DC)
• Certificate in Chinese and American Studies (Hopkins-Nanjing Center)
• Hopkins-Nanjing Certificate/Johns Hopkins SAIS MA (Hopkins-Nanjing Center and Washington, DC)
• Non Degree Courses

What is the student to faculty ratio?
17:1

I have no background in economics. Is that going to hurt my chances of getting into the Masters of Arts program?
We receive strong applications from MA candidates who have not taken any courses in economics. Some of these candidates are offered conditional admission and are required to fulfill the introductory micro- and macroeconomics prerequisites prior to enrolling in the program. An applicant who has completed introductory micro and macroeconomics will have an advantage over an applicant who has not. Students must complete one semester's-worth of study in both introductory macroeconomics and in microeconomics with a B- or higher prior to beginning classes (but not necessarily prior to admission). The Admissions Committee will consider applicants who have not yet fulfilled this requirement. Nevertheless, these applicants should recognize that they will be expected to complete the required course work before entry and plan accordingly. Prior course work in mathematics and/or statistics is also encouraged.

Can I attend Johns Hopkins SAIS part-time?
The school offers only full-time degree programs. We strongly feel that in order for students to maximize their experience, they need to take full advantage of the numerous academic and social offerings that are available. This includes participating in co-curricular activities, attending special workshops, lectures and guest speakers on campus. Non-degree, part-time courses are available.

Does the school offer dual degree programs?
Yes, the school offers dual degree programs of study option for students interested in pursuing a second graduate degree in conjunction with their studies in international relations. Approximately 10% of our students pursue a dual degree in business, law, public administration, and public health to enhance their graduate education and achieve their professional objectives.

To be admitted to a dual degree program, students must apply to, and be accepted by, both schools independently. For most dual degree programs, the school reduces the number of required courses from 16 to 12 in recognition of course work taken at another approved school. This allows students to complete the Master of Arts degree in three academic semesters instead of four.

A list of dual degree options can be found here.

Are there other academic partnerships offered?
We have several cooperative degree programs (offered only at SAIS Europe), master’s students from European partner universities can study one year at their home program and one year at SAIS Europe, obtaining the MAIA degree or the diploma in International Studies plus a master’s degree from their home university.

A list of the cooperative degree programs available at SAIS Europe can be viewed here.

Can I pursue a dual degree with a school that is not listed?
Students may create an ad hoc dual degree program of study (non-formal program) with other prominent universities. Proposals for ad hoc dual degrees are possible, but must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.  

FAQs: Admissions Information

• What prerequisites are required to apply or enroll?
• What is the average GPA of the students who are admitted?
• How important is work experience?
• My economics classes were not titled "Principles of Micro" or "Principles of Macro." What should I do?
• Can I schedule an admissions interview?
• Does John Hopkins SAIS offer application fee waivers?

What prerequisites are required to apply or enroll?
All incoming MA students are required to complete introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics courses, receiving a grade of B- or higher, before they can start course work at Johns Hopkins SAIS. The microeconomics course should cover the principles of supply, demand, equilibrium and marginal analysis. The macroeconomics course should cover national income, inflation, unemployment and interest rates. Completion of these courses is recommended but not required to apply to SAIS. If the economics courses will be taken between the application deadline and the start of classes at SAIS, transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions Office before the applicant will be allowed to begin any course work, including Pre-term. Admitted candidates who have not satisfied the basic economics requirements can fulfill them during the summer before classes start. SAIS offers an online course in basic microeconomics and macroeconomics to enable these candidates to meet the requirement.

While there are no prerequisites for incoming MIPP students, any MIPP student wishing to complete economics coursework at Johns Hopkins SAIS are also required to complete the economics prerequisites.

What is the average GPA of the students who are admitted?
The middle 50% range for GPA of the incoming 2017 Master of Arts class was 3.36-3.79 on a 4.0 scale. However, please keep in mind that the admissions committee is much more interested in the details of your transcript than in the total GPA. Weak grades in your first year will not greatly affect your chances for admission. However, a weak grade in a political science or economics course can affect your competitiveness.

How important is work experience?
Work experience is one of many factors considered when evaluating an applicant. About 88% of the incoming Master of Arts class had at least one year of work experience following graduation. This work experience varies widely and need not necessarily relate directly to the field of international relations. In addition to working in US and non-US government agencies, many incoming students have had experience working in the financial sector, consulting industry, non-governmental agencies, US Peace Corps, teaching, and law.

Each year, around 10% of the incoming class enters SAIS immediately following their final year of undergraduate study. Less experienced candidates typically have participated in substantial internships directly related to the fields of international relations or political science.

My economics classes were not titled "Principles of Micro" or "Principles of Macro." What should I do?
The microeconomics course should cover the principles of supply, demand, equilibrium, and marginal analysis. The macroeconomics course should cover income, inflation, unemployment, and interest rates. When submitting your application, please include copies of syllabi or class descriptions for any economics courses you have taken not explicitly titled "Principles of Micro/Macroeconomics" that you wish to apply towards the SAIS Economics Prerequisites.

Can I schedule an admissions interview?
Washington, DC: Applicants who intend to study at the Washington, DC campus, and US citizens applying to study at SAIS Europe, are encouraged to schedule an optional interview. Interviews are available in September through early December and are conducted in-person or via Skype.  You can schedule an interview via  MySAIS.
 
SAIS Europe: Dual nationals and non-US citizens applying to begin their studies at the school’s campus in Bologna, Italy (along with applicants to the Diploma, MAIA and MAGR degrees) will be contacted by the SAIS Europe Admissions Office to arrange an interview and should not self-schedule an interview.
 
Candidates applying to the MAGP, MIEF, MIPP degree programs will be contacted by the Office of Admissions to schedule an interview, if needed.   

Does Johns Hopkins SAIS offer application fee waivers?
The school offers application fee waivers to participants or alumni affiliated with the following professional development programs: Pickering, PPIA, IIPP, McNair, Rangel, Teach for America, Teach for China, Fulbright (those currently on fellowship), and Peace Corps.

In order to receive a fee waiver, you must submit an official document confirming your participation in the appropriate program via email. When you submit your online application, please select that you are going to pay by check. We will waive the fee once the paperwork is received by our office and your application has been submitted. Unfortunately, we do not grant fee waivers for financial hardship. There is no application fee for non-U.S. students applying to SAIS Europe.

FAQs: Visiting Johns Hopkins SAIS

Are there opportunities to visit the school?
Information Sessions and Taster Lectures held in Washington, DC during the fall semester provide prospective students with an opportunity to learn more about the school, its curriculum, and the application process. At these events, potential applicants have the chance to speak with members of the admissions staff, faculty, alumni, and current students.

Additionally, the SAIS Student Happy Hour immediately follows the Friday sessions (6PM) that are held during the fall semester and are welcome to participate. Prospective students may arrange a class visit, meet with a current SAIS student, and tour campus. For more information on visiting the Washington, D.C. campus, click here.

At SAIS Europe, an Open Day is held in late fall for prospective students and an open house in the spring for admitted students. SAIS Europe has an open door policy for prospective students and encourages visits during the academic year when classes are in session. For more information on visiting the SAIS Europe campus, click here.

FAQs: Financial Aid

• Do I have to apply separately for fellowships?
• Where do I send my Financial Assistance form?

Do I have to apply separately for named fellowships?
With the exception of specific named fellowships, which require additional essays, applicants should apply for financial aid using the Financial Aid forms. These forms are available via the online application.

Students starting in Washington, DC and all US students starting at SAIS Europe may contact the Financial Aid Office (+ 1.202.663.5706 or saisfinaidinfo@jhu.edu. US citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents MUST file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Non-US students starting at SAIS Europe may contact the Admissions Office at sais.eu.admissions@jhu.edu.

Where do I send my SAIS Financial Assistance form?
Click here for more information about Financial Aid.

SAIS Financial Aid Office
1740 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington DC 20036.

Non-US students starting at SAIS Europe should follow the instructions on the financial aid application form.

FAQs: Reapplication, Deferrals and Spring Admissions

• I applied last year but was not admitted/could not accept the offer. How do I reapply?
• I was admitted but need to defer my enrollment. How steps do I need to take to request a deferral?
• If I defer my offer of admission will my financial aid package be carried over?
• Does the school offer spring admissions?

I applied last year but was not admitted/could not accept the offer. How do I reapply?
The Office of Admissions retains application files for one year after a decision is rendered. Reapplicants who had applied more than one year ago are considered new applicants and must resubmit all application materials.

Reapplication Application Checklist: (applicable to those who are reapplying within one year)

• Application fee (where applicable)
• Online application (Indicate reapplicant status and previous admissions decision)
• Updated Résumé /CV
• Reapplicant Essay - Explain how you have improved your candidacy since your last application. This essay should be no more than 1000 words in length.
• Transcript(s) of any additional courses you have taken since you last applied (include grades not finalized at the time of your last application)
• One new letter of recommendation, preferably someone from your current employer in a supervisory role.
• Pursue an optional interview with the Office of Admissions in Washington, DC (non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents applying to study at the SAIS Europe campus will be required to interview).

I was admitted but need to defer my enrollment. How steps do I need to take to request a deferral?
Students sometimes face unanticipated changes in their circumstances, deferral requests will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Admitted students may request a one-year deferral (MIPP admitted students may request a one-semester deferral). If a deferral is granted, students will be expected to pay their $500 non-refundable matriculation fee and submit a $3,000 non-refundable deferral deposit (for a total of $3,500) within 30 days of approval. The deferral deposit will be applied to your tuition upon enrollment. Admitted students whose future plans remain uncertain, or those with insufficient funds, are advised to decline the offer of admission and reapply at a later date when circumstances may be more certain or stable.

If your request for deferral is denied and you would still like to enroll in the semester for which you were admitted, you must accept your offer of admission no later than your original response deadline.

If I defer my offer of admission will my financial aid award be carried over? Yes.
If a deferred student was offered a general funds fellowship upon admission, this decision will be maintained through the student’s first year of attendance. Alternatively, if a student was not offered a general funds fellowship upon admission, this decision will also carry over through the student’s first year of attendance. Federal aid will be reconsidered for the semester in which the deferred student will be enrolling upon renewal of their FAFSA.

Non-US students admitted to SAIS Europe are eligible for financial aid consideration and should contact the SAIS Europe Office of Admissions.

Does the school offer spring enrollment?
With the exception of the MIPP program, degree programs offered in Washington, DC are for fall enrollment only (MIPP offers both fall and spring enrollment). The MIEF program begins in July.

The SAIS Europe campus will consider spring enrollment for all programs on a case by case basis.

FAQs: Standardized Tests

• What standardized tests are required?
• What are the reporting codes for the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL standardized tests?
• What is the average GRE/GMAT score? How much weight does this carry?
• I took the GRE/TOEFL several years ago. Are my scores still acceptable?

What Standardized tests are required?
GRE or GMAT Exams: MA*, MIEF, and PhD students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). MA*, MIEF, and PhD students are not eligible for GRE/GMAT waivers. MAGR, MIPP and MAGP students are not required to take these exams but are highly encouraged to do so. To ensure that your test scores reach the school on time, you should take the appropriate examinations and request your official score reports at least a month before the deadline. 

*Non-US citizens who seek to begin their studies at SAIS Europe are encouraged, but are not required, to take the GRE or GMAT. Non-U.S. citizens applying as "open" candidates (i.e. interested in attending both campuses) are required to complete the GRE or GMAT.

English Proficiency Exam: If English is not your native language, (or in the case of multilingual students, the dominant language is not English) and you hold an undergraduate degree granted by an accredited institution in a country where English is an official language and was the language of instruction, than you will not be required to submit an English competency exam.

If English is not your native language, (or in the case of multilingual students, the dominant language is not English) and you hold a graduate degree granted by an accredited institution in a country where English is an official language and was the language of instruction, then you will need the approval of the Office of Admissions to be exempt from submitting an English competency exam. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

What are the standardized test codes for the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL?
GRE: The Educational Testing Services (ETS) score reporting school code for Johns Hopkins SAIS is 5610 and the department code should be left black ("0000").

GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Council score reporting school code for Johns Hopkins SAIS is KGB-GX-99.

TOEFL: The Educational Testing Services (ETS) score reporting school code for Johns Hopkins SAIS is 5610 and the department code should be left black ("0000").

What is the average GRE/GMAT score? How much weight does this carry?
Johns Hopkins SAIS has no minimum GRE or GMAT score. However, in recent years the middle 50% GRE verbal score range for students admitted to the Master of Arts program has been 155-164 (68th-87th percentile) and the middle 50% GRE quantitative score range has been 154-164 (55th-85th percentile). For the GMAT verbal score, the middle 50% for MA students has been in the 36-42 range, and the GMAT quantitative score has been in 42-50 range. A TOEFL score of at least 600 for the paper-based exam, 250 for the computer-based exam or 100 for the internet-based exam is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Students who choose to submit the IELTS exam results must meet a minimum of 7.0.

I took the GRE/TOEFL several years ago. Are my scores still acceptable?
ETS stipulates that GRE scores are valid for five years, and TOEFL scores are valid for two years. GMAC stipulates that GMAT scores are valid for ten years. Neither ETS nor GMAC will not forward expired test scores to our office.

* For more information on GRE and TOEFL test sites and dates refer to www.ets.org; for GMAT refer to www.gmac.com; for IELTS refer to www.ielts.org. May I submit the LSAT?
We do not use the LSAT in our evaluation process.

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