Admission deadline:

Fall – February 1 (M.A. applicants: to be considered for fellowship support, applications must be submitted by January 15. )
Spring - October 1 (graduate certificate only)

Standardized test scores:

GRE general test (institutional code 5246) M.A. only

Recommendations required:

M.A. - Three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably from professors. Applicants who have been out of school for several years may send recommendations from supervisors or employers.

Graduate Certificate - Two (2) recommendations

Prior academic records:

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.  Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application.  Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.

If academic records are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided.  The English translations alone should be uploaded into the online application.  Official transcripts and certified English translations will be required of applicants who are offered admission.

Statement of purpose:

In an essay of approximately 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at the Elliott School of International Affairs. As part of your statement of purpose, describe your academic and research interests, career objectives, and how a degree from the Elliott School will enable you to achieve your goals. Please be specific.

Additional requirements:

M.A. - A resumé or curriculum vitae and four (4) semesters (or the equivalent) of an approved Asian language prior to admissions. For additional information on language requirements, please visit:  
elliott.gwu.edu/academics/grad/proficiency.cfm  

Graduate certificate - Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a graduate program at The George Washington University or another university; or
• Already possess an advanced degree at or above the master’s level; or
• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of eight years of professional work experience

International applicants only:

Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.

PLEASE NOTE that Elliott School programs require the following minimum English language test scores for admission:

• Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.5; or
• TOEFL: 600 on paper-based, or 100 on Internet-based