• Online Application
• Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to HKS

Application

The Harvard Kennedy School admissions process uses an online application.

Please refer to the instructions included with the online application for complete details on application requirements. In general, a completed application includes:

• a submitted online application,
• Payment of the $80 application fee,
• Essays,
• Three letters of recommendation,
• Official academic transcripts, and
• Standardized tests: GRE, GMAT, TOEFL (requirements vary; see instructions for details).

Click here to apply

Admissions documents must be postmarked by the deadline. Applications may not be reviewed if all materials have not arrived to the admissions office on time.

Decision letters are sent out in early April for MPP, MPP/UP, and MPA2. Mid-Career MPA decisions are mailed out 6-8 weeks after application completion, starting in late March.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE/GMAT
All applicants, except for those applying to the Mason Program, are required to take the GRE or GMAT examination (even if you already have an advanced degree). Scores must be officially reported to the Kennedy School admissions office by the application deadline (deadline link). Please allow 2-4 weeks for us to receive your official test scores, and make sure to allow yourself enough time to register for an exam date.

TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) is required of all applicants (both two-year and mid-career programs) whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree program was not conducted in English. The admissions committees require admissible applicants to have TOEFL scores of:
    100 or higher on the Internet-based test (IBT);
    250 or higher on the Computer-based test (CBT); or
    600 or higher on the Paper-based test (PBT).

Our school code for the GRE and TOEFL exams is 3454. The school code for GMAT is HRL-27-69. This code only applies to GMAT scores sent to the Kennedy School.
We do not have a department code.

LSAT
The LSAT will only be accepted from applicants pursuing a joint degree program with Harvard Law School. Applicants to Harvard’s joint program must send a written request to Harvard Law School to have their LSAT scores sent to the Kennedy School admissions office.

MCAT
The MCAT will only be accepted from applicants pursuing a joint degree program with Harvard Medical School. Applicants to Harvard’s joint program must send a written request to Harvard Medical school to have their MCAT scores to the Kennedy School admissions office.

Re-Application Process

1. Submit a new online application and pay the application fee.
2. Submit an updated Essay #1 (resume).
3. If you have applied within the last three years, you may re-use the following:
   • Transcripts
   • Test Scores (GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years and TOEFL scores are valid for two years.)
   • Essays
   • Recommendations