• Online Application
• Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to HKS

Application

The application for admission in fall 2014 will be available in September 2013.

Please note that PhD applications for Health Policy, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy and Social Policy are submitted through the Harvard GSAS application.

• a submitted online application,
• payment of the $100 application fee,
• essays (logon to the application to view essay topics),
• three letters of recommendation,
• official academic transcripts, and
• standardized tests: GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS (requirements vary; see online application instructions for details).
  

Standardized Test Scores

GRE/GMAT

All applicants to the following programs are required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), even if an advanced degree has been earned.  GRE or GMAT scores must be less than five years old as of the admission application deadline. 

• Master in Public Policy (MPP)
• Master in Public Administation/International Development (MPA/ID)
• Master in Public Administration (MPA2)
• Mid-Career Master in Public Administration

Applicants need to self-report test scores on the online application for admission. If admitted, applicants will be required to have official test scores sent directly from the testing service to HKS. Be sure to allow at least 10 business days to register, sit for the exam, and obtain your official scores prior to the admissions deadline.

GRE/GMAT Exceptions

A few exceptions to our GRE/GMAT policy do exist. 

• Applicants to the Mid-Career Edward S. Mason Program are NOT required to submit either a GRE or GMAT score.
• Applicants applying for the Wexner Fellowship are NOT required to submit either a GRE or GMAT score.

Notes on LSAT and MCAT Scores

• LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) scores will be accepted ONLY from applicants applying to Harvard's JD/MPP program. Applicants must contact the Harvard Law School and ask that LSAT scores be sent to the HKS Admissions Office. Applicants applying to law schools other than Harvard must take the GRE or GMAT exam.
• MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) scores will be accepted ONLY from applicants applying to Harvard's MD/MPP program. Applicants must contact the Harvard Medical School and ask that MCAT scores be sent to the HKS Admissions Office. Applicants applying to medical schools other than Harvard must take the GRE or GMAT exam.

TOEFL or IELTS Academic Training

The Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all applicants (both two-year and MC/MPA programs) unless:

1) Your native language is English

OR

2) Your entire undergraduate degree was conducted entirely in English

TOEFL or IELTS Academic Training scores submitted must be less than two years old as of the admission application deadline.  The Admissions Committees require applicants to have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score of:

100 on the Internet-Based TOEFL Test (IBT);
250 on the Computer-Based TOEFL Test (CBT); or
600 on the Paper-Based TOEFL Test (PBT).
7 overall band score on the IELTS

School codes:

GRE and TOEFL - 3454.

GMAT - HRL-27-69.

There is no department code.

The IELTS does not have a code, simply list Harvard Kennedy School when taking the test.

Reapplication Process

If you have previously applied to HKS and would like to reapply for this upcoming academic year,

1. Submit a new online application and pay the application fee.
2. Submit new essays.
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;
  TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years)
• recommendations (it is advisable that you select at least one new recommender to submit on your behalf).

Admissions Process Flow Chart

Please click here for a flow chart meant to assist applicants with understanding the processing of application information.