How to Apply

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• Evidence of quantitative proficiency, regardless of your undergraduate major. This includes success in undergraduate-level economics, statistics, or calculus courses. 
• Work experience is preferred but not required. Incoming MPP students typically have 2-3 years of professional work experience.

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. This includes strong grades in economics and mathematics courses.
• At least one university-level course in each of the following*:
  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Calculus through multivariable calculus (usually part of a three-course college sequence)
• Work experience is not required but is preferred. Most students admitted to the MPA/ID Program have two or more years of development-related work. 

*Applicants may satisfy some of these prerequisites after submitting their application. Requirements must be complete before the program starts. Statistics and linear algebra courses are desirable but not required.

• A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• Three years of professional work experience by September 1 of the year you would enroll in the program
• At least four graduate-level courses similar to those in the MPP core curriculum. Two of these courses must be quantitative in nature. Qualifying graduate-level courses may include*:
  • Economics
  • Financial management
  • International business
  • International development
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Physical science involving math (chemistry of physics, for example)
  • Politics and advocacy
  • Quantitative analysis and statistics
• If you already have a graduate degree, those that typically qualify for MPA consideration include: 
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of International Business
  • Master of International Development
  • Master of International Economics
  • Master of Science in Engineering

* Courses cannot have counted towards your undergraduate degree.

• A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• At least seven years of professional work experience by June 30 of the year you plan to enroll in the program

Public Leadership Credential (PLC) Pathway Applicants

Applicants to the MC/MPA Program through the PLC Pathway must earn the Public Leadership Credential—which includes successful completion of all six courses plus the final capstone assessment—before submitting an application for admission. PLC Pathway applicants must also apply to and enroll in the MC/MPA Program during the admission cycle that immediately follows the PLC capstone experience.

MC/MPA Mason Program Applicants

Applicants to the MC/MPA Edward S. Mason Program typically hold primary citizenship from one of these countries, territories, non-self-governing states, cities, or areas. We recognize, however, some applicants who have spent the majority of their academic and/or professional lives in countries with industrialized economies do not feel the MC/MPA Edward S. Mason Program fits their individual background. Therefore, applicants who are eligible to apply as an MC/MPA Mason Fellow may choose to opt-out of consideration for its co-curricular programming.

• Use code 3454 when registering for the GRE. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” Harvard Kennedy School does not have a department code.
• Our GMAT code is HRL-27-69.

All of our master’s degree programs require that you submit at least four essays, which vary by program.

MPP Program

• JFK Essay: The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. (500 word limit)  
• MPP Essay: The MPP curriculum is designed to broaden students’ perspective and sharpen skills necessary for a successful career in public service through a rigorous set of courses that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. Please describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would help you achieve your career goals. (500 word limit)
• Personal History Essay: Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
• Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
• Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)  

MPA/ID Program

• International Development Essay: Discuss your decision to choose international development as your professional career. Also, explain how developing your analytic skills relates to your career in development. (750 word limit)
• Leadership Experience Essay: Describe an event or experience in which you exercised a significant decision-making, management, or leadership role. (750 word limit)
• Public Policy Essay: Describe a public policy or public management problem related to international development and analyze a range of solutions. (750 word limit)
• Personal History Essay: Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)

MPA Program

• JFK Essay:  The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. (500 word limit)
• Two-Year MPA Essay: There are many pathways one can pursue in order to make a difference in the world. Why is the MPA Program at HKS an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals? (500 word limit)
• Personal History Essay: Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
• Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
• Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)  

MC/MPA Program

• Career Goals Essay: Submit a statement that discusses your career goals, as well as the factors that led you to select the Mid-Career MPA program as a means of furthering your personal and professional goals. Be as specific as possible in describing how your expected course of study will enable you to build on your prior professional experience and achieve those goals. (500 word limit)  
• Professional Contribution Essay: The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee how you have created positive change thus far in your most substantial professional leadership and/or public service role. (500 word limit)
• Personal History Essay: Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
• Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
• Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)  

Joint and Concurrent Degree Applicants

In addition to the program-specific essays, applicants to joint or concurrent degree programs must also respond to the following essay prompt: Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership across the United States and around the world, so people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. How will a joint/concurrent degree enhance your pursuit of this mission? (400 word limit)

Optional Statement

If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, you may submit an explanation. (250 word limit)

A résumé is required of all applicants. This document should highlight:

• Employment history, including titles and dates (months and years) for each position, job responsibilities, reason for any gaps in employment history
• Academic degrees, achievements, and honors
• Volunteer, public service, and political work
• Recent leadership experiences
• Extracurricular activities (months and years) and interests

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who know you and are familiar with your work. Additional letters will not be accepted. 

You will input the names and email addresses of your recommenders in your online application. They will each receive an email with instructions on how to submit their recommendation. Your recommenders will also be asked to fill out a form that rates you in a number of areas, including intellectual ability, leadership, and problem-solving orientation. Recommendations must be submitted online and written in English. 

We require submission of transcripts for all colleges and universities you have attended and earned academic credit. This includes institutions where you may have taken courses but did not receive a degree. 

Applicants have two options for submitting academic transcripts:

• You may scan and upload unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to your application for admission. (Recommended)
• You may request that your college or university send official transcripts directly to our office.

Please see “Official Documents” below for more information. 

Your transcripts must include the following:

• All courses attended and grades received
• Proof of degree conferral
• Date of degree conferral
• Grading policy and scale

If you are currently enrolled in classes or a degree-granting program, we need proof of enrollment that includes a list of your current classes, even if grades are not yet available.

If you transferred universities or studies abroad, you will only need to submit separate transcripts for study abroad programs and transfer classes if your home institution did not report your grades, courses, and dates of attendance.

Do not provide transcripts for professional training, executive education, language programs, secondary schools, Gymnasiums, lycées, or certificate programs that did not earn you college or university credit. Do not list these institutions or programs in your application.

If you participated in the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program, you must submit a copy of your program evaluation in the “Education” section of your application.

Non-English Transcripts

Transcripts and diplomas in languages other than English must be translated by your issuing institution or a certified translation service. We must receive the original and translated versions. We accept transcripts through any NACES evaluation agency. We do not have a preferred translation service, but often recommend World Education Services and SpanTran. You are not required to submit a credential evaluation, but we strongly encourage you to do so if your transcript is in a language other than English.

Official Documents

Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit proof of English language proficiency. 

If you earned an undergraduate degree conducted entirely in English, you do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency, regardless of your native language. We may ask you to submit proof from your university that your entire undergraduate degree was conducted in English. If you transferred from a non-English speaking undergraduate institution to an English-speaking undergraduate institution, you must submit test scores. An advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate from a U.S. institution or an institution where English is the language of instruction does not fulfill the English proficiency testing requirement.

Accepted Tests

We accept the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic test only), or Cambridge English exam. We do not accept MyBest^TM TOEFL, TOEFL Institutional Testing Program, IELTS General Training, or IELTS Indicator scores. You may be asked to submit additional information to demonstrate your English language proficiency before being offered admission.

Required Scores

The following minimum test scores must be met in a single test sitting:

• 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) either in-person or on the Home Edition. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 25 on each sub-section.
• 7 overall band score on the IELTS. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 7 on each section.
• 185 on Level C1 or Level C2 proficiency on the Cambridge English. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 185 on each section.

Test Information and Logistics

You may self-report your test scores for the purposes of submitting your application; however, official, valid scores on all required standardized tests must be received by the application deadline. We strongly recommend that you take all required exams no later than one month prior to the application deadline to account for any processing delays. If official scores are not received by the application deadline, your application will be marked as incomplete, your file will be closed, and your application fee will not be refunded. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years as of the application deadline. 

• Use code 3454 when registering for the TOEFL. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” If prompted for a department code when registering for the TOEFL, our preferred code is 99.
• There is no code for the IELTS; list “Harvard Kennedy School” when taking the test.

Previous Applicants

If you applied to one of our master’s programs in the past, you are welcome to reapply for admission. You may apply to a single HKS degree program up to three times.  To reapply, you will need to submit a new online application, the $100 USD application fee, and new essays.

If you applied within the last three years, you may reuse the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Official test scores (GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years; TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years)
• Letters of recommendation (we advise you to replace or update at least one letter of recommendation)

Harvard Kennedy School Alumni

If you previously earned a degree from HKS, you may apply to another program, provided the second degree you would earn differs from your first degree. For example, you could apply to the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) Program after earning a Master in Public Policy (MPP) or Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID), but you would not be eligible to apply to the MC/MPA Program after earning a Master in Public Administration (MPA).

You will need to submit a new online application, application fee, essays, and all other required supporting documentation. We advise you to explain in your application why returning to HKS will advance your academic and/or professional goals. Applicants who have previously earned an HKS degree will not be eligible for institutional financial assistance.

We recognize that extreme, extenuating circumstances may impact an applicant's ability to complete an application and/or submit required documents by the application deadline. Examples of such circumstances may include the direct impact of war, prolonged natural disasters, or other extreme and life-altering events. Candidates who wish to request an exception must do so in writing prior to the application deadline. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and a decision will be given to the applicant as quickly as possible.

During the application process, you and others, such as recommenders, may provide Harvard Kennedy School with certain kinds of personal data about you that some laws regard as sensitive and deserving of special protection (“Sensitive Personal Data”).  For example, in Europe, Sensitive Personal Data can include personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership; genetic or biometric data; data concerning health; data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation; and personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences. You can find further information about how Harvard Kennedy School uses personal data of individuals in Europe in the admissions process here.

By submitting an application, you consent to Harvard’s processing Sensitive Personal Data about you in order to evaluate your application for admission and your eligibility for financial aid, if applicable.  Sensitive Personal Data about you also may be processed for other purposes permitted by applicable law.