Applying to graduate school is an exciting process, but it can be time intensive. Stay informed of all the necessary steps you’ll need to take, to submit a competitive—and complete—application to Harvard Kennedy School.

The application deadline for fall 2018 admission to all of our master’s programs is Monday, December 4, 2017 at 5 p.m. EST. Our online application will be available on this page in early September. We do not offer spring admission.

Your complete application to one of our master’s programs will include the following:

  • Online application
  • $100 application fee
  • Essays, which vary by program (see previous essay topics)
  • Additional analytic resume/statement, which vary by program
  • Three strong letters of recommendation from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who know you well and can tell us about your qualifications for our programs
  • Academic transcripts that include your institution's name, course names, grades you received and proof of your degree (if received)
  • Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and/or IELTS)

Each year, we receive more applications from qualified candidates than we’re able to admit, but we review and consider all applications submitted to us before admitting the strongest applicants. You cannot assume you’ll be admitted to HKS even if you meet our admissions criteria.

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Apply again to HKS

If you applied to one of our master’s programs in the past, we hope you'll consider reapplying. You can only apply up to three times. To do so, you’ll need to submit: a new online application, the $100 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 must be less than five years old as of the application deadline; 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)