Frequently Asked Questions

BA/MIA, BA/MIA-PS and BA/MPP: April 10

MIA, MPP and MCEPA: Dec. 4 (early) and Jan. 15 (standard). After Jan. 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

MAS-IA: Oct. 30 (early) and Jan. 15 (standard). After Jan. 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Ph.D.: Dec. 1

All materials must be received or postmarked by the deadline date for which you are applying. The online application and supporting online materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the day of the deadline. Hard copy materials must be postmarked by the deadline.

Required materials can be uploaded to your application, which must be completed by the deadline to be reviewed by the admissions committee. 

Learn about BA/MIA, BA/MIA-PS, BA/MPP, MIA, MPP, MCEPA or MAS-IA application details here.

Yes. All foreign documents, such as final transcripts and letters of recommendation originally written in another language, must be translated by an official translator (e.g. academic institution, EdUSA, official translator with notary). Transcripts do not need to be converted to a U.S. grade scale, but a note describing the equivalent of high pass, middle pass, lowest passing, and failing ranges should be included in the application materials

For the MAS-IA and concurrent degree programs, we do not require nor consider GRE or GMAT scores.

For the MIA, MPP, and MCEPA, the standardized tests are optional. You may submit scores for either GRE or GMAT, but neither is mandatory.

For Joint Ph.D. program applicants the GRE is required.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required for all international applicants unless they have earned or are in the process of earning a bachelor degree or equivalent from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction according to the World Higher Education Database. You may review the campus policy here.

• The minimum TOEFL score required is a 90 (iBT).
• The minimum IELTS Academic band score is 7.0.
• The minimum PTE Academic score required is a 65.

• The minimum TOEFL score required is 85 (iBT) or 550 (PBT).
• The minimum IELTS Academic band score is 7.0.
• The minimum PTE Academic score required is 65.

Yes. Submit transcripts from all college and university-level institutions that you attended as part of your post-secondary education, whether you received degrees from these institutions or not, to complete your application. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the initial application process. Official transcripts will be required only if you are offered admission and accept that offer.

Please be sure to specify from which institution you will be receiving or have already received your bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree.

As part of the online application, you will provide your recommenders' contact information. An email with instructions will be sent to your recommenders directly so they can upload their recommendations. Alternatively, recommenders can submit their recommendations in writing, using official company or university letterhead. If submitting by mail, recommenders must sign the flap of the envelope and send the letter directly to GPS Admissions.

Letters may be submitted after the applicant has submitted their application; however, an application is considered incomplete until all letters are received.

We prefer to have at least one letter from a direct supervisor who can comment on your skills as an employee. We also request at least one of your letters comes from a professor who can comment on your academic performance and potential. The third letter can be from either of those areas. We discourage you from submitting letters of recommendation from relatives, friends, or someone who does not know you personally.

Letters must be submitted directly from the recommender online or mailed to GPS in a sealed, signed envelope. Letters sent in by applicants will not be accepted.

Yes. These letters are acceptable. Please keep in mind that we would like to see at least one letter from an employer.

The admissions committee does not interview all applicants. If an interview is needed, we will contact you directly.

You must use one of the following (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB) to submit your application. You will receive a confirmation number after your payment is cleared. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and your application fee is paid.

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents and Undocumented Applicants: $135.00
International Applicants: $155.00

More information is available through the Graduate Division.

• currently receiving need-based financial assistance from an undergraduate or graduate institution
• claiming financial hardship based on current federal tax return income data
• participating in selected federal, state and private graduate school preparation programs
• U.S. military active duty or veterans
• More information can be found here.

GPS also provides application fee waivers to:

• Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers
• PPIA alumni
• Rangel Fellows

We seek to enroll as many eligible and qualified students as space allows.
 
BA/MIA, BA/MIA-PS and BA/MPP: typically 25 – 30 students; is open only to selected majors at UC San Diego
 
MIA: typically 95 – 100 students

MPP: typically 55 – 75 students

MCEPA: typically 10 – 15 students
 
MAS-IA: typically 45 – 60 students

Ph.D.: typically 0 – 2 students

BA/MIA, BA/MIA-PS and BA/MPP: The program is open only to selected majors at UC San Diego. Many of our applicants have transferred into UC San Diego from another institution. Please meet with an International Studies Program, Department of Economics, or Political Science academic advisor to discuss requirements.

MIA, MPP, MCEPA and MAS-IA: We do not accept students as transfers into our programs. Students will complete the full curriculum in residence at GPS.

If you declined your offer of admission or were not offered admission, you may submit a new application in successive years. You will need to pay the fee and adhere to any new application requirements. Certain materials such as test scores, transcripts and letters of reference may be used again. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify test scores have not expired and that letters of recommendations are up to date. You may notify us in writing and indicate which documents, if any, you wish to reuse.