What We Look for in Applicants

There is no typical Milano School student. The Graduate Program in International Affairs (GPIA) welcomes applicants of all ages from all walks of life, including working professionals in related fields, career changers, and recent college graduates. The only prerequisite to apply is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Accepted students who have completed relevant graduate-level courses at this or another college or university may be able to transfer up to nine credits to the GPIA. Accepted students with at least five years professional experience in a related field may be enrolled in the Master of Science track; all others will be enrolled in the Master of Arts track.

We want to get to know you: You are invited to set an informal, informational one-on-one session with one of our admission counselors. It is an opportunity for you to share your passions and goals and learn more about the fit of our program.

Priority Application Deadlines

All application materials must be received in the Office of Admission by the deadline date for priority consideration.

• February 15 for the following fall semester
• November 1 for the following spring semester
• Final Fall deadline is May 5

Rolling Admission is after the final deadline and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

The Office of Graduate Admission is available to you during the application process. You are encouraged to email the Admission Liaison, Sharon Greenidge, at greenids@newschool.edu with any questions during your application process.

Plan ahead to meet the application deadline. It takes time for supporting documents such as official transcripts and reference letters to reach The New School. Your application will not be reviewed until all the required documents have been received by the Office of Admission.

All applicants (except readmit, non degree, and visiting) are required to use the online application. The application fee and most supporting documents can be submitted online with the application form. The online application form includes detailed instructions. For your convenience, you can also download the instructions (PDF).

Students who wish to take courses without matriculating (nondegree/visiting) and former students seeking readmission must contact the Office of Admission for application instructions.

A complete International Affairs application includes:

• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from every college or university previously attended, including documentation of undergraduate degree completion or U.S. equivalent.
• A statement of purpose—a 1000-word explanation of your interest in and preparation for graduate study in international affairs
• A résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two academic and/or professional letters of recommendation
• A sample your academic writing (published or unpublished; a 8-12 page academic research paper or coherent excerpt from a longer paper)
• Optional: GRE/GMAT scores will be considered if provided but are not required

Any supporting documents not submitted online can be mailed to the Office of Admission accompanied by the Materials Cover Sheet.

International Applicants and Others with Foreign Credentials

See special requirements for English language proficiency and transcript evaluation.

Costs and Financial Aid

Go to Registrar for current tuition tables and Student Financial Services for estimated other costs of attendance. Speak to an admission counselor if you are concerned about costs. The New School will work with you to help you finance your graduate program. All accepted students are automatically considered for New School merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for loans and grants based on need. The New School's federal school code is 002780. You do not have to wait for an admission decision to apply for federal aid.

Veterans and active members of the U.S. armed forces may be eligible to have their tuition, fees, and other costs of attendance paid by the U.S. Veterans Administration—see Military Benefits.

Additional Application Information

Successful applicants will receive a letter of acceptance, which includes detailed information and instructions about financial aid, housing, tuition and fees, student visas (for nonresidents of the United States), and other matters.

A decision to admit is always contingent upon the student's successful completion of any current studies and the receipt of a final transcript by the Admission Committee. An official final transcript must be on record before a student begins classes.

All materials submitted in association with the application for admission become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.

Students who wish to apply to more than one graduate degree program at The New School must call the office of admission for instructions: 212.229.5150 or toll free at 800.292.3040.