Admissions

Applicants should refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions opens in a new tab website for information about graduate admission and the application process. Applications for Autumn Quarter 2027 enrollment, including all required supporting materials, must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on January 7, 2027.

Applicants seeking admission to both the Master of Arts in International Policy (MIP) program opens in a new tab and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program opens in a new tab must submit separate applications to each program. For applicants to KHS, the application deadlines are:

• Knight-Hennessy Scholars: 1:00 p.m. PDT on October 6, 2026

• MIP: 11:59 p.m. PST on December 1, 2026

The December 1 MIP application deadline applies only to applicants seeking consideration for Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

Prerequisite Coursework

The MIP program includes a quantitatively rigorous core curriculum. Prior to enrollment, students must complete university-level introductory coursework in both microeconomics and macroeconomics through an accredited institution or an approved online course. Familiarity with calculus and introductory statistics is also recommended to prepare for the Research Methods sequence.

Detailed prerequisite course content is available in the Frequently Asked Questions opens in a new tab on the MIP website. All prerequisite coursework must be completed before classes begin in late September but does not need to be completed before submitting an application.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials through Stanford's web-based application:

• Statement of purpose describing relevant personal and professional background, academic interests, and career aspirations (approximately 1,000 words, single-spaced)

• Transcripts from all institutions attended for one academic year or longer

• Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references who can evaluate the applicant's academic ability, professional accomplishments, and preparedness for graduate study

• Academic writing sample in English (7–15 double-spaced pages; may be an excerpt from a longer paper)

• Quantitative experience and AI skills summary (1 page, table or bullet-point format preferred)

• Résumé or curriculum vitae

GRE scores are neither required nor considered in the admissions process.

For the purposes of application review, Stanford accepts self-submitted transcripts. Applicants should upload a scanned copy of an official transcript whenever possible. Applicants who accept an offer of admission must submit final official transcripts and degree conferral documents before enrollment. Refer to Graduate Admissions opens in a new tab for additional information.

English Proficiency

Applicants are not required to submit English proficiency test opens in a new tab scores if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• They are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• Their first language is English.

• They earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction.

• They have completed at least two consecutive years of professional or educational experience conducted in English within the past 10 years.

Applicants who do not meet one of these criteria must submit official scores from either the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score is 100, with a minimum score of 25 in each section. The minimum IELTS score is 7. Competitive applicants typically present stronger scores.

The ETS institutional code for Stanford University is 4704.

Minimum Education Requirements

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrolling at Stanford, a U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing. Applicants who earned their qualifying degree outside the United States should consult Stanford's degree equivalency tool opens in a new tab to determine eligibility.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the Admissions section opens in a new tab and Frequently Asked Questions opens in a new tab on the MIP website before submitting an application.

Coterminal Master's Program

Stanford undergraduates may apply for admission to the coterminal Master of Arts in International Policy program after earning a minimum of 120 units toward the bachelor's degree, including Advanced Placement and transfer credit, and no later than the quarter preceding the expected completion of the undergraduate degree.

The MIP program admits coterminal students for Autumn Quarter only. Applications, including all required supporting materials, must be submitted by the annual application deadline published on the MIP website. For Autumn Quarter 2027, the application deadline is January 7, 2027 (by 11:59 pm PST). 

Students must submit the Coterminal Online Application opens in a new tab and apply during the same application cycle as external applicants. Please note that application to the MIP program is a competitive process.

Applicants must submit the following materials through Stanford's online application:

• Statement of purpose describing relevant personal and professional background, academic interests, and career aspirations (approximately 1,000 words, single-spaced)

• Stanford transcript

• Two letters of recommendation from Stanford faculty or other university instructors

• Academic writing sample in English (7–15 double-spaced pages; may be an excerpt from a longer paper)

• Quantitative experience and AI skills summary (1 page, table or bullet-point format preferred)

• Résumé or curriculum vitae

For university policies governing coterminal degree programs, see Coterminal Master’s Degrees.

Current Stanford students may be eligible to apply for admission to the Master of Arts in International Policy as part of a dual degree program, subject to the policies and eligibility requirements of the participating programs.

Admission to the MIP program is competitive and requires submission of the appropriate application and supporting materials by the published annual application deadline. Students must satisfy the admission requirements of the MIP program in addition to any requirements established by the companion program. Admission decisions are made independently by each program.

Current Stanford students are encouraged to consult with the appropriate program advisors early in their academic careers to determine eligibility, develop an appropriate course of study, and understand the application process and degree requirements. Applicants should refer to the MIP website for current application procedures and deadlines.

The MIP program highlights two dual degrees that are routinely pursued. See further information on academic policies for these dual degree programs below:

Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts in International Policy (MBA/MA)

Students may pursue a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the Stanford Graduate School of Business opens in a new tab (GSB) and Master of Arts in International Policy (MA). The program is designed for students interested in careers at the intersection of business, government, and international affairs.

Prospective students may apply concurrently to the GSB and the MIP program. Separate applications must be submitted to each program, and applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of both schools. Admission decisions are made independently by each program.

Current MBA students typically apply to the dual degree no later than the end of their first year of study. MBA students beyond the first year should consult with the MIP Assistant Director for Academic and Student Affairs regarding eligibility and application procedures. Information about the dual degree and application procedures is available on the MIP website opens in a new tab. 

Current MIP students may apply to the GSB according to the admissions deadlines and procedures established by the GSB.

Master of Science in Environment and Resources and Master of Arts in International Policy (MS/MA)

Students may pursue a dual Master of Science in Environment and Resources (MS) through the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER) opens in a new tab and Master of Arts in International Policy (MA). The dual degree enables students to combine professional training in international policy with interdisciplinary study of environmental science, technology, engineering, and sustainability.

Through coursework and research across Stanford, including opportunities within the Doerr School of Sustainability, students develop expertise in both public policy and the technical dimensions of environmental challenges. In accordance with university policy governing dual degrees, there is no reduction in the unit requirements for either degree.

Students interested in the dual degree opens in a new tab must obtain approval from both MIP and E-IPER to ensure their proposed course of study satisfies the requirements of each program. MIP students are encouraged to consult with the MIP Assistant Director for Academic and Student Affairs and the E-IPER/SDSS Student Services Officer before applying.

First-year MIP students should apply during Winter Quarter according to the application deadline established annually by E-IPER. In exceptional circumstances, second-year MIP students may also apply. These applicants must demonstrate preparation for the MS degree by completing, or being enrolled in, at least nine units of E-IPER-related coursework at the time of application. Completion of this minimum coursework does not guarantee admission.

Application information is available on the E-IPER website opens in a new tab.