Admissions

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM (MIDP, ITP and PFM)
All candidates must apply online.  Before applying, please review the Who Should Apply section of this website.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

We accept applications on a rolling basis. However, we prefer that applicants submit their materials by the deadlines below whenever possible. Late applications will be considered on a space available basis.

Fall (August) admission consideration deadline: January 15

Spring (January) admission consideration deadline: October 1*
*Spring application available ONLY to one-year degree applicants applying through approved sponsored program agreements.

 

A COMPLETED APPLICATION INCLUDES:

  1. Online application: The electronic online application is available at: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=sanford
  2. Transcripts:
  • Unofficial transcript(s) from each institution you have attended should be uploaded to your online application. We can review your application with the unofficial transcript(s). However official transcript(s) are required for full admission to the program. Please note that non-legible scans will not be accepted. Make sure your scanned documents are readable before uploading, as non-legible documents will result in delays.
  • Official transcript(s) with degree posted from all institutions you have attended is required for admission to our program(s). The term "transcript" may not be a familiar term to some applicants. In the U.S., a transcript includes the following information:  
    • the dates you attended the institution
    • the titles of the specific courses or subjects in which you were enrolled
    • the number of hours of instruction involved in each course or subject
    • the grade, mark or some other form of evaluation you received for each course or subject
    • any degree, diploma, or certificate awarded for completion of your studies

Note: To be considered an official transcript, the document(s) must contain the institution's stamp or some other form of certification that clearly indicates authenticity. If your institution does not make a practice of sending original transcripts, copies of the original documents that have been certified by the issuing institution may be accepted.

  • Non-English transcripts must be translated by an official translator and bearing the insignia and signature of that translator.
  • Official transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes, issued by the institution, and submitted via mail to the following address:

Master of International Development Policy Program
Attn:Admissions Coordinator
Duke Center for International Development
Box 90237
302 Towerview Road, Rubenstein Hall Room 291
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina USA 27708-0237

We strongly recommend that international applicants send transcripts by express mail (FedEx), to ensure delivery.

  1. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation: We require both an evaluation form and letter of reference from three references; that is, each of your three references must fill out the form and write a personal letter that addresses your accomplishments and potential.  Your references should upload and complete these on-line.
  2. Statement of Purpose: Write a one-page essay explaining why you are interested in the MIDP; how aspects of your professional, academic, and personal experience have shaped you; and your professional goals upon graduation from the MIDP.
  3. Policy Essay: Identify one of the most critical problems related to a developing/transitional country and describe what you would do to solve this problem. Discuss the policies that have (or have not) been implemented to address this issue, and how these policies are effective (or ineffective). What would you do if you were in the position of a policy maker? Please limit your response to one page.
  4. GRE Test Scores: Applicants are NOT required to submit GRE scores. However, if you have taken the GRE and would like to submit your scores, please request that the official GRE scores be sent to the Duke Graduate School admissions office, institutional code 5156. 
  5. English Language Proficiency Test Scores: All applicants whose first language is not English who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores (not older than two years). Minimum TOEFL scores are as follows:
    1. 550-paper based
    2. 213-computer based
    3. 83-internet based

      4. Note: A minimum overall band score of seven must be scored on the IELTS. Details on the TOEFL and IELTS exams and registration forms are available at U.S. embassies and consulates as well as U.S. Information Agency offices, or from TOEFL or IELTS. Please request that the official TOEFL scores be sent to the Duke Graduate School admissions office, institutional code 5156.  IELTS scores are NOT reported electronically, so please request hardcopy scores to be mailed to the following address:

      Master of International Development Policy Program
      Attn:Admissions Coordinator
      Duke Center for International Development
      Box 90237
      302 Towerview Road, Rubenstein Hall Room 291
      Duke University
      Durham, North Carolina USA 27708-0237

  6. Application Fee: The application fee is $80. We accept payment by Visa or Mastercard. Note: We do not review applications until the application fee has been received.

  7. Curriculum Vitae or Resume: A current curriculum vitae or resume that contains a summary of your employment history, academic credentials, professional achievements, and qualifications.

  8. Financial Support: International applicants must apply to at least two funding sources to be eligible for MIDP scholarships. Please provide a list of funding organizations to which you have applied for financial support. For each organization, please include the name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number and fax number. If your funding is confirmed, include official proof of financial support.

Note: All of the above documents, with the exception of official transcripts may be submitted electronically by uploading them to the online application.  Official transcripts should be mailed to the address above.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAUL D. COVERDELL PEACE CORPS FELLOWS

If you are a Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellowship Applicant, you must:

  • Indicate your Peace Corps service dates, country, and description of service on your resume.
  • Upload a copy of your Description of Service (DOS) within the online application. If you have not received the DOS, you should submit it no later than 14 business days after it is available.

To be eligible for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship, volunteers need to have completed their Peace Corps service satisfactorily. Satisfactory completion means:
- You have completed the full two-year tour of Peace Corps service or the full tour minus up to 90 days if you returned home on emergency leave;
- You were granted an "Early Close of Service" or an "Interrupted Service" due to circumstances beyond your control; or
- You were medically separated.

We do not offer application fee waivers for Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellowship applicants but do offer guaranteed tuition fellowships for accepted Peace Corps alumni.