Admissions

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM (MIDP & ITP)
MIDP and ITP candidates must apply online. Applications are processed through Duke’s Graduate School. MIDP and ITP applicants are not required to submit GRE scores. Before applying, please review the Who Should Apply section of this website.

A complete application includes:

  1. Electronic application, available at: http://www.gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/index.html
  2. An official undergraduate transcript with degree posted. The term “transcript” may not be a familiar term to some applicants. In the U.S., a transcript includes the following information:
    1. the dates you attended the institution
    2. the titles of the specific courses or subjects in which you were enrolled
    3. the number of hours of instruction involved in each course or subject
    4. the grade, mark or some other form of evaluation you received for each course or subject
    5. any degree, diploma, or certificate awarded for completion of your studies
  3. 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.
  4. Transcripts from additional colleges and universities attended must also be submitted. These transcripts must also be official as per the criteria stated above.
  5. Non-English transcripts must be translated by an official translator and bearing the insignia and signature of that translator.
  6. Three letters of recommendation
  7. Statement of Purpose: Write a one-page essay explaining your purpose for study in the MIDP.
  8. 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.
  9. All applicants whose first language is not English 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
  10. 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 or IELTS scores be sent to the Duke Graduate School admissions office, institutional code 5156.
  11. Application Fee: $75
  12. A current curriculum vitae or resume
  13. List of funding organizations to which you have applied for financial support. For each, please include the name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number and fax number. Applicants must apply to at least two funding sources to be eligible for MIDP scholarships.
  14. If your funding is confirmed, include official proof of financial support.
  15. State how you learned about the program (advertisement, internet search, website, colleague, direct mail, brochure, etc. Please be as specific as possible.)

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 admission consideration deadline: December 31
Spring admission consideration deadline: October 1*
*Spring application available ONLY to one-year degree applicants applying through approved sponsored program agreements

ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
We recognize the many challenges incoming international students face upon their arrival, and we make every effort to help them settle in and adjust to their new community. To assist with this transition, an orientation to the academic program, Duke and Durham takes place when fellows arrive on campus to start the academic year.

CAMPUS SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
Duke University also provides a wealth of services activities to its students, and we encourage all fellows to take advantage of these opportunities on campus and in the community. In some cases, these university-wide offices provide services which cannot be provided by MIDP faculty and staff. Please see the links on the Student Resources page for more specific information. 

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