Have questions about applying to graduate school at the Sanford School of Public Policy? We have answers! Below is a collection of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the application process.

Sanford FAQs

No, admissions interviews are not required.  

The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and analytical abilities and who can write specifically about them. We encourage you to submit at least one recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can speak to your professional performance, such as a current supervisor or director. People who have known your work in past positions are also valuable recommenders. If you have recently been a student, a reference from a former professor who knows your academic work well is helpful. 

As part of the online application, applicants will provide the names and email addresses of their recommenders. Once they have entered this information into the system, recommenders will receive an email and a custom link to provide their recommendation. Recommenders must use their custom links to submit their recommendations.

For a complete list of estimated costs (including direct estimates like tuition and fees as well as indirect estimates like living costs) for each program, please visit the Graduate Tuition and Fees page. 

You can check the status of your own application through the portal linked on the application page.

Strong applications will have a clear narrative. The combination of your personal statement, your resume, your academic transcripts, and your letters of recommendation should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, academic acumen, professional experience, and a commitment to public service. A demonstrated understanding of the program you are applying to is also highly valued. 

Please be sure to also review your specific program's admissions requirements and work-experience preferences.

If your transcripts are not in English, you must submit the original transcript along with an English translation. You can purchase transcript translation and credential evaluation services through the following vendors: ECE, Scholaro, or WES.

Sanford Admissions reviews applications holistically. If your application reflects strong quantitative and qualitative academic performance, then there is likely little value added by taking the GRE. For students who do not have quantitative or qualitative coursework on their previous transcripts, the GRE could be an opportunity to demonstrate strength in those areas.

FAQs by Program

Master of Public Policy FAQs

On the MPP application, you will have the opportunity to note specific areas of policy interest. For MPP, these policy interests align with the MPP concentrations.

Applicants who receive admission to the program are permitted to change their area of policy interest during the course of the programs.

The MPP program has two quantitative prerequisites: prior to enrollment, incoming MPP students must successfully complete at least one course in microeconomics and one course in statistics at an accredited college or university, with a grade of “B” or higher. For applicants who have not completed microeconomics and statistics during their previous academic career, you may still apply to the MPP program, but you will be expected to satisfy the prerequisites prior to enrollment in August, pending an offer of admission.

For students who do not have quantitative or qualitative coursework on their previous transcripts, the optional GRE is strongly encouraged.

The MPP program offer some amount of merit-based financial aid to every admitted student who:

  1. Requests scholarship consideration in their application
  2. Is not already receiving full external tuition funding

The amount of funding that the programs offer is primarily based upon the strength of each application. Sanford is committed to providing funding support to admitted students; however, it is important to note that full tuition support is extremely competitive and rare. Please visit our Funding Your Sanford Education page for more funding information.

Please keep in mind that some named fellowships require an additional written statement to be submitted with your application. 

The MPP program offers application fee waivers to applicants who are affiliated with one or more of the following organizations, with an accompanying letter of certification:  

For need-based waiver requests, applicants are required to upload documentation demonstrating successful application to external funding. It is extremely important that applicants have a financial plan in place to fund their studies before acceptance into the program. Securing funding takes significant time; we highly recommend that this process start as early as possible and before applying to the program itself. Need-based requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

To request an application-fee waiver for your MPP application, please complete our application fee waiver form. To submit an application fee waiver form, you must have an open MPP application.

For individuals who have been working at the local, state, or federal level and find themselves in a period of transition, we are happy to continue our offer of an application fee waiver. Please upload a copy of your resume and a brief explanation for consideration. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

MPP applicants are eligible for a waiver for the language proficiency test requirement, if they qualify for one of the following exemptions: 

  • You must have studied full-time for two years or more at a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English and in a country where English is the primary spoken language. The two years of study must be completed prior to the application submission date. The program retains the right to request additional documentation from the institution to confirm that English is the sole language of instruction. 
     
  • Other - Special circumstances demonstrating consistent and exceptional English language skills. If you select "Other" in the Request for English Language Test Waiver Form linked below, please provide detailed information regarding the reasons you believe you should qualify for a language proficiency test waiver. Your explanation should include your experience that clearly demonstrates an exceptional level of English, including strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. Supporting documentation may be required to substantiate your request. 

To request an English proficiency waiver for your MPP application, please complete our Waiver Request for English Proficiency Testing form. 

Applicants denied admission have the opportunity to re-apply for future admission cycles. If you wish to re-apply to the Duke MPP program, you will need to start a new application for a future cycle; applications open in August.

Given that you did not receive an offer of admission for a previous application, applicants seeking to apply again are advised to review program requirements, prerequisites, and preferences. Admissions also recommends revising your resume, statement of purpose, and other application materials.

We are also happy to answer individualized admissions questions! Contact the MPP Program. We also recommend you explore upcoming admissions events.

Master of International Development Policy FAQs

On the MIDP application, you will have the opportunity to note specific areas of policy interest. For MIDP, these policy interests align with the MIDP policy areas of focus.

Applicants who receive admission to the program are permitted to change their area of policy interest during the course of the program. Areas of focus are designed to help guide students with selecting their courses; however, MIDP is designed as a mid-career program, allowing flexibility for students to select courses that best align with their career goals. 

The MIDP program offers some amount of merit-based financial aid to every admitted student who:

  1. Requests scholarship consideration in their application
  2. Is not already receiving full external tuition funding

The amount of funding that the programs offer is primarily based on the strength of each application. Sanford is committed to providing funding support to admitted students; however, it is important to note that full tuition support is extremely competitive and rare. Please visit our Funding Your Sanford Education page for more funding information.

Please keep in mind that some named fellowships require an additional written statement to be submitted with your application. 

The MIDP program offers application fee waivers to applicants who are affiliated with one or more of the following organizations, with an accompanying letter of certification:  

For need-based waiver requests, applicants are required to upload documentation demonstrating successful application to external funding. It is extremely important that applicants have a financial plan in place to fund their studies before acceptance into the program. Securing funding takes significant time; we highly recommend that this process start as early as possible and before applying to the program itself. Need-based requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

To request an application-fee waiver for your MIDP application, please complete our application fee waiver form. To submit an application fee waiver form, you must have an open application.

For individuals who have been working at the local, state, or federal level and find themselves in a period of transition, we are happy to continue our offer of an application fee waiver. Please upload a copy of your resume and a brief explanation for consideration. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

MIDP applicants are eligible for a waiver for the language proficiency test requirement, if they qualify for one of the following exemptions: 

  • You must have studied full-time for two years or more at a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English and in a country where English is the primary spoken language. The two years of study must be completed prior to the application submission date. The program retains the right to request additional documentation from the institution to confirm that English is the sole language of instruction. 
     
  • Other - Special circumstances demonstrating consistent and exceptional English language skills. If you select "Other" in the Request for English Language Test Waiver Form linked below, please provide detailed information regarding the reasons you believe you should qualify for a language proficiency test waiver. Your explanation should include your experience that clearly demonstrates an exceptional level of English, including strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. Supporting documentation may be required to substantiate your request. 

To request an English proficiency waiver for your MIDP application, please complete our Waiver Request for English Proficiency Testing form. 

Applicants denied admission have the opportunity to re-apply for future admission cycles. If you wish to re-apply to the Duke MIDP program, you will need to start a new application for a future cycle; applications open in August.

Given that you did not receive an offer of admission for a previous application, applicants seeking to apply again are advised to review program requirements, prerequisites, and preferences. Admissions also recommends revising your resume, statement of purpose, and other application materials.

We are also happy to answer individualized admissions questions! Contact the MIDP Program. We also recommend you explore upcoming MIDP admisions events.

Master of National Security Policy FAQs

This degree is offered at a competitive price point and allows you to complete a graduate degree from Duke with one year tuition.  Information for internal aid is forthcoming. You may apply for federal financial aid, and we also recommend researching ways your employer or perhaps military office can assist in your going back to school.  You will also have access to Duke’s Office which assists with the GI Bill funding. There is some assistance available for a small group of students in need. 

Duke is ranked as one of the premier academic institutions in America, and with this program you have the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree at the cost of one year’s tuition.  The Sanford School of Public Policy represents one of the most connected, and progressive, schools of public policy in America and its location in North Carolina and proximity to Washington D.C. serves as the center of the national security field. This program offers the opportunity to work with world-class faculty and staff, and to be a part of a small cohort where you will get a lot of individual attention. 

The curriculum was specifically created for this program, all courses at an advanced pace, for working professionals and also allows for numerous opportunities for you to connect classwork with real-world problems.  

The MNSP program does not sponsor student visas due to its hybrid/online format. In-person attendance is required during immersions in Durham, NC.

If you require a visa to study in the United States, we recommend that you explore Sanford's residential master's degrees, including the mid-career Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) and the early-career Master of Public Policy (MPP). 

Master of Public Affairs Admissions FAQs

Yes. We offer need-based tuition assistance and will work with every student to identify additional financial aid or scholarship opportunities from external partners. Read more about MPA financial aid.

Full- and part-time students pay the same tuition, but part-time students pay marginally higher fees since they remain a student for longer. Full-time students who find the program too demanding may switch to the part-time program without penalty.

The MPA program does not sponsor student visas due to its hybrid/online format. In-person attendance is required during immersions.

If you require a visa to study in the United States, we recommend that you explore Sanford's residential master's degrees, including the mid-career Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) and the early-career Master of Public Policy (MPP).