Graduate Admissions

Students may submit applications on the Georgia Tech Graduate Admissions website or visit the application instructions page for more detailed information.

Many students can also qualify for an application fee waiver.

  • For all graduate programs, we begin sending out responses around Feb. 1.  
  • We admit around 25 total master’s students and three doctoral students each year.
  • The average GPA for admitted students is 3.5.
  • Cohorts for all programs begin in the Fall semester only. 
  • A master's is not required to apply for the Ph.D. program and can be earned along the way.
     

Master's ProgramsPh.D.Apply!
 

Deadlines

  • Master's programs — Apply by Jan. 15 for priority admissions and to be considered for assistantships and fellowships. International students also must apply by Jan. 15. Applications received after Jan. 15 will be considered on a rolling and space-available admissions basis through Apr. 1.
     

  • Ph.D. — Apply by Jan. 15. International students are encouraged to apply one month early.
     

Application Requirements

To apply to the master’s or Ph.D. programs in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, all applicants must submit:

  • The online Graduate Education application
  • Transcripts for all universities attended
  • Lawful presence documentation
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • International applicants only: TOEFL or IELTS scores
  • Ph.D. applicants only: 20 to 30-page solo authored writing sample demonstrating research and writing ability on an advanced level.

Transcripts

We accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application. If accepted, you will need to submit official transcripts directly from your school. Screenshots of grades and courses are not accepted.

Letters of recommendation

At least two of your letters should come from faculty who are familiar with your academic performance.

TOEFL or IELTS scores

International students who have completed one or more academic years at a college or university in the United States do not need to submit this. The minimum required TOEFL scores are 577 on the paper-based test or 100 on the internet test, with each section scoring a 19 or higher. The minimum requirement for the IELTS is a 7.5 overall and a 7 in each section. To submit TOEFL scores, use institute code 5248 and department code 88.

GRE Test Scores

The GRE is optional for Ph.D. and master’s students but international M.S. applicants are strongly encouraged to include it. To submit GRE scores use institute code 5248 and department code 1901. Scores more than five years old will not be accepted.
 

Tuition and Financial Support 

Georgia Tech is ranked the No. 1 Best Value Public College by the Princeton Review and is the No. 1 public university for return on investment 15, 20, and 30 years after graduation. 

The Nunn School prioritizes funding for all full-time Ph.D. students. There are also funding opportunities for master’s students via the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Education.

For an up-to-date list of fees and tuition, please visit the Office of the Bursar. Fee rates are found near the top of the page under Graduate Rates — Atlanta Campus, Master's and Ph.D. candidates. The program does not charge differential tuition and is therefore not listed separately.

International students should refer to the Office of International Education for the estimated cost of attendance that must be demonstrated to be eligible for an I-20 or DS-2019 immigration form.

Additional financial support and resources include:

Master's ProgramsPh.D.Apply!