How to Apply

MSFS encourages students with strong academic records, international experience, and a commitment to our values to apply for our program. You can submit your application online via a secure system managed by Georgetown University.

Have questions about the program? Find out more about MSFS on our About and Admissions FAQs pages. You can connect with MSFS through email, campus visits, recruitment events, and online video chats. We look forward to hearing from you!

The MSFS application deadline is January 15 for priority and scholarship consideration and April 1 for admission only. Between January 16 and April 1, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full. Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 1 will have the application fee waived.

Start your application to the MSFS program.

Application Submission

We accept applications through a secure, electronic submission process. We do not accept paper applications. Through our system, you have convenient access to an electronic checklist showing you which application items we have received. The checklist serves as confirmation when all of your materials have been submitted. All application components, including supplementary materials, must be submitted by the application deadline.

Note: Application materials submitted via email to your online application, such as standardized test scores and transcript translations, may be delayed in appearing on your checklist. Please allow up to two weeks after submission for your supplementary items to be reflected on your application checklist. These items should be submitted two weeks prior to the application deadline for your application to be complete. 

Application Materials

The MSFS application consists of the following materials:

Required materials

  • Statement of Purpose
    The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your writing ability and to provide information that is not included in other application documents. It should be 500-700 words.
  • Academic Transcripts
    Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the transcript requirements for additional details and FAQs
  • Letters of Recommendation
    We require at least two letters of recommendation, although providing three is recommended. Recommendations must be in English. All letters must be received by the application deadline.
  • Resume/CV
    Resumes may be longer than one page and should reflect professional, volunteer, and/or internship experience.
  • Standardized Tests
    Applicants whose native language or primary education language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Non-refundable $90 Application Fee
    Your application fee can be paid online by credit card. We accept Visa and MasterCard only. We do not accept cash, wire transfers, bank transfers, or checks. Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 1 will have the application fee waived.

Recommended (Optional) Materials

  • Standardized Tests
    Applicants can submit their GRE, GMAT, or – for students applying for the dual MSFS/JD program – LSAT scores as part of their application. These are not required to apply and will not put the applicant at a disadvantage.
  • Personal Video Submission
    Applicants can upload a short video reflecting their response to a particular topic given in the online application.
  • Statement (Diversity, Personal Background, and Contributions)
    Applicants can upload a brief statement of approximately 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background would make to our community.

Application Fee Waivers

We may grant application fee waivers to applicants applying for the January 15 deadline who meet the following criteria:

  • Americorps Alumni- Proof of successful completion of the term of service; if still in service, service must end before semester start date of MSFS.
  • Congressional Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Alumni- Proof of successful completion of CBYX.
  • EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Grantees- A letter verifying receipt of the EducationUSA Opportunity Fund.
  • Foreign Fulbright Scholars- A letter verifying receipt of the Fulbright award, and must be non US-citizen
  • Gilman Scholar- Award Letter
  • Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)-Letter from registrar or transcript
  • International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Alumni- Proof of successful completion of IPS.
  • Jesuit Volunteer Corps- Proof of successful completion of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps
  • McNair Scholars- Award letter
  • Members of the Military-Enlistment document or veteran ID card
  • Payne Finalists and Fellows-Award letter
  • Peace Corps- Proof of status with the Peace Corps; if still in service, service must end before semester start date of MSFS
  • Pickering Finalists and Fellows- Award/notification letter
  • PPIA Fellows- Proof of participation of Junior Summer Institute or PPIA weekend.
  • Rangel Finalists, Fellows and Scholars-Award/notification letter
  • Sub-Saharan Africa- Passport- proof of current residence in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Teach For All (including Teach For America)- A letter verifying his or her satisfactory participation in a Teach For All partner organization.
  • Truman Scholars- A letter verifying receipt of the Truman award.

You can request a fee waiver by emailing msfsinfo@georgetown.edu. Requests must be made at least a week before you plan to submit your application. No requests will be accepted after January 10. In your email, include documentation that demonstrates that you match one of the above criteria.
We are only able to grant fee waivers for the above categories.