Non-US Citizen Applicants
As a premier graduate school for the study of international relations, we know the importance of cultivating an inclusive community diverse in thought, geographic representation, and experience.
Our world-class faculty, committed alumni network, and focus on professional development provide unrivaled scholarship, experiential learning, and networking opportunities.
Each year, we welcome students from across our three global campus locations. Our holistic application review evaluates US and non-US applicants for admission and merit-based scholarships on an equal basis.
Select the campus location where you intend to begin your studies:
All applicants are required to follow the same application instructions and materials; however, non-US applicants have additional application requirements and instructions, which are described below.
Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP)
Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MIEF)
Master of International Public Policy (MIPP)
Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate + MAIR
Doctor of International Affairs (DIA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Certificate and Non-Degree Programs
Summer Programs
English Language Examination
You must submit an official English competency score if (1) English is not your native language and (2) you do not hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in a country where English is an official language and where English is the language of instruction.
Official test scores must be received for admissions consideration. For more information and instructions, please review our English language examination policy.
Student Life & Housing
The Office of Student Life at Johns Hopkins SAIS welcomes all students to the campus community and provides a variety of helpful resources to assist in the transition to graduate school. Please click here to learn more.
Johns Hopkins SAIS does not have on-campus housing. For resources on off-campus housing, please click here.
Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Master of Arts in Global Risk (MAGR)
Master of Arts in European Public Policy (MEPP)
Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)
Master of International Public Policy (MIPP)
Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate + MAIA
Diploma in International Studies (DIA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
English Language Examination
You must submit an official English competency score if (1) English is not your native language and (2) you do not hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in a country where English is an official language and where English is the language of instruction.
Official test scores must be received for admissions consideration. For more information and instructions, please review our English language examination policy.
Student Life & Housing
The Office of Student Life at Johns Hopkins SAIS welcomes all students to the campus community and provides a variety of helpful resources to assist in the transition to graduate school. Please click here to learn more.
Upon arriving in Bologna, staff can assist with helping you find housing.
All applicants are required to follow the same application instructions and materials; however, non-US applicants have additional application requirements and instructions, which are described below.
- Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate in Chinese and American Studies
- Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate + MAIR
English Language Requirements
You must submit an official English competency score if (1) English is not your native language and (2) you do not hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in a country where English is an official language and where English is the language of instruction.
Official test scores must be received for admissions consideration. For more information and instructions, please review our English language examination policy.
Transcripts and Additional Application Requirements
- Transcripts: If your transcript is in a language other than English, you are asked to provide an official translation of the entire transcript and an explanation of the grading system of the university. You are strongly encouraged to use a credential evaluation service, particularly if you are not sure of how to obtain original transcripts or face difficulties obtaining them. See the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of providers. Transcripts and translations must be received by the Johns Hopkins SAIS Office of Admissions before the relevant deadline, so please make any requests well in advance.
- STAMP Scores: All applicants to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center are required to take the STAMP Chinese Proficiency Test. Applicants have typically completed 3-4 years of college level Chinese and spent time in China. To request the STAMP test, you will need to start an application to a Hopkins-Nanjing Center program and complete the personal background and program details sections. You'll then complete the STAMP Test Request section, where you'll be able to choose from two proctoring options: in-person or virtual. Once you complete this section, you will receive an email from nanjing@jhu.edu with testing instructions and a link to pay the testing fee. After you have completed the test, you will need to notify the Hopkins-Nanjing Center Washington Office by emailing nanjing@jhu.edu. You’ll then receive your score within 2 business days.
- GRE or GMAT scores (optional): If you decide to submit scores for either the GRE or the GMAT, Johns Hopkins SAIS will only accept scores directly from the testing service. Please arrange for all standardized test scores to be sent in advance of the application deadline. The GRE code for Johns Hopkins SAIS is 5610-0000; the GMAT code is KGB-GX-99.
Financing Your Education
Visa Requirements
All students who attend the Hopkins-Nanjing Center will need to apply for a Long-Term Student (X1) Visa.
- Students will receive supplemental visa docs from the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in early-mid July which will be required for the student visa application. Students should apply for their visa at least one month, but no more than 90 days before the date of departure from their home country.
- Please make sure that your passport is valid for the entirety of your program of study in Nanjing and your passport has at least four empty visa pages. If you do not have four empty visa pages, it is recommended you apply for a new passport as soon as possible.
Student Life & Housing
The bicultural and bilingual learning community extends to all areas of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center—including the student dormitory. Students in the one-year certificate program who choose to live on campus are required to live in the student dormitory with a roommate–typically an international and Chinese student pairing. Students in the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) program may choose to live without a roommate in a single dorm room. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and western amenities. If you plan to live with a spouse or dependent, you will be responsible for arranging your own off-campus housing.