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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 Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence (MASCI)
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.

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 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.

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.
  • Chinese Proficiency Results: To apply for any HNC program, you must provide Chinese reading and listening proficiency test results from one of the following language assessments: STAMP, HSK, ACTFL, CEFR, or ILR. Test results must be from within the last 12 months, and available for review before the application deadline. If you have not yet taken any of these tests, you can request to take the STAMP test via the online application. 
  • 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

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center offers substantial financial aid including fellowships based on a combination of merit and need. 100% of students who apply for financial aid by the application deadline will receive a scholarship. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center also has a limited number of full tuition scholarships available, including an International Student Scholarship awarded to a non-US or dual citizen. For more information, see the full list of Hopkins-Nanjing Center scholarships.

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 Hopkins-Nanjing Center is a supportive community with a student body of about 150 Chinese and international students, resident international faculty and staff and their families, and more than 80 Chinese faculty and staff members. Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities involving all members of the community enhance students’ learning experience. Students organize and participate in a variety of activities outside the classroom ranging from public speaking to volunteer service.

The bicultural and bilingual learning community extends to all areas of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center—including the student dormitory for students who choose to live on campus. Students in the one-year certificate program living on campus are required to reside 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.