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Harvard Kennedy School Master's Degree Programs 2027-2028 Admissions

Harvard Kennedy School

Admissions to HKS master's degree programs (MPP, MPA/ID, MPA, MC/MPA) for the 2027-2028 academic year, with a single application deadline of December 1, 2026.

Award
Not stated
Who can apply
Open worldwide
Where
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Deadline
1 Dec

About the programme

Harvard Kennedy School's master's programs for the 2027-2028 academic year accept applications through one admissions deadline per program per year. Applicants apply to one master's program per cycle and must submit an online application, essays, transcripts, a résumé, three recommendation letters, English proficiency evidence where required, a video essay if English scores are required, and GRE/GMAT scores where the program requires them. Program-specific essays and prerequisites apply. The application fee is $100 USD, with waivers for certain affiliated programs.

Eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record (MPP, MPA/ID, MPA)
  • Mid-Career MPA: bachelor's degree completed by time of application and at least seven years of professional work experience by June 30 of the enrollment year
  • MPA: three years of professional work experience by September 1 of the enrollment year and at least four graduate-level courses including two quantitative
  • MPP and MPA: GRE or GMAT required unless a grade-based waiver applies (waiver deadline has passed for 2027-2028)
  • MPA/ID: GRE or GMAT required; prerequisite courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and calculus through multivariable calculus
  • Non-native English speakers without an undergraduate degree conducted in English must meet minimum TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge scores
  • Sign in to check these against your background.

What they look for

  • Strong academic and intellectual potential, professional achievement and leadership, commitment to public service, curiosity and receptiveness

Needs a third party. Three recommendation letters are required from individuals who know the applicant; they are submitted online in English by recommenders.

What you will need

  • Online application
  • JFK essay, perspectives essay and personal history essay (MPP/MPA/MC/MPA) or program-specific essays (MPA/ID)
  • Résumé
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • GRE or GMAT scores where required
  • English proficiency test scores where required
  • Video essay (for applicants required to submit English scores)
  • Application fee of $100 USD

How to apply

  1. Submit online application with all materials by December 1, 2026 at 12 p.m. (noon) ET
  2. Input three recommenders; they submit online
  3. Financial aid application deadline January 15, 2027 at 12 p.m. (noon) ET
  4. Decision notification expected mid-March 2027

Applications are submitted on Harvard Kennedy School’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.

From people who applied

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Source and verification

Official source
Harvard Kennedy School
Last checked
9 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page

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