GRE / Test Scores
GRE or GMAT required. Score waiver possible with documented quantitative coursework. Median GRE Quant ≈ 162–165.
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT ≥ 100 (recommended), IELTS ≥ 7.0, or Cambridge English. Required if undergrad not in English.
GPA
Minimum GPA 3.0 to graduate; competitive pool ≈ 3.7+.
Tuition
USD 64,340/year tuition; USD 72,106/year total with fees (2026–27 rates).
Essay 1 — Career goals and motivation for HKS
≈ 600–800 words
Essay 2 — A policy issue you care deeply about
≈ 400–600 words
Optional Additional Background or Context Essay
3 letters required. Combination of academic and professional. Recommenders address analytical ability, leadership, and policy impact potential.
Widest brand recognition globally among policy schools. Strong government-to-academia pipeline. Boston ecosystem provides biotech/fintech adjacency.
Primary Deadline
December 2026
212 days away
Financial Aid Priority
January 2027
243 days away
Business and Government Policy
Democracy, Politics, and Institutions
International and Global Affairs
International Development
Social and Urban Policy
Jason Furman
Macroeconomics & Economic Policy (former CEA Chair)
Stephen Walt
International Relations & Grand Strategy
Kathryn Sikkink
Human Rights & International Norms
Dani Rodrik
International Political Economy