Admission

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are available now!
Submit by February 1, 2025 to be considered for 2025-2026.

Apply Now

Students must select a degree track when completing the Bard College application. Applicants to the NYC track will only be considered for the fully US-based MA in Global Studies Program. Applicants to the to the Dual-MA program (CEU Track) have the option to also be considered for the NYC track, pending admission and aid capacity.

*Applicants to the Dual-MA program with CEU must submit an additional application to Central European University's International Relations Department ("New York City track" of their 1-year MA in International Relations) to be considered for admission to this program. See their website for full admission details.

Application Requirements

CEU Track Application Requirements

A one page, US-style cover letter outlining your interest in graduate studies at Bard College, indicating specifically how you believe the MA in Global Studies program is right for you based on your academic and professional experiences and ambitions.
A resume/curriculum vitae outlining your education, work or internship experience (if any), and any other experiences or skills relevant to graduate study in global affairs.
A 500-word essay drawing on academic literature that elaborates on a research question on a global issue you would wish to pursue during your studies.
Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources. At least one of the recommenders should be someone who can speak to your academic, intellectual, and research qualifications. Please note: the MA in Global Studies accepts letters of recommendation through the online application system. When prompted, enter the recommender’s name and email address. The recommender will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to submit their recommendation online. The status of recommendation letters can be viewed by logging back into the application system. Please keep in mind, you should contact your recommenders and get permission for this request prior to sending them the automatic email.
Transcripts of all postsecondary academic work—high school and non-degree granting academic programs are not required. You may upload unofficial transcripts or scans of your official transcript to complete your application submission. Official transcripts, required prior to enrollment, must be mailed or emailed directly from the issuing institution.
International Students: TOEFL exam, IELTS exam, and Duolingo English Test are acceptable English proficiency tests. All international applicants for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the accepted English proficiency tests, unless a prior degree granting program was completed entirely in English. Students should only request results to be sent electronically to Bard College directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, and not physical documents to be mailed.
- Our test score guidelines are:
  - TOEFL score of at least 100
  - IELTS score of at least 7
  - Duolingo English Test score of at least 120
The Bard MA in Global Studies does not charge an application fee or require the submission of GRE exam scores. CEU application requirements and related fees can be found on their Admissions page.

*Additional Information: Students applying to this track must submit an additional application to Central European University's International Relations Department (the 1-year MA in IR program’s "New York City track") to be considered for admission to this dual degree program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the same materials, where possible, for both applications.

Note: Admission to the dual MA with CEU will be considered first, and any admission to the independent Bard MA program will only be considered pending available admissions capacity.

New York City Track Application Requirements

A one page, US-style cover letter outlining your interest in graduate studies at Bard College, indicating specifically how you believe the MA in Global Studies program is right for you based on your academic and professional experiences and ambitions.
A resume/curriculum vitae outlining your education, work or internship experience (if any), and any other experiences or skills relevant to graduate study in global affairs.
A 500-word essay drawing on academic literature that elaborates on a research question on a global issue you would wish to pursue during your studies.
Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources. At least one of the recommenders should be someone who can speak to your academic, intellectual, and research qualifications. Please note: the MA in Global Studies accepts letters of recommendation through the online application system. When prompted, enter the recommender’s name and email address. The recommender will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to submit their recommendation online. The status of recommendation letters can be viewed by logging back into the application system. Please keep in mind, you should contact your recommenders and get permission for this request prior to sending them the automatic email.
Transcripts of all postsecondary academic work - high school and non-degree granting academic programs are not required. You may upload unofficial transcripts or scans of your official transcript to complete your application submission. Official transcripts, required prior to enrollment, must be mailed or emailed directly from the issuing institution.
International Students: TOEFL exam, IELTS exam, and Duolingo English Test are acceptable English proficiency tests. All international applicants for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the accepted English proficiency tests, unless a prior degree granting program was completed entirely in English. Students should only request results to be sent electronically to Bard College directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, and not physical documents to be mailed.
- Our test score guidelines are:
  - TOEFL score of at least 100
  - IELTS score of at least 7
  - Duolingo English Test score of at least 120
The Bard MA in Global Studies does not charge an application fee or require the submission of GRE exam scores.

Program Dates + Admission Timeline

2024-2025 Program Dates

Fall Orientation: August 26-30, 2024
First Day of Fall Classes: September 2, 2024
Fall Break: October 14-15, 2024
Last Day of Fall Semester: December 20, 2024

Spring Orientation: January 20-24, 2025
First Day of Spring Classes: January 27, 2025
Spring Recess: March 15-23, 2025
Last Day of Spring Semester: May 20, 2025
Commencement: May 24, 2025
2025-2026 Program Dates

Fall Orientation: August 25-29, 2025
First Day of Fall Classes: September 1, 2025
Fall Break: October 13-14, 2025
Last Day of Fall Semester: December 29, 2025

Spring Orientation: January 19-23, 2026
First Day of Spring Classes: January 26, 2026
Spring Recess: March 14-22, 2026
Last Day of Spring Semester: May 22, 2026
Commencement: May 23, 2026
2025-2026 Admission Timeline
- Applications Due: February 1, 2025 (11:59pm EST)
  - Including all scholarship application materials.
- Final application material submission deadline: February 7, 2025.
- Decisions released: early April 2025
  - Aid awards released directly by the Office of Financial Aid; offer valid for 14 days after receipt.
- Waitlist decisions relased: mid- to late-April
- Enrollment decisions: by May 1, 2025

Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance

The current estimated total cost of attendance for the 2024–25 academic year is approximately $31,062 per semester, which includes tuition, fees, health insurance, program housing in NYC, and an estimate of other related expenses.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Billed Expenses:
Tuition	$17,500/ semester
Fees*	$500–1,000/year
Optional Expenses:
NYC Housing**	$8,200/semester
Health Insurance***	~$3,362/year
Other:
Personal Expenses	$1,000/month****
Total:	$31,062/semester

* Total fee cost is dependent on track. A non-refundable enrollment deposit will be applied toward these fees.
** Program-sponsored housing is available at the Bard NYC dorm.
*** Estimate based on current costs of coverage; subject to change. All students are enrolled in Bard-sponsored health insurance plans unless a waiver for comparable coverage is submitted and approved by Bard College.
**** Estimate includes food, travel, academic supplies, and other personal expenses that vary based on individual preferences

Financial Aid
- The MA in Global Studies has financial aid available in the form of tuition fellowships and scholarships to cover other expenses associated with enrolling in and attending the program. All applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must apply. Financial aid is not guaranteed, and it is need-aware. Any financial assistance is for the duration of the program for a full-time student.
- To apply for financial aid, US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents should complete the following:
  - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  - Financial Supporting Document
- International students should complete the following:
  - International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA)
- The financial aid forms should be uploaded directly to the application portal.