MATA FAQs

The MATA degree program will allow students to spend time studying at both The Fletcher School and the College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium or Natolin, Poland), as well as complete a high-level internship. The degree will be jointly awarded by both institutions. Graduates will be alumni of both schools.

Graduates of this joint degree program will receive a Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs (MATA).

The MATA requires four semesters (two academic years) of study. The fall semester begins in late August/early September and runs through December. The spring semester begins in January and finishes in late May (Fletcher) or early June (College of Europe).

In any academic year, between the two institutions, there are a total of 15-20 twenty students.

English is the language of instruction at both schools; however, there are some courses offered in French at the College of Europe.

The College of Europe requires at least a C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The Fletcher School requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (with sub-scores of 25 on each section) or an IELTS score of 7 (with sub-scores of 7 on each section).

Students beginning at The Fletcher School are required to take eight courses with at least one course from each of the three divisions: International Law & Organizations; Diplomacy, History and Politics; and Economics & International Business. At the College of Europe, MATA students are affiliated with one of the five study programs and follow a tailor-made study tracks: European Interdisciplinary Studies (Natolin), EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies, European Political and Administrative Studies, European Economic Studies, or European Legal Studies.

Students spending their first year at The Fletcher School will spend their final semester at The College of Europe and integrate into one of the study tracks there. Students who spend their first year at the College of Europe will spend a final semester at The Fletcher School taking four courses of choice from the three divisions of the school.

MATA candidates must successfully complete one academic year of coursework at one institution plus one semester of coursework at the other institution. Other requirements include: a three-to-four month internship, a thesis, Fletcher's Professional Development Program, and a joint course/project on transatlantic affairs.

Yes. MATA students are able to cross-register for up to one course per semester at Tufts University or Harvard University.

Each fall MATA students on both campuses will take a joint course, co-taught via video conference, focused on the EU and U.S. political systems, as well as the history and current aspects of the cultural, economic, legal and political aspects of the transatlantic relationship. In the spring, MATA students will be engaged in a joint transatlantic project focused on solving a problem of a transatlantic nature.

Students will work in conjunction with the faculty and career offices at both institutions to identify internship opportunities with a transatlantic focus. Internships may be in any sector (public, private, nonprofit) and may take place in Europe or the United States. Internships will be graded on a pass/fail basis based on a report and completion of an internship assessment form. Students are strongly encouraged to seek an internship of four months, which is also the maximum possible length. A minimum of three consecutive months is required.

In principle students will secure their own internships. The internship in the public/private/non-profit sector will have to have a strong transatlantic focus and has to be approved by the institution in which you will be enrolled during the second year. However, the Careers Offices of the two institutions will assist in identifying a number of internships related to transatlantic affairs. Students will not be placed in internships.

MATA students unable to secure a suitable internship may replace the internship semester with an additional semester of coursework at the institution where they spend the second academic year.

As long as your internship has a transatlantic focus, it may be in any sector and may take place in Europe or North America. In principle, students spending their first year in the U.S. will do their internship in Europe and vice versa.

The Professional Development Program is offered by Fletcher's Office of Career Services and includes sessions covering key topics for a successful internship and job search.

In the final semester, students are required to write and submit a thesis on a transatlantic topic (current or past economic, legal and/or political relations between the United States and the European Union and its member states). Students will select the thesis topic during their first semester, and the thesis will be co-supervised by one supervisor from the College of Europe and one supervisor from The Fletcher School.

MATA students will have academic advisors at both schools. Additionally, students will work closely with two thesis advisors.

MATA students will work closely with the faculty, career offices and alumni networks at both schools. Students have the same access to all resources at both institutions.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions of leadership in a variety of areas – ranging from international and national public sector functions to responsibilities in the private and nonprofit sectors – with an international outlook and the ability to deal cross-border issues in a multidisciplinary manner.

Graduates of the College of Europe and The Fletcher School have gone on to exciting careers in international organizations (United Nations, NATO), the European Union, national diplomatic services and ministries, private companies, consultancies and law firms, non-for-profit organizations, think tanks and academia.

Prospective students apply to and follow the admissions procedures at the institution where they would like to spend the first year. Each school will share the applications with the other school. Candidates for the joint degree must meet the admissions standards at both institutions, including for the department of study with which the students will be affiliated at the College of Europe.

If you wish to start your studies at the College of Europe, the deadline for submitting your online application on the College of Europe website is January 18.

If you wish to start your studies at The Fletcher School, the deadline for submitting your online application on The Fletcher School website is January 10.

Regardless of where you submit your application, you will have to provide an academic and a professional letter of recommendation.

No. Candidates may only apply to one degree program at Fletcher.

Fletcher actively seeks to enroll a diverse class of students who have demonstrated academic excellence, have a wide range of personal, professional, and academic experience, and have a strong commitment to an international career. We seek students who, by virtue of their background, achievement, and experience, can contribute to the education of their peers and to the scholarship and practice of international relations. While each degree program will have its own specific requirements, in general, applicants must demonstrate research ability and a strong familiarity with a second language, and hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. All students must have proven English language proficiency. Fletcher students come from a wide range of undergraduate majors, including international relations and other social sciences, the humanities, business, and physical sciences and engineering.

Applicants need at least four years of university studies and six months of relevant professional experience. They should also have a strong interest in transatlantic affairs as well as basic knowledge of the EU.

Applicants will typically have a university degree in one of the following areas:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Diplomatic Studies
• Law
• Economics or Business Administration
• European or American Studies
• Contemporary (European or American) History

Depending on the study track chosen, specific prerequisites exist. For the Economics track, students should have successfully followed courses in Statistics, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics at an intermediate level. For the International Relations and Diplomacy Studies track, students should have previous knowledge of EU institutions and decision-making. For the Legal Studies track, students should have a legal background and a prior knowledge of the EU institutional law.

Students will pay the appropriate tuition and fees at the institution at which they are taking classes. Students are enrolled but are not paying tuition during the internship semester. Please refer to the Fees page.

Yes. Students will be considered for financial aid at the time of admission and will be notified about scholarship assistance at both institutions with the offer of admission.

Students will work with the international student advisor at each institution to obtain student visas. Additional visas may be required for the internship semester.

Fletcher students have several options for housing. Many students live in apartments that are walking distance from campus. Additionally, Fletcher has a several different on-campus housing opportunities. Students either cook for themselves or may purchase a meal plan at Tufts University. Room and Board expenses are not included in tuition fees.

The College of Europe houses most of its students in residences in Bruges and on the Natolin campus. Room and board is included as part of the comprehensive fees for attendance.