Application Deadlines

MALD, MA, and MIB candidates may begin their studies at The Fletcher School in either the fall or spring semester. While the vast majority of students begin their studies in September, approximately 20-25 students matriculate in January. Students in two-year degree programs who begin in the spring semester will complete four semesters (spanning three academic years) and graduate in December following their fourth semester. One-year MA students will complete two semesters and graduate in December following their second semester. Spring enrollment is an excellent opportunity for those who are ready to transition to graduate school during the middle of an academic year. Read more about spring enrollment.

Through the Early Notification process, the Committee on Admissions may decide to make an offer of admission or to deny admission, or may defer the application for further review with Regular Deadline applicants. If an application is deferred, the applicant will be notified of an admission decision in late March. Students admitted through the Early Notification process, who have submitted a Fletcher Financial Aid Application, will be notified about their scholarship awards in late March.

The Admissions Committee uses the same criteria to evaluate applicants who meet the Early and Regular deadlines. The benefit of applying early is simply the possibility to receive an admissions decision by Jan. 1. Additionally, if the Committee on Admissions defers making a final decision, the application will receive a second round of review with the Regular Deadline applications.

Early Notification is available for September matriculation only. PhD candidates may not apply for Early Notification. Early Notification is not binding and Early Notification applicants may apply to other graduate programs. Early Notification applicants who are denied admission will not be eligible to reapply for the Regular or Final Deadline of the same year.

While preference in awarding MALD, MGA, MIB, LLM, MA, GMAP, and MATA scholarships will be given to applicants who meet the January 10 priority deadline, candidates applying by February 20, April 1, and May 1 deadlines will be considered for scholarship aid, based on availability.

The Map Your Future Pathway is an application pathway for college seniors to gain admission to the MALD, MGA, or MIB degree program two to three years in the future. Learn more about MYF.