About Master’s Program,
The MPA enrolls individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to public service through their professional experience, internships, and volunteer interests. The School enrolls approximately 70 new students in each MPA class.
The School’s core curriculum builds skills in political, economic, quantitative, and behavioral analysis. Previous coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics is highly recommended. The vast majority of enrolled MPA students have prior full-time work experience.
A sincere commitment to public service is the single-most important attribute in the application. This can be demonstrated through volunteer interests, internships, and full-time professional work experiences focused on the public good.
The one-year MPP program is designed for mid-career professionals who are rising leaders in international and domestic public policy. This residential program is a valuable opportunity for those embedded in public service for over seven years to reflect on their experiences, expand their knowledge, and further refine their analytical skills in relation to their chosen professional path. The School enrolls approximately 20 students in each MPP class.
The program provides rigorous training in quantitative and policy analysis, preparing degree candidates to return to their careers with the intellectual breadth, organizational skills, and self-confidence necessary to assume greater leadership positions in an increasingly complex public service environment. A minimum of seven years of full-time work experience in the public or nonprofit sectors is required for admission.
In preparation for the pace of the curriculum, a six-week summer program is required for all MPP students. It begins in July and predates the fall semester.
MPP applicants must demonstrate leadership, creativity, a commitment to public service, and the intellectual ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment. The admission process for the MPP is equally an evaluation of the depth and commitment of the applicant’s career in public service as it is an analysis of leadership aptitude and promise. Each application is reviewed individually, comprehensively, and holistically. All decisions are made by an admissions committee.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
All applicants to the MPP program must choose a field of concentration: I – International Relations, II – International Development, III – Domestic Policy, or IV – Economics and Public Policy. MPP students do not have curriculum requirements and may take any eight courses from the four fields of concentration to complete their degree requirements.
The GRE is the only exam accepted from MPA applicants.
SPIA does not provide GRE waivers for MPA applicants. It is a required component of the MPA Application.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs’ generous financial support enables students to earn graduate degrees without incurring tuition indebtedness, making it more feasible to pursue careers of public service in the public and nonprofit sectors.
All MPP students receive 100% of tuition and required fees support, and the School offers a need-based stipend for living expenses for one year of study. The admissions process is need-blind and does not consider an applicant’s financial resources in admissions decisions. Applicants must complete the Statement of Financial Resources as a part of the online application.
Tuition and the stipend are covered by the School in the form of grants in combination with any external fellowships and institutional sponsorships an applicant may already have.
The tuition and health plan fee for the 2024-25 academic year is $65,910.
The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs’ generous financial support enables students to earn graduate degrees without incurring tuition indebtedness, making it more feasible to pursue careers of public service in the public and nonprofit sectors.
All MPA students receive 100% of tuition and required fees support. Additionally, the School offers a need-based stipend for living expenses for two years of study. The admissions process is need-blind and does not consider an applicant’s financial resources in admissions decisions. Applicants must complete the Statement of Financial Resources as a part of the online application.
Tuition and stipend are covered by the School in the form of grants in combination with any external fellowships and institutional sponsorships an applicant may already have.
The tuition and health plan fee for the 2024-25 academic year is $65,910.
Application Requirement,
Princeton University Graduate Application
Statement of Purpose
Supplemental Essay
Personal Statement
Policy Memo
Certificate Statement
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Transcripts
GPA
Academic and Professional Recommendations
Statement of Financial Resources
TOEFL/IELTS/DET
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2025
Application Fee,
Application Fee: $75
