December 15, for each of our graduate programs.

No, SPIA has only one application deadline, which is December 15. Graduate programs begin each summer.

Only the STEP Ph.D. program is OPT eligible.

Applicants may be eligible to request a fee waiver based on the following criteria:

• Financial hardship
• Participation in a Program (past or present) - see list of participating programs on the Princeton University Graduate School website
• Recruiting Event Attendee (received an event fee waiver code)

Yes. Princeton SPIA provides an application fee waiver for those who submit their Graduate Application for Admission by November 15. There is no benefit to submitting early except the waived application fee. We run a single admissions process, and all files are reviewed after the deadline. 

The GRE is required for the MPA program. It is not required for the MPP program. The GRE is optional for the Ph.D. program.

No. The GRE is the only exam accepted from MPA applicants.

No, SPIA does not provide GRE waivers for MPA applicants. It is a required component of the MPA Application.

No, there is no age limit for admission into SPIA’s Graduate Programs. Please note, you will need to articulate why now is the right time to begin graduate studies at Princeton as part of the application process.

You can find the English Language Test Policy here: https://gradschool.princeton.edu/admission-onboarding/prepare/english-proficiency.

Excerpts include:

• Applicants whose primary language is English. Primary language is defined as the language that someone communicates in most frequently and in most situations when speaking, reading, and writing.
• Applicants whose undergraduate instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution and for whom the degree will be awarded prior to anticipated enrollment at Princeton.
• Applicants whose graduate study was on a full-time basis for at least two academic years where instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution.

Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office with any requests to visit campus at spiaadmissions@princeton.edu or 609-258-4836.

Yes, we will be offering 15-minute one-on-one virtual meetings with a member of our team. Register here.

SPIA does not prescreen applicants. Instead, we suggest you review our Graduate Admissions Viewbook and current student profiles (MPA, MPP, Ph.D.) to understand the depth and diversity of applicants who have earned admission into our School.

We offer regular information sessions that highlight our graduate programs. These occur in September, October, and November. Information sessions are offered at varying times, virtually and in-person. If interested in attending, we encourage you to Connect with Us.

SPIA is one of over 40 graduate departments and programs in Princeton’s Graduate School. Princeton SPIA students have the opportunity to pursue relevant certificates and coursework across those departments and programs. Students work with the Graduate Program Office to secure the necessary approval(s) prior to enrolling in classes outside of the School. Certificate offerings can be found at Fields of Study | Graduate School (princeton.edu).

SPIA offers generous financial support to every admitted student. All admitted students receive 100% of tuition, required fees support, and comprehensive health insurance. Additionally, the School offers a generous stipend for living expenses throughout your degree program.

No, SPIA does not accept transfer credits across any of our graduate programs.

Yes, Princeton SPIA recognizes the DEDP MicroMasters. This preparation, while optional, can be one possible signal to the admissions committee about one's preparation for our quantitative coursework.