Columbia Sipa Application

Last Updated on January 17, 2023

The School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University (SIPA) is the international affairs and public policy school of Columbia University, a private Ivy League university located in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York City.

Collegelearners Website will provide information you are looking for on Columbia Sipa Application, Overview of Columbia Sipa Application, Requirements for Columbia Sipa Application and Columbia Sipa Application Ranking.

Overview of Columbia Sipa Application

All applicants are required to submit a completed application through our online Application Portal. While there is no separate deadline for international applicants, each degree program has its own application deadlines and requirements so review the information below carefully prior to applying. 

Please follow the instructions below to assemble and submit the online application.

Note that the applicant must submit all materials directly, not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the sole exception of submissions by the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program and its three partner agencies IIE, LASPAU and AMIDEAST, and by the Danish-American Fulbright Commission (DAF), Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), and Vietnam Education Fund (VEF). In addition, the applicant will be required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to Columbia. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact the admissions office at [email protected].

Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents consistent with these instructions may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants may be required to assist the Admissions Committee involved in admission reviews in the verification of all documents and statements made in documents submitted by students as part of the application review process.

Please note that the applicant may upload unofficial transcripts at the start of the application process. Once an applicant has been admitted and has indicated acceptance of our offer of admission, certified and secure electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly to Columbia from the applicant’s prior institution(s)’ Registrar Office. Columbia will use its verification vendor to verify the applicant’s degree and transcript with the prior academic institutions and/or the relevant country’s Ministry of Education. 

Moreover, students who plan to enroll at SIPA will be required to participate in a verification process. More detailed information will be provided upon admission.

Columbia Sipa Requirements

Relevant professional experience

Our students come from every corner of the globe, bringing vastly different professional backgrounds and work experience. The only truly common thread is that most successful applicants have had at least three years of work or internship experience relevant to their intended course of study. Strong experience at an international relief organization, a government agency, a nonprofit or nongovernmental organization, or a corporation with operations in the international sphere (to name a few examples) will make your application more competitive.

Each year, 5 to 10 percent of accepted students come directly from undergraduate institutions. These are individuals with extraordinary academic records who have also had significant internship or study abroad experience. In some cases, recent undergraduates with very strong academic credentials are not offered admission, but are encouraged to reapply after they have gained at least one year or more of relevant work experience.

Proven academic ability

Strong academic performance in your undergraduate work is also a must. We look for a strong GPA, academic references, GRE and/or GMAT test scores depending on your program, as well as extracurricular involvement and excellent letters of recommendation.

No particular undergraduate major is required, but those looking ahead to possible study at SIPA can take courses in international relations, political science, foreign languages, and history. If your field of study was far from the international relations or public administration fields, make sure to address in your essay why you now wish to “change gears” and study at SIPA.

Quantitative coursework

Because SIPA’s core curriculum includes economics, statistics, and financial management, we look for evidence of your ability to undertake quantitative coursework at the graduate level. We prefer applicants who have completed introductory courses in macro- and microeconomics. While not strict requirements, courses in economics, statistics, and mathematics will bolster your candidacy and provide a helpful foundation for study here.

To complete the (optional) higher-level economics sequence, or to pursue careers in economics, trade, or finance, you will need an even stronger foundation in mathematics. We recommend you complete college-level courses in calculus, algebra, and statistics if this applies to you.

Passion for public policy and international affairs

Above all, we seek candidates who are passionate about making a difference and eager to shape global policy and international affairs. When applying, be sure to tell us how a SIPA education will help you contribute to solving our biggest global challenges—whether in economic development, human rights, energy, science, finance, or other fields.

SIPA Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution prior to enrolling at SIPA.
  • Provide valid GRE or GMAT test scores (optional for 2022)
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the English language adequate for study at the masters level. A score of at least 100 on the TOEFL Internet-based exam, 7 on the IELTS exam, or C1 Advanced on the CEFR for English (185 Cambridge English Assessment) is required in order for your application to be reviewed.

Details on all application requirements may be found on each program’s page.

Program Requirements

Some degree programs have additional requirements and guidelines in addition to the general requirements outlined above. To learn more, read about individual degree programs and use our compare programs tool.

  • Master of International Affairs
  • Master of Public Administration
  • MPA in Economic Policy Management
  • MPA in Environmental Science and Policy
  • MPA in Development Practice
  • Executive MPA
  • PhD in Sustainable Development

DEADLINES

MIA & MPA
Spring 2022
Final Application: October 15

MIA, MPA, & MPA-DP 
Fall 2022
Early Action: November 1
Fellowship Consideration: December 20
Final Application: February 5

EMPA 
Spring 2022
Final Application: December 15

Fall 2022
Priority & Fellowship Consideration:
 March 31
Final Application: July 1

MPA-EPM 
Summer 2022
Early Action: November 15
Fellowship Consideration: January 15
Final Application: February 15

MPA-ESP 
Summer 2022
Early Action: 
November 1
Fellowship Consideration: January 15
Final Application: February 15

Executive Education: Partnership between SIPA and Inter-American Development Bank
Macro-Financial Policy Making in Emerging Markets
*This is a 5-day non-degree program geared towards professionals.
Final Application: March 15, 2021

GPPN (Global Public Policy Network) Application
Only for APPROVED international dual degree students who have completed their first year at a partner school.
Final Application: February 14th, 2021.

PhD in Sustainable Development
Fall 2022
Final Application Deadline: December 16
Applications should be completed through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

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