Admission

1. A one page, US-style cover letter outlining your interest in graduate studies at Bard College, indicating specifically how you believe the MA in Global Studies program is right for you based on your academic and professional experiences and ambitions.
2. A resume/curriculum vitae outlining your education, work or internship experience (if any), and any other experiences or skills relevant to graduate study in global affairs.
3. A 500-word essay drawing on academic literature that elaborates on a research question on a global issue you would wish to pursue during your studies.
4. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources. At least one of the recommenders should be someone who can speak to your academic, intellectual, and research qualifications. Please note: the MA in Global Studies accepts letters of recommendation through the online application system. When prompted, enter the recommender’s name and email address. The recommender will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to submit their recommendation online. The status of recommendation letters can be viewed by logging back into the application system. Please keep in mind, you should contact your recommenders and get permission for this request prior to sending them the automatic email.
5. Transcripts of all post-secondary academic work—high school and non-degree granting academic programs are not required. You may upload unofficial transcripts or scans of your official transcript to complete your application submission. Official transcripts, required prior to enrollment, must be mailed or emailed directly from the issuing institution.
6. International Students: TOEFL exam, IELTS exam, and Duolingo English Test are acceptable English proficiency tests. All international applicants for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the accepted English proficiency tests, unless a prior degree granting program was completed entirely in English. Students should only request results to be sent electronically to Bard College directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, and not physical documents to be mailed. 
   • Our test score guidelines are:
     • TOEFL score of at least 100
     • IELTS score of at least 7
     • Duolingo English Test score of at least 120

Please Note: Students applying to this track must submit an additional application to Central European University's International Relations Department (the 1-year MA in International Relations "New York City track") to be considered for admission to this dual degree program.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the same materials, where possible, for both applications.

For applicants applying to both tracks: Admission to the Dual MA with CEU will be considered first, and admission to the independent Bard MA program will be considered pending admissions capacity at time of decision. 

The Bard MA in Global Studies does not charge an application fee or require the submission of GRE exam scores. 

CEU application requirements and related fees can be found on their Admissions page. 

1. A one page, US-style cover letter outlining your interest in graduate studies at Bard College, indicating specifically how you believe the MA in Global Studies program is right for you based on your academic and professional experiences and ambitions.
2. A resume/curriculum vitae outlining your education, work or internship experience (if any), and any other experiences or skills relevant to graduate study in global affairs.
3. A 500-word essay drawing on academic literature that elaborates on a research question on a global issue you would wish to pursue during your studies.
4. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources. At least one of the recommenders should be someone who can speak to your academic, intellectual, and research qualifications. Please note: the MA in Global Studies accepts letters of recommendation through the online application system. When prompted, enter the recommender’s name and email address. The recommender will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to submit their recommendation online. The status of recommendation letters can be viewed by logging back into the application system. Please keep in mind, you should contact your recommenders and get permission for this request prior to sending them the automatic email.
5. Transcripts of all postsecondary academic work - high school and non-degree granting academic programs are not required. You may upload unofficial transcripts or scans of your official transcript to complete your application submission. Official transcripts, required prior to enrollment, must be mailed or emailed directly from the issuing institution.
6. International Students: TOEFL exam, IELTS exam, and Duolingo English Test are acceptable English proficiency tests. All international applicants for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the accepted English proficiency tests, unless a prior degree granting program was completed entirely in English. Students should only request results to be sent electronically to Bard College directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, and not physical documents to be mailed.
   • Our test score guidelines are:
     • TOEFL score of at least 100
     • IELTS score of at least 7
     • Duolingo English Test score of at least 120

The Bard MA in Global Studies does not charge an application fee or require the submission of GRE exam scores.