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Applications
GRE, TOEFL & Other Tests
Italian and Other Languages
Student Backgrounds
Financial Aid
Interviews
Programs
Deferrals, Reapplication, Reactivation
Life In Bologna


Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATIONS

How can I receive a catalog and application materials?
You can download the application forms and most of the information about the school from the Internet. Alternatively, you can submit your name and address online to receive an application package by regular mail.

Can I apply to the Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center online?
Yes, an online application is available for non-US citizens applying directly to the Bologna Center. Candidates for admission are strongly encouraged to use the online form. Paper copies of the required documents (statement of aims, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV and English test scores) must also be submitted by the deadline. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can submit an application online through SAIS in Washington, DC.

Where do I send my application? Non-U.S. citizens (except permanent residents of the U.S.) apply directly to the Bologna Center in Italy. U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply to SAIS in Washington, D.C. United States students who hold a second citizenship must choose whether to apply as a U.S. or non-U.S. student; they cannot apply to both schools.

What is the deadline to apply to the Bologna Center?
Applications submitted directly to the Bologna Center (non-U.S. citizens) must be received by February 1. Applications for U.S. citizens and permanent residents must be received by the SAIS Washington Admissions Office by the appropriate deadline. See deadline table.

Is it possible to begin the program in the spring semester?
It is possible to apply for admission for the spring semester only if space is available. The deadline to receive applications for the spring is November 1. Results are normally available in mid-December to early-January. Normally, few, if any, spaces are available. No financial aid is available for those admitted in the spring. Beginning the Bologna Center program in the spring may not be appropriate for some candidates who may need to attend pre-term courses. Furthermore, basic language courses are not normally offered in the spring term. What is the application fee?
The SAIS Bologna Center does not charge an application fee.

I have not yet completed my degree. Can I apply?
Yes, submit an official transcript of your university academic record to date. If you are admitted, you will asked to provide proof of the award of the degree upon entry to the program.

TOEFL, IELTS, CAMBRIDGE PROFICIENCY, GRE and GMAT

Which tests should I take to apply to the SAIS Bologna Center?
Non-native English speakers (with the sole exception of those who completed a full undergraduate degree program through English in an English speaking country) must submit the result of one of the following tests:

  • TOEFL: minimum score is 250 (CBT); 600 (PBT); 100 (iBT)
  • IELTS: minimum score is 7 on overall band
  • Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): any grade on the proficiency is acceptable, but the First Certificate is not sufficient.. English test results should not be more than two years old unless you can demonstrate significant experience in English after having taken the test.
  • The GRE (general exam) is not required, but it is strongly recommended and a good score will enhance your application. GMAT scores can be submitted in lieu of the GRE. The Bologna Center code for both GRE and GMAT is: 3561. Do not use the SAIS-Washington test codes.

Where should my scores be sent?
Directly to the Bologna Center. Do not have your scores sent to SAIS Washington or to the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The Bologna Center Admissions Office cannot trace scores sent erroneously to SAIS in Washington or The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Make sure to indicate the Bologna Center codes when you take the tests:

TOEFL: 9729
GRE and GMAT: 3561
What is the minimum score for the various tests?
Minimum scores for the English language tests are indicated above. There is no required minimum GRE score. However, recent average scores of non-US citizens are:

  • Verbal: mid-500s
  • Quantitative: mid-600s
  • Analytical: 4.75

ITALIAN AND OTHER LANGUAGES

Does the Bologna Center require knowledge of Italian?
No. All Bologna Center courses are held in English. The school offers Italian instruction at all levels for students who wish to learn the language.

Does the Bologna Center require knowledge of other languages besides English?
No, the only language required for admission is English, which must be demonstrated by submitting TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Proficiency scores. Knowledge of other languages, however, is taken into consideration during the evaluation process, and knowledge of a foreign language is a requirement for most degree programs.

STUDENT BACKGROUNDS

I have no background in economics. Will that hurt my chances of getting into the Bologna Center?
With the exception of MIPP candidates, all students entering SAIS must have a basic background in Micro- and Macroeconomics. The requirement can be met by passing a university-level course in Principles of Micro- and Macroeconomics (these topics may also be combined in one course covering both subjects) or by taking the online Principles of Economics course offered by SAIS during the summer prior to enrollment (end of May through mid-August). During the admissions process, preference may be given to candidates who have already met the basic economics requirement, although candidates with an otherwise strong profile may be granted admission on the condition that they fulfill the basic economics requirement before enrolling in October. If a candidate has not met the economics requirement, that information will be indicated in the letter of admission. Therefore, those who have not taken the required basic economics courses prior to admission should keep in mind that they will have to take the course(es) during the summer.

Is work experience required?
No, but it is taken into account in the admissions process and could favor one candidate over another.

What should I do to better my chances and be among the best applicants?
Every applicant is different, with diverse backgrounds, interests and plans for the future. The Admissions Office cannot make standard recommendations to fit every applicant. Candidates should pursue their interests and make choices about internships, work abroad and their education goals to meet their needs and interests. Without reviewing a prospective students' entire application, it is difficult to suggest how an applicants might strengthen their applications.

What are the chances of getting into the program?
Admission is a competitive process: factors taken into account include, but may not be limited to: academic preparation (grades), international exposure (work or study abroad), practical experience and professional focus. Also important is the statement of aims, which should illustrate your aspirations and the motivation of your interests.

What is the geographic breakdown of students in the program?
The average incoming class size for the Bologna Center campus is 180. Approximately 50% of the students come from the United States, 40% from the major western European countries and the remainder from the smaller countries in Europe and other areas of the world. Although strict quotas are not enforced, the school does like to keep a general balance in choosing students from different geographical areas.

FINANCIAL AID

What financial aid is available to Bologna Center students? The Bologna Center allocates part of its annual budget to student financial aid. The amount is limited and is generally distributed in the form of partial tuition grants to students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit and financial need. The center also administers a number of awards (partial and full-tuition fellowships) on behalf of donor institutions. All those who wish to be considered for either Bologna Center financial aid or any of the special fellowships administered by the center must submit the following documents to the Bologna Center by the February 1:

  • a complete Application for Admission
  • a complete Application for Financial Aid, signed by the candidate's parents
  • proof of parents’ income (tax declaration or other official proof)

Incomplete financial aid applications will not be considered.

Amounts of support vary, but most awards do not cover the full amount of tuition; therefore, even successful candidates are strongly encouraged to seek alternative resources (see application package). Most university libraries also carry "Grants Registers" which list sources of funding for education. the Internet is also a good research tool for this purpose.

INTERVIEWS

Is an interview required for admission?
The Bologna Center relies heavily on interview results for the selection of its students.The interview enables you to add a personal dimension to your application and to elaborate on important areas of your candidacy. Candidates for admission should make every effort to attend an interview, usually conducted by a faculty member. Interviews are normally held at the end of February and beginning of March in Bologna and other European cities. In addition to the scheduled locations, ad hoc interviews can also be arranged in Bologna. Candidates who live too far away from an interview venue may be interviewed by telephone, as appropriate.The schedule is posted on our website and is updated in the fall each year.

PROGRAMS

Does the Bologna Center have a part-time master's program?
Only the MIPP program (see below) can be attended on a part-time basis.

Does the Bologna Center offer summer courses?
No. The Bologna Center's academic year runs from the beginning of October through May. Pre-term courses are offered for enrolled students only, from the end of August through September.

What is the MIPP program?
MIPP stands for Master in International Public Policy. The program is intended for mid-career professionals in the international field who have gained at least nine years of work experience after graduation from university. The MIPP program can be completed in one academic year as a full-time student or over two years as a part-time student. MIPP candidates complete eight courses of their choice selected from approximately 60 courses offered each year. Non-native English speakers must also pass the English proficiency exam. Normally, only a very small number of students (one or two per year) enroll in the MIPP program at the Bologna Center.

The Bologna Center does not offer financial aid for MIPP students, but employers may be willing to sponsor such projects.

What is the application procedure for joint degree candidates?
Students must apply separately to each institution and must be admitted to each school separately. Students may also choose to apply to the second school once they have been accepted at the first. If accepted to both programs, a student is considered a joint degree candidate and may choose the timing and location of their program, providing they coordinate closely with both schools. Further information on joint degrees is available on the SAIS-Washington website.

DEFERRALS, REAPPLICATION REACTIVATION

I am admitted to the Bologna Center. Can I defer admission?
Yes, it is possible to request a deferral for one academic year. A written request, explaining the reason for the deferral, must be submitted to the Bologna Center Admissions Office. Legitimate reasons for deferring include gaining professional experience that will directly enhance your later experience at SAIS. Once the request has been approved, a non-refundable deferral fee of Euro 400 is required in order to defer. Those who defer must confirm in writing to the Admissions Office their intention to enroll by March 1 of the following year. If you enroll, the deferment fee will be credited toward the tuition fee. If you do not submit a written confirmation to the Admissions Office by March 1 of the following year, you will forfeit both your fee and your place in the program.

If I defer, will my financial aid be automatically carried over to the following year?
No, financial aid cannot be deferred. You may re-apply for financial aid the following year by submitting a new financial application by February 1. Your award will not necessarily be the same.

If I do not enroll and have not asked for a deferral, can I reapply?
Yes, it is possible to re-apply for admission. Applications are normally kept on file for three years and can be reactivated upon request. However, it will be necessary to provide updated information (CV, statement of aims, etc.) as deemed appropriate by the Admissions Office.

I was refused admission. Can I reapply?
Applicants must wait one year before reapplying to SAIS (for example, if you applied for fall 2006, you can reapply for fall of 2007, but not for spring 2007). You have a choice of either submitting a new application or updating the old application with further qualifications and accomplishments.

I wasn’t admitted. Is it possible to get more feedback on my application before I reapply?
Unfortunately, it is difficult for the Admissions Office to provide precise feedback on the outcome of an application. Many factors are taken into account in the evaluation process, none of which is necessarily overriding. The admissions process is competitive and the number of spaces available on the program is limited. The Admissions Committee attempts to select the candidates who it believes will be able to meet the rigorous demands of the program and to contribute to classroom discussions and the general intellectual life at the Bologna Center.

LIFE IN BOLOGNA
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