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


Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATIONS

How do I apply to SAIS Bologna?
You can apply to SAIS Bologna by clicking on this link. Before you start an application, we recommend you look carefully at our program offerings and the application instructions.

Do I have to complete my application in one go?
Our application system allows you to start an application, save it and continue later. You can access your saved application by clicking here.

What is the deadline to apply to SAIS Bologna?
The deadline for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents is February 1. U.S. citizens and permanent residents should check the deadline for application on the SAIS DC website.

Can I apply for mid-year admission?
Admission to the Spring semester is on a space-available basis. We accept applications for a Spring start, but unless there are special circumstances, we encourage you to apply to the Fall semester. Contact us via email for information and advice.

No financial aid is available for those who start in the Spring.

What is the deadline to apply to the Spring semester?
The deadline to apply to the Spring semester is November 1. Decisions are communicated between mid-December and early January.

What happens if there are no spaces available in the Spring semester?
If we cannot offer you a spot for the Spring semester, we can keep your application on file and consider it for the following Fall semester.

Where do I send application materials?
Our application system allows you to upload most of your application documents. However, some documents will need to be sent to our office:

• Non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents should mail any paper documents to the SAIS Bologna Admissions Office in Italy.
• U.S. citizens and permanent residents should mail any paper documents to the SAIS DC Admissions Office in Washington, DC.

I am a U.S. citizen and I also have another non-U.S. citizenship. Which nationality should I use to apply to SAIS?
Please indicate both citizenships on the application. MA and MIPP applicants who wish to spend a year at SAIS Bologna, should choose in the "Campus" field under "Program and Campus" one of these two options:

• BO (1st Year)/DC (2nd Year) (Non-U.S. Citizen or Perm. Resident), OR
• BO (1st Year)/DC (2nd Year) (U.S. Citizen or Perm. Resident)

If you choose the first option, your application will be managed by the SAIS Bologna Admissions Office. If you choose the latter, your application will be managed by the SAIS DC Admissions Office.

What is the application fee?
SAIS Bologna does not charge an application fee.

I have not yet completed my degree. Can I apply?
Yes, please submit an official transcript of your university academic record to date. If you are admitted, you will be 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 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 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT); 600 (PBT);
• IELTS: minimum score is 7 on the overall band
• Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): any grade on the proficiency is acceptable. We do not accept the First Certificate.

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 is not required, but it is strongly recommended and a good score will enhance your application.

Where should my scores be sent?
Please send them directly to the Bologna Center. Take care not to send your scores to SAIS DC or Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore as the SAIS Bologna Admissions Office cannot trace scores sent to either of those offices. Make sure to indicate the Bologna Center codes when you take the tests:

TOEFL: 9729
GRE: 3561
GMAT: KGB-GX-80

What is the minimum score for the various tests?
Minimum scores for the English language tests are indicated above. There is no minimum GRE score.

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 for admission?
No. The only language required for admission is English. 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 understanding of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. This requirement can be met by passing a university-level course in Principles of Microeconomics 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, they will be informed shortly after admission of the need to take basic economics before the start of classes. 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 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. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of interests and plans for the future. The strongest candidates have demonstrated academic achievement, an appetite for learning and a broad-minded outlook.

What are the chances of getting into the program?
Admission is a competitive process. Factors taken into account include academic preparation, international exposure (work or study abroad), practical experience and professional focus. Also important is the statement of aims, which should capture your aspirations and interests.

What is the geographic breakdown of students in the program?
The average incoming class numbers 180-200 students. The largest contingent generally comes from the United States and represents 40-50% of the class. Another 40% come from Western Europe and the remainder from smaller countries in Europe and other areas of the world. We do not have quotas but we do appreciate diversity.

FINANCIAL AID

What financial aid is available to Bologna Center students? SAIS Bologna allocates part of its budget to financial aid. The amount 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. Those wishing to be considered for either SAIS Bologna financial aid or any of our special fellowships must submit the following documents to the SAIS Bologna by 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 encouraged to seek alternative resources . Most university libraries carry "Grants Registers" which list sources of funding for education. The Internet is also a good research tool.

INTERVIEWS

Is an interview required for admission?
SAIS Bologna interviews all candidates, and they can provide an important perspective on the applicants. The interview enables an applicant to add a personal dimension and to highlight important aspects of the candidacy. Interviews are normally held at the end of February and beginning of March in Bologna and other European cities, as well as over the phone and via Skype. Ad hoc interviews can also be arranged in Bologna. The schedule is posted on our website and is updated in early February each year.

Am I at a disadvantage if I interview on the phone or Skype?
No. We conduct face-to-face and telephone interviews in the same manner. We understand that most of our applicants live far from Bologna or the other cities where we conduct interviews and we do not expect candidates to travel far or spend a considerable amount of money to attend an interview.

PROGRAMS

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

Does SAIS Bologna offer summer courses?
No. SAIS Bologna's academic year runs from the beginning of October through May. Pre-term courses are offered for enrolled students from the end of August through the end of 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, a relatively small number of students enroll in the MIPP program at SAIS Bologna.

SAIS Bologna 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 be admitted to each school separately. Students may 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 DC 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, should be submitted to the SAIS Bologna Admissions Office. Acceptable reasons for deferring include gaining professional experience that will directly enhance your later experience at SAIS. If the request is approved, a non-refundable deferral fee of ?385 is required to defer. Those who defer must confirm in writing to the Admissions Office by February 1 of the next year their intention to enroll. If the candidate enrolls, the deferment fee is credited toward tuition. If the candidate fails to submit a written confirmation to the Admissions Office by February 1, the person's place in the program is forfeited.

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 kept on file for two years and can be reactivated upon request. However, it will be necessary to provide updated information, including a fresh CV and statement of aims, 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 the Fall of 2011 and were rejected, you could reapply for the Fall of 2012 but not for the Spring of 2012. A candidate has the choice of either submitting a new application or updating an old application.

I was refused admission. Is it possible to get more feedback on my application before I reapply?
If you ask us, we will be happy to provide you with feedback after decisions on admissions have been made. Please note that our office gets very busy around that time of the year, and we may not be able to give you immediate feedback. But we will make every effort to ensure you know why your application was not accepted.

LIFE IN BOLOGNA
Housing
Useful links
Map