MPA-GL Frequently Asked Questions

We seek diverse international representation and a range of disciplinary backgrounds to enrich the learning environment. Candidates should have 10 to 15 years of progressively senior experience that demonstrates advanced public policy knowledge, analytical skills, and the capacity to make an even greater impact in your field or shift to a senior position in a new sector.

The MPA-GL program is distinguished by both the experience of its students and the length and the requirements of its curriculum. 

Applicants should have at least 10 to 15 years of increasingly senior professional experience. In contrast, applicants to our traditional MPA program typically have only two to five years of experience.

The 34-point MPA-GL program is designed for 10 months of full-time study. Our traditional program calls for 54 points over four semesters spanning 21 months.

No, the one-year MPA-GL is a full-time program. Students must complete at least 34 credits over 10 months, beginning in late July with an intensive, specially designed summer session (total of 6 credits), followed by the fall and spring semesters where students are required to complete at least 14 credits per semester.

GRE or GMAT scores are optional for applicants to the MPA-GL program—but they can be useful indicators of academic ability, especially for candidates without a demonstrated record in certain areas. This blog post offers additional guidance.

Either way, the admissions committee reviews every application carefully.

International students who did not earn a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction, must submit proof of competency in English by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English scores for the application to be reviewed. 

Applicants must successfully achieve a minimum score on the English proficiency exam:

• TOEFL ibt minimum score: 100, preferred score: 110 or above
• IELTS minimum score: 7.0, preferred score: 7.5 or above
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced/ C2 Proficiency: minimum score: 185 C1 Advanced, preferred score: 191 or above

Applicants who have lived or worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years may waive the test. A waiver request may be submitted as part of your application.

Yes, you can take classes outside of SIPA. All courses must be approved by your academic advisor before you cross-register at another Columbia University school. Each school has its own registration requirements and procedures; you can read more about the cross-registration procedures here.

The MPA-GL program administration is available to meet with you by appointment. Please email us at [email protected].

Applicants should plan to enroll on schedule. We may grant a deferral in exceptional circumstances, such as health issues or visa problems; contact [email protected] for more details.

Yes. MPA-GL scholarships are based on a combination of merit and financial need, without regard for citizenship. Check the appropriate box when you apply, and you’ll be considered for funding as long as your application is complete.

At the same time, please note that resources are limited, and awards are competitive. We cannot fund every student, and most awards cover only a portion of the costs in any case.

On-campus housing is very limited and available only for a small percentage of incoming MPA-GL students through the University Apartment Housing Office. All incoming students are given access to Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA). Some MPA-GL students may choose to live in International House, an independent residential community just a few minutes away from SIPA.

You may submit a deferral request here. If the deferral request is approved, there is a $2,000 deferral deposit required. The $4,000 combination of the nonrefundable enrollment plus the deferral deposit is credited to the student's account and will count toward tuition if the student enrolls at the expected time the following year.

The deferral deadline for the MPA in Global Leadership is May 1st.

Reapplication is also an option. While we cannot guarantee that you will be readmitted, the committee is often favorable towards those who have been previously admitted. You may find information about this here.