Application Deadlines

Catch up on the Reddit AMA with our director of admissions

Julie Ito, director of admissions, recently hosted a Reddit Ask Me Anything session, to give prospective students an inside look at the McCourt School’s graduate admissions process and application requirements. She answered a range of questions that can help you better understand what to expect and how to prepare your application.

You can still read the full Q&A for admissions insights and guidance as you prepare to submit your application by our January 15 priority deadline.

Read the McCourt Admissions AMA

Deadlines for MPP, MIDP, MS-DSPP, MPM, and EMPL programs

Applications for 2026 admission are now open!

The deadlines for 2026 admission can be found below:

*Applications that are still missing any required test scores, transcripts, or recommendations on this date may be pushed to the next decision release date or in the case of the final deadline, may be reviewed with missing materials. As such, please plan accordingly to make sure we receive all of your materials on time.

**Recipients of the McCourt Scholar award, Howard Scholar award and other fellowship awards may be asked to reply by April 15 irrespective of when the application was submitted.

Scholarship Deadlines

To be considered for merit-based scholarships, including the McCourt Scholar Award, applicants need to indicate on the online application that they wish to be considered for scholarships and apply for either the Early Decision or Priority deadline. Aside from the timing, there is no difference between the Early Decision and Priority deadlines.

Early Decision and Priority deadline applicants will also be informed of other fellowship and scholarship opportunities as they become available (a separate application may be required).

Final deadline applicants will receive merit-based scholarship consideration and be notified of other opportunities if such funding remains.

Other Deadlines

• MPM/GMP Dual Program Deadline only: October 1, 2025
  • Only students currently enrolled in the GMP program at the Korea Development Institute may apply to this dual-degree program. Applications submitted and completed by the October 1 deadline will receive scholarship consideration and a decision by November 1, 2025.* MPM/GMP students will begin in the Spring 2026 semester. (MPM/GMP applicants may also apply to start in the Fall semester using the standard fall deadlines).

• Certificate in Health Policy Deadlines
  • Spring Entry Deadline: November 1, 2025
  • Summer Entry Deadline: March 1, 2026
  • Fall Entry Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Applications for the Health Policy Certificate are considered on a rolling basis. Once your application is submitted and complete, you can expect to receive a decision in approximately 4-6 weeks. Scholarships are not available for the certificate program.