Next Application Deadline May 15 Get Info

How to Apply

To apply, visit our online application portal and follow the on-screen instructions to sign in.

To help you prepare, please review the following information and our application deadlines.

How-To Videos

Watch our videos on how to apply and how to finance your education. We also include customized instructions for international students.

Application Checklist

  • Online application, which includes the following:
    • Essay
    • Résumé or curriculum vitae
    • Personal scholarship statements
  • $65 application fee
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation (two preferred)
  • Interview in person or online (if needed)
  • GRE or GMAT scores (not required)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (required only for nonnative English speakers)
  • Second language proficiency

Application Instructions

Visit our main Application Instructions page for information on each checklist item. 

Program-specific details are listed below.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English proficiency from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations, or Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency). 

  • TOEFL preferred minimum: 80 
    • Sub-score minimum for Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 19
    • Sub-score minimum for Writing: 23
  • IELTS preferred minimum: 6.5
    • Sub-score minimum for Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 6.0
    • Sub-score minimum for Writing: 6.5
  • Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency) preferred minimum: 176
    • Sub-score minimum for Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 169
    • Sub-score minimum for Writing: 176

TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years after the test date. Cambridge scores do not expire.

If necessary, you may have the opportunity to improve your English language skills through our English Preparation for Graduate Studies program, for which scholarships are available. 

Based on our review of your scores, English may be required as your language of study.

TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge exemptions are automatically granted to applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, or Singapore. Please contact your enrollment advisor if you have any questions.

You can submit your online application without your TOEFL or IELTS scores and provide them later via enroll@middlebury.edu.

Second Language Proficiency

Students admitted to our MA in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies are guaranteed a full scholarship (covering tuition, housing, and food) for a summer language program at the Middlebury Language Schools.

  • Proficiency in a second language is a requirement in our degree programs.
  • We recommend that you’ve completed the equivalent of one year of college-level language study before your first semester.
  • Languages regularly offered include Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Other languages may be available upon inquiry.

While many of our students come to the Institute proficient in a second language, others build their second language skills prior to enrollment. We will work with you to help you meet the minimum proficiency level in your chosen language of study.

Accelerated Entry and Advanced Entry

  • Students with a relevant master’s degree (with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale) may be eligible for the accelerated entry option, allowing you to complete your degree in three full-time semesters.
  • Students with relevant professional experience (at least seven years) and a relevant master’s degree (with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale) may be eligible for an advanced-entry option, allowing you to complete your degree in two full-time semesters.
  • Please indicate that you would like to be considered for accelerated or advanced entry on your online application.