Applying

Who is eligible?

AGS welcomes students from all nationalities and from a variety of educational backgrounds.

For undergraduate study abroad programs: please click here

For Master's level programs: The core admission requirement for all Master's level programs is a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent, with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. A degree in a discipline related to the program you are considering is helpful. Nonetheless, many students attend our programs in order to branch out in complementary directions from their earlier studies, and this is taken into account both during the admission process and in designing the curricula.

For the Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy: Ph.D. candidates must have a Master's degree in International Relations or in a related field, with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. Candidates from other programs will be judged on a case-by-case basis. A strong background in history, international affairs, political science, economics, and particularly in social science methodologies is required.

Professional experience, although not required, is beneficial for all programs, especially the degree programs.

In addition, we value experience with other cultures and abilities in foreign languages (however, note that having a second language, whether French or other, is not an admission requirement.)

While AGS admissions are selective, our philosophy emphasizes individual consideration, and our Admissions Committee will take into account all aspects of your application. The important constants are a strong desire for study in the field, the capacity to keep up with an ambitious student body, and the discipline to carry through to the desired degree.

How to Apply?

To apply for one of our graduate programs, please submit the following:

• A completed AGS application form ( click here to download)

• A personal statement (between 500 and 1,000 words for degree programs; no more than 500 words for certificates and single courses). This personal statement should enable the Admissions Committee to assess your goals, motivations, and potential to do graduate level work. You may write about any experience that you deem relevant: academic, professional, or personal. Why do you believe that you are a good fit for our program?

• Your current CV or resume

• Official transcripts of all previous university-level studies

• Two letters of recommendation (only one for non-degree program applicants): these letters should be from professors who have instructed you in your last degree program. If you have been out of university for more than four years, you may provide professional recommendation letters (i.e. from employers or former employers) instead of academic recommendation letters.

• For non-native speakers of English who did not graduate from a degree program instructed in English: a standardized test of English: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. Note that AGS reserves the right to ask for an English TOEFL/IELTS score from other candidates as well if relevant.

• For M.A. and Ph.D. applicants only: GRE Score. Note that this requirement is waived for applicants who have been out of school for more than five years and for those who did not receive their undergraduate education from a US-accredited institution. Applicants who do not submit a GRE score should provide an analytical writing sample.

• For Ph.D. applicants only: a dissertation project description of 250-500 words. Please note that acceptance into the program does not mean that the dissertation project submitted during your application is approved. Once admitted, you will have the opportunity to fine-tune your topic. 

• For Ph.D. applicants only: a writing sample of previously submitted academic work, such as an article for publication in a scholarly journal or an assignment submitted during the applicant's graduate studies. Note that you may be asked to arrange an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee

• An application fee of €50, non-refundable. This can be paid online here

• For additional requirements regarding one of the dual degree options, please click here

In some cases, you may also be asked to arrange an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee, which can take place by phone or Skype.

 Download this list in PDF

Notes:

- All official documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation) in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by certified translations. Notarized translations alone will not be accepted. Translations do not replace original documents: please remember to send both.

- All documentation submitted will be confidential. Application materials cannot be returned once submitted to AGS.

How to submit your documents:

Your application should be sent by postal mail to the following address:

Admissions
American Graduate School in Paris
101, boulevard Raspail
75006 Paris
France

To speed up the application process, everything may first be submitted by email to admissions@ags.edu. The admissions committee can make a decision based on electronic documents. However, an acceptance based on non-original documents can only be conditional. The original versions of the following documents will be required in order to confirm admission into the program: official transcripts (should be sent by the university); test scores (must come directly from the testing services provider (ETS, British Council): letter(s) of recommendation (should be sent directly by the referees).

If you have any question or need any help during your application process, don’t hesitate to contact our admissions counselor Terry Verdoscia: admissions@ags.edu.

Application Deadlines (two intakes per year)

Please note that non-EU citizens will need additional time to process their visa applications. Be sure to take that into account in planning your application.

Admission decisions are made year-round, on a rolling basis. Late applications may be considered depending on space available.

After your application

You will be notified of the decision by email within four weeks of receipt of your completed application.

If admitted, you will be asked to pay a € 500 non refundable deposit if you wish to confirm your enrollment in the program. This amount will be credited towards your first semester's tuition.

Deferment

If admitted, you may request to defer your acceptance by up to one year. This can only be done once. provide a letter explaining the reasons for deferment, as well as how the time until the semester of enrollment will be used and how it may enhance your eligibility for the program. The admissions committee considers deferment requests on a case-by-case basis.

If your deferment request is accepted, you will be asked to pay a second € 500 deposit in order to re-confirm your place for the semester of entry. Both deposits are credited towards your first semester's tuition.

Please note that any scholarship that was granted to you upon your original enrollment no longer applies if you defer; if you wish you may reapply for a scholarship for your new date of enrollment.