Are you an international applicant (not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) with questions about our traditional MPA admissions process? If so, keep reading to find answers to some frequently asked questions!

When are international admissions applications reviewed for a decision?

The MPA program has two international application deadlines for fall 2026:

• November 1, 2025 – early deadline
• January 13, 2026 – final deadline

International admissions decisions are released in two rounds: after the early and final deadlines. We encourage you to submit your online application by November 1 (and submit all other required materials by November 8) if you wish to receive an early decision. Admissions decisions will be released approximately ten weeks after each deadline.

Application tip: Review the tMPA admissions packet for a comprehensive list of required materials and detailed application instructions.

Are all of the application materials required by the application deadline?

To be considered in the early decision round, your online application must be submitted by November 1, and all other required application materials must be received by November 8. For the second decision round, the online application must be submitted by January 13, and all other required materials must be received by January 20. Applications that are completed after the final deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis only.

Application tip: Plan ahead! On average, it takes about 3-4 weeks for official test scores to be sent, received, and added to an applicant’s record.

Should I wait to submit my transcript until fall grades are posted?

You should submit your most recent transcript, even if your fall grades are not available at the time you submit your application. You will have the option to submit an updated transcript through the McCombs application portal after your fall grades are available.

Are GMAT or GRE scores required?

Submitting GMAT or GRE scores is optional. Please refer to this admissions blog post for additional details. If you report GMAT or GRE test scores or a future test date in the admissions application, we will hold on a decision until the official test scores are received from the testing agency. Please notify the MPA admissions team if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

Do I need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if I studied in the U.S. or another English-only speaking country?

You are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if you are from a qualifying country or if you hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or an institution from a qualifying country.* However, even if you are exempt, you are welcome to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate your English proficiency. You also will have the opportunity to demonstrate your English speaking proficiency in your video essay.

*Please note that the test requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master’s—but not a bachelor’s—degree from an English-only speaking country. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must submit official TOEFL or IELTS test scores.

Do I need to submit a foreign credential evaluation from WES or another organization?

You do not need to submit a foreign credential evaluation if you studied outside of the U.S. However, if your transcript is written in a language other than English, you must upload an official English translation with the original transcript.

Do I need to submit financial documentation with my application?

The financial information is used for immigration document processing, not for admissions purposes. If you gain admission to the MPA program, the International Office will require the financial documentation before issuing the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.