Application Process

SIT Admissions strives to create a diverse and experienced student body to enhance the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.

SIT students represent a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and come from across the globe. They have worked for educational institutions, NGOs, and in the public and private sectors. They include activists working on issues of social justice and human rights, teachers, international education professionals, and returned Peace Corps volunteers, as well as individuals looking to work in those areas. SIT students include experienced professionals who want to sharpen their skills, mid-career professionals seeking to change careers or boost their credentials, and recent college graduates.

To be considered for admission to a master’s or certificate program, you must have the following:

Master of Arts Degrees and Graduate Certificate in International Education

• US bachelor’s degree or an equivalent that demonstrates academic ability (not applicable for some certificate programs). Applicants from institutions outside the US must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing.
• Demonstrated English language ability (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning

Doctorate in Global Education (EdD)

• Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) from a graduate master’s degree program of 3.5.
• Demonstrated English language ability (see details below).
• Demonstrated interest in the EdD degree at SIT and the ability to address how your prior academic and professional experiences have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies.
• Ability to process your research topic and its significance to the field and identify your professional goals for the program.

SIT does not require applicants to take the GRE exam.

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution in a country whose official language is English must submit test scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or the PTE (Pearson Test of English). (You can access free TOEFL and IELTS  practice tests online.)

• Applicants taking the TOEFL must receive a minimum score of
  • 600 on the paper-based test (PBT),
  • 250 on the computer-based test (CBT), or
  • 100 on the internet-based iBT.
    • SIT’s code for the internet-based test is 3788, and our name is School for International Training.
• Applicants taking the IELTS must receive a score of Band 7.0 or higher.
• Applicants taking the PTE must receive a minimum score of 68.

These scores are considered the minimum proficiency needed to undertake graduate-level work. Scores must be dated within two years of the start date of your academic program at SIT.

Part-Time, Hybrid Programs

It is recommended that applicants to SIT’s part-time, hybrid programs are currently working in their field of study and have experience and familiarity with instructional technology, distance learning, and/or independent learning.

SIT Graduate Institute’s Selection Process

Our admissions staff members work individually with every applicant to facilitate a well-informed and multidimensional admissions experience: As you become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education — grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments — you will be able to determine for yourself the ways in which SIT can help you meet your educational and career objectives.

More specific admissions requirements for each program can be found on each degree page.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

SIT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, military status, veteran status, or other non-merit reasons, in admissions, educational programs, or activities and employment, and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that specifically prohibits sex discrimination in education. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual assault”

To help you get started, here are the required elements of a complete master’s degree program application (certificate application elements may vary):

• A completed online application form.
• A $50 (US) application fee. Applicants who were referred by an SIT alumnus may submit an Alumni Referral Voucher in place of the application fee.
• Completed essays, typed in English, answering all questions. View essay questions for all degrees.
• A professional résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Letter or letters of reference sent directly to SIT from the reference writers.
  • Applicants to the doctorate program – 3 letters required. Applicants are encouraged, if possible, to submit two academic references and one professional reference.
  • Applicants to master’s programs and the graduate certificate in international education – 3 letters required. If possible, send a reference from a current or most recent supervisor who knows your work. Do not submit more than two academic references.
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities (including study abroad programs).

For applications to the Doctorate in Global Education program, SIT requires a graduate master’s program GPA of 3.5. Note: In some countries, the term “transcript” may not be a familiar term. To be official, a transcript must include the following:

1. Your name
2. The institution’s name
3.  Student identification number
4. Date of birth
5. Dates you attended the institution
6. Titles of the specific courses or subjects in which you were enrolled
7. Number of hours of instruction or other learning involved in each course or subject
8. Grade, mark, or other evaluation you received for each course or subject
9. Degree, diploma, certificate, or other qualifications awarded for completion of studies.

To be official, the document(s) must contain the institution’s stamp or other certification that clearly indicates authenticity. In cases where the above requested information is not available, an applicant should contact the SIT admissions office for advice on the best way to proceed. In cases where the transcript is not in English, an original certified translation must accompany the official document.

Doctorate in Global Education
November 1 priority deadline followed by rolling admissions until the January 31 final deadline

Master of Arts and Graduate Certificates 

U.S. students, permanent residents – January 31 priority deadline, followed by rolling admissions until full or final deadlines as noted below:

• Part-Time Hybrid final deadline – April 1
• Full-Time Global final deadline – June 1

International students

Part-Time Hybrid – Your application must be submitted and completed by November 1. No Rolling Admissions. Admissions decisions will be issued by December 1. Offered students must submit a completed Certificate of Finance by January 15 and make payment for the full first semester’s tuition by February 1.

Full-Time Global – Your application must be submitted and completed by January 31. No Rolling Admissions. Admissions decisions will be issued by March 1. Offered students must submit a completed Certificate of Finance by March 15 and make payment for the full first semester’s tuition by April 1.

Complete visa information and requirements can be viewed, here.

Financial Aid

Financial aid available on a rolling basis. Students must submit their enrollment deposit within two weeks of financial aid award notification.

CONTACT Summer Peacebuilding Program

Application Deadline – Priority deadline is January 31. Rolling admission until May 15 for US citizens, residents, and all other students who do not require a visa or already hold a B1/B2 visa.

Confirmation Deadline – Students must submit $400 deposit within two weeks of being admitted. International students must submit full payment before receiving DS-2019.
DS-2019 Deadline for J1 Visas – March 1

Admissions Decisions
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Admissions decisions will be sent initially via email; an official paper copy will also be sent by mail.

Submitting Your Deposit: US Citizens and Permanent Residents
To secure your place in the incoming class, please contact SIT’s Student Accounts office to to pay your $400 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks of your financial award notification. You can also contact SIT Student Accounts to pay your deposit over the phone. Within the US: 800 336-1616 | Outside the US: 802 258-3510

Students not applying for / receiving financial aid
Please send your deposit within two weeks of receiving your admissions decision.

Submitting Your Deposit: International Students
Because international students must pay their first semester tuition and fees as part of their student visa process, SIT does not require the $400 deposit payment for international students. International students should review the information concerning student visas and focus their efforts on completing the necessary steps to obtain their I-20 and student visa, as outlined in the deadline section above.

Financial Aid 
Financial Aid decisions are made on a rolling basis after you have been admitted into one of our graduate programs.

SIT Graduate Institute is committed to helping students from all socioeconomic backgrounds follow their passion and realize their potential through an SIT master’s degree.

As part of SIT’s commitment to student success, we provide nearly 90 percent of our students with scholarships and grants from SIT funds.

US students and permanent residents may apply for federal student loans, and international applicants are eligible for specially designated financial aid funds administrated by SIT.

Please visit the Financial Aid section of the website for complete information.