FAQs
Find the answers to your most pressing questions.
What is the prompt for the NYU Wagner Letter of Recommendation?
Please write candidly and analytically about the applicant's qualifications and potential to carry on advanced study. Treatment of both strong and weak points will be helpful in describing such attributes as motivation, intellect, maturity, and other relevant characteristics.
Is the GRE or GMAT required for admission?
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be written by people who know you well and who have been responsible for evaluating your academic or professional work. Professors and workplace supervisors are both appropriate.
Application Checklist
View the NYU Wagner Application Checklist to review application deadlines and other checklist items for domestic and international applicants.
What are the application deadlines?
Please review our Application Timetable for all degree program deadlines.
Does my recommender have to use the recommendation form that is provided with the application?
It is preferred that recommenders fill out the forms that are supplied electronically via email. Once you enter your recommendation letter writer names in the application, they will receive a link.
Are merit-based scholarships available?
Yes, the program has limited fellowship and scholarship resources. Around 20% of the incoming class will receive merit-based aid. We assess all applications for merit-based scholarships. Our fellowships do require a separate essay in the application.
How do I submit official transcript information from a non-U.S. school?
When reviewing your credentials we will need to know the courses you completed, the grades/evaluations you received for those classes, and that you were awarded your degree.
Am I eligible for the Goldberg Fellowship?
If you are pursuing full-time enrollment in the MUP or MPA programs, then you are eligible. You will be considered if you submit the additional fellowship essay (in "Financial Aid" section of application) along with your full application by the fellowship deadline.
What are the average TOEFL/IELTS scores for admission?
If you are submitting a TOEFL, we require a score of 100 or above. For the IELTS, we require a score of 7.0 or above (7.5 or above strongly encouraged). If you are applying for the EMPA for Global Policy Leaders, a TOEFL of 109 or IELTS of 7.5 is required.
What is the minimum GRE score the admissions committee requires?
No minimum score is required, and the GRE is optional for all programs except the PhD in Public Administration and MS in Public Policy.
What is the application process for a merit-based scholarship?
You should complete the application process as early as possible (by the first deadline). As long as all required materials are received and an application package is deemed complete, you will be given priority consideration for all available merit-based scholarships (and fellowships).
Is work experience required for admission?
While we do prefer to see about 2 years of relevant professional experience (including full-time, part-time, internship or volunteer experience), this is not a requirement of admission. Students who do not have
Are students given any opportunities to work with professors?
Students may have the opportunity to work with faculty through research projects or as a graduate assistant.
What is the application notification timetable?
The admissions review at NYU Wagner is conducted on a modified rolling basis. Each deadline has a specific notification date. Once an application is completed, it will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review.
Can I use previously submitted recommendation letters from an old application?
If you wish to reapply for a future semester, you will need to submit new letters of recommendation to accompany your new application. We ask you to submit new letters to ensure that your application reflects your most recent and relevant experience.
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
You must take TOEFL (or IELTS) if you did not receive a postsecondary degree from a program instructed exclusively in English.
What if my transcript is not in English?
You are required to submit both the official transcript and its English translation. If the institution you attend/attended does not provide an English translation with the official transcript, you must obtain a certified English translation before submitting your application.
Does NYU Wagner offer financial aid?
Yes, NYU Wagner provides a range of financial aid opportunities, including merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
What is the tuition amount for NYU Wagner?
You can learn more about tuition, other fees, and estimated cost of attendance here.
Does NYU Wagner offer interviews?
Interviews are only part of the admissions process for those who are fellowship semi-finalists, as well as some EMPA and dual-degree candidates (BA/MPA, BA/MUP, and BS/MUP), at the request of the review committee.
How many credits must I complete to obtain a Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy Master's Degree at NYU Wagner?
You must complete 45 credits. Most full-time students take 12 credits per semester. Most part-time students take 6 credits per semester. You can also take January term and summer term courses.
How long does it take to complete the MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy Program?
As a full-time student, you can complete the degree in two years. Part-time students generally take 3-4 years. There is much flexibility to move from full-time to part-time on a semester by semester basis as it fits your schedule.