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Graduate Admission

Ready to make a difference in the world?

A degree from Korbel is an investment in your future, and we're here to ensure you have the information and support needed to continue your journey. We offer a range of financial aid options, including departmental scholarships and work-study positions for graduate students.

90% of students who apply by the priority deadline receive scholarships, making graduate school more affordable!

I'm Ready
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Group of five students having a study session outdoors.

Who is Korbel looking for?

Korbel looks for well-rounded students who demonstrate an interest in making our world better. There is no GPA requirement to apply, but students should have a strong handle on the English language to be successful.

At Korbel, professional staff review every single application holistically and swiftly, and it is not fed through any artificial intelligence or computer system to render admission decisions.

Admission Checklist

U.S. Domestic Applicants

International Applicants

Domestic Application Requirements

The first step in pursuing a graduate degree at Korbel is to compile all the required materials for your application. Each dropdown provides detailed information about the specific components of the application.

Create an account to begin the application and pay the $65 non-refundable fee. All materials are uploaded directly into the application. You can start and save the application incrementally and add materials at any time before you officially submit for review.

NOTE: some applicants qualify for an application fee waiver. Please see our Graduate Tuition & Merit Based Aid page to determine eligibility. If you qualify, please indicate this inside the application. Korbel does not grant application fee waivers for financial hardship.

The University of Denver requires a transcripts from every college or university attended. 

We accept unofficial transcripts at the time of admission but require official transcripts directly from the degree bearing institution no later than the start of the 2nd quarter enrolled.

Transcript Requirements: 

  • The institution and student name must be visible on all transcripts.
  • Scanned copies should be readable (8.5 x 11 inch paper).
  • If transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and the certified English translations are required.

University of Denver and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies reserves the right to request a third-party evaluation of a transcript.

GRE and GMAT are optional.

Applicants are not disadvantaged for not submitting scores. 

Describe an international or policy issue you want to address in your career, how the Korbel School will help you do that, and what unique experiences, skills, or perspectives you’ll bring to Korbel’s learning environment.

The file should be standard fonts, margins, and roughly 500-700 words.

Submit your resume or CV in a PDF format.

  • Two letters of recommendation are required. Applicants should not submit more than 3 letters.
  • Letters should come from a combination of faculty, supervisors and others that can speak to academic and professional skillset.
  • Once you input the contact information of your recommender, the application will trigger an email providing them instructions to submit their letter.

NOTE: We do not recommend mailing letters of recommendation. 

International Application Requirements

Korbel is proud to have representation from approximately 30 countries throughout our community, and we welcome students from around the world to apply and join us. We encourage you to review each dropdown for comprehensive details on the application requirements.

Create an account to begin the application and pay the $65 non-refundable fee. All materials are uploaded directly into the application. You can start and save the application incrementally and add materials at any time before you officially submit for review.

NOTE: some applicants qualify for an application fee waiver. Please see our Graduate Tuition & Merit Based Aid page to determine eligibility. If you qualify, please indicate this inside the application. Korbel does not grant application fee waivers for financial hardship.

The University of Denver requires a transcripts from every college or university attended. 

We accept unofficial transcripts at the time of admission but require official transcripts directly from the degree bearing institution no later than the start of the 2nd quarter enrolled.

Requirements:

  • The institution and student name must be visible on all transcripts.
  • If transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and the certified English translations are required.
  • Scanned copies should be readable (8.5 x 11 inch paper)

University of Denver and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies reserves the right to request a third-party evaluation of a transcript. 

The transcript review process can take two to three weeks after a submitted application is received. Be sure to complete your application ahead of time so that your transcripts can be evaluated before the application deadline.

Proof of Degree

If you earned a qualifying undergraduate degree outside the U.S., submit proof of graduation, like a degree certificate or diploma. If the document isn’t in English, include a certified English translation. If your transcript shows your full degree name and award date (month and year), you don’t need a separate proof of degree.

For help with transcript materials, contact the Office of Graduate Education.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for post-secondary degrees earned or in progress from institutions outside the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies.

A non-refundable fee of $50.00 for this service is required before the application is processed.

GRE and GMAT are optional.

Applicants are not disadvantaged for not submitting scores. 

If English was not your first language, Korbel requires proof of English Language proficiency. 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 
Minimum score: 80 (iBT)
Institution Code for TOEFL: 4842

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum Score: 6.5

Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
Minimum Score: 176

Duolingo English Test
Minimum Score: 115

Describe an international or policy issue you want to address in your career, how the Korbel School will help you do that, and what unique experiences, skills, or perspectives you’ll bring to Korbel’s learning environment.

The file should be standard fonts, margins, and roughly 500-700 words.

Submit your resume or CV in a PDF format.

  • Two letters of recommendation are required. Applicants should not submit more than 3 letters.
  • Letters should come from a combination of faculty, supervisors and others that can speak to academic and professional skillset.
  • Once you input the contact information of your recommender, the application will trigger an email providing them instructions to submit their letter.

NOTE: We do not recommend mailing letters of recommendation. 

It is encouraged to upload the below documentation at the time of application to expedite the enrollment process. It is not required to be submitted for the application to be reviewed, but it is required to enroll.

Passport

  • Prior to receiving an admission offer, the University of Denver encourages non-U.S. citizens to upload a copy of the first page (the page with the photo and name) of the passport. The University of Denver cannot issue an I-20 or DS-2019 without a passport.

Financial Verification Form

  • Submit this form along with a bank statement or certificate of deposit showing sufficient liquid funds for your estimated cost of attendance.
  • It is required to submit these forms and statements in order to be provided with an I-20. You will be prompted to submit this information upon admission. An I-20 or DS-2019 cannot be issued without financial verification.

SEVIS Supplement Form

  • Submit Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Supplement Form. The University of Denver requires this form to verify I-20 or DS-2019 information. We cannot issue an I-20 or DS-2019 without the SEVIS Supplement Form.

Timeline

  • Priority Deadline — January 16, 2025 - March 31, 2025*
    *Any applicant interested in applying for merit aid should apply by this date for best consideration
  • Rolling Admission — Through November 30, 2025
  • Deposit Deadline — November 15, 2025
  • Orientation — September 3-6, 2025
  • First Day of Classes — Monday, September 9, 2024
Priority Deadline — January 15, 2025
*Any applicant interested in applying for merit aid should apply by this date for best consideration
Rolling Admission — Through Summer 2025
Deposit Deadline â€” April 15, 2025
Orientation  â€” TBD
First Day of Classes  â€” September 8, 2025
  • Priority Deadline — January 16, 2025 - March 31, 2025*
    *Any applicant interested in applying for merit aid should apply by this date for best consideration
  • Rolling Admission — Through November 30, 2025
  • Deposit Deadline — November 15, 2025
  • Orientation — September 3-6, 2025
  • First Day of Classes — Monday, September 9, 2024
Priority Deadline — October 15, 2025
*Any applicant interested in applying for merit aid should apply by this date for best consideration
Rolling Admission — Through Fall 2025
Deposit Deadline â€” November 15, 2025
Orientation  â€” TBD
First Day of Classes  â€”  January 5, 2026

Academic calendar

Contact Admissions

Our admissions team is here to answer your questions and offer personalized guidance to support you in successfully completing your application.

Let Us Help

International Support

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team is available to support you in your transition as you prepare to relocate to Denver.

International Student Support

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