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Programs

Applying to the MPIA Program



Planning your application for Fall 2010 Admission


Thank you for your interest in applying to the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS) Master of Pacific and International Affairs (MPIA). We look forward to working with you throughout the process of completing your application for admission.

Application Information

The IR/PS admissions process uses the UC San Diego online application system. The application for Fall 2010 admission is currently available.

The online application is meant to make the process of applying as easy and convenient as possible.  Once you begin your application, you have the ability to log in and out of the system and make edits to your application as many times as you wish. However, you can only submit your application one time. If you have updates to any information you have submitted, please notify the Office of Admissions.

Application Materials

Application to the MPIA program requires the submission of the materials listed below. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the application deadline. All materials, except official academic transcript(s), can be submitted through the online application.

You can access the online application through the UC San Diego graduate application website: https://graduateapp.ucsd.edu

The application requires the following:

  • Essays
    • First Essay: Statement of Purpose

      • Your professional objectives in international affairs and/or research interests

      • How your background has prepared you to pursue these objectives

    • Second Essay Topic

      • An essay about your three most significant strenghts OR three most significant weaknesses

    • Optional Statement/Supplemental Essay

      • This is an opportunity for you to address a matter that is not already addressed elsewhere in your application and that you feel will help the Admissions Committee to understand challenges you have overcome or other circumstances that affected your successes.

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Standardized tests

    • TOEFL- All international applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking and receiving passing scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

    • GRE or GMAT test scores

      • GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
        Use UCSD code R4836 and IR/PS code 1901
        For more information, visit GRE

      • GMAT: Graduate Management Admissions Test
        Use UCSD code 3NS-TK-33
        For more information, visit GMAT

  • Transcripts


Application Deadlines

Early deadline: December 4, 2009
Standard deadline: January 15, 2010
The early deadline ensures that you receive an earlier decision.

After January 15, MPIA applications are reviewed in the order received on a rolling admissions basis.

Students will be notified within 4 - 6 weeks of receipt of entire application.

Mailing Supplemental IR/PS Application Materials

Except for transcripts and GMAT scores, all application materials can be submitted electronically either through the online application or by email to the IR/PS Office of Admissions. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the application deadline

Send any materials that cannot be submitted electronically to the address below.

        IR/PS Office of Admissions
        Re: MPIA
        University of California, San Diego
        9500 Gilman Drive, #0520
        La Jolla, CA 92093-0520
        United States of America

Thank you again for your interest in IR/PS.

For additional information, including application information, please contact the Office of Admissions.


Reapplying to IR/PS

Students who were not offered admission to IR/PS may reapply in subsequent years. Applicant files are kept for one year. Please contact IR/PS Admissions at irps-apply@ucsd.edu to notify us of your intent to reapply and to confirm your application materials are still on file.

All individuals reapplying to IR/PS must submit a new application, pay the application fee, and adhere to any new application requirements. Certain materials, such as test scores, transcripts, and letters of reference may be used again. Notify the IR/PS Admissions office in writing and indicate which documents, if any, you wish to reuse.


IR/PS adheres to all University of California policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. For more information, please visit the UC San Diego Office of Graduate Studies.