Admission

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How do I apply?

Apply to BGIA

• Bard College Annandale students must moderate before attending BGIA. Bard students must also submit an interest form before applying to BGIA. Please check with your advisor.
• If you are studying at another college in the United States, please talk to your advisor and study abroad office. Some schools may require that you submit an internal application first. Schedule a meeting with your study abroad office as soon as possible so that you are aware of any additional requirements and deadlines.
• If you are an Open Society University Network (OSUN) student, you must apply via a separate portal.

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When is the application deadline?

BGIA has two deadlines for each term: early decision and regular admission. Early decision is ideal for students who want to get a head start on the internship application process.
Fall Semester

• Regular Admission: April 1 
• Early Decision: March 15

Spring Semester

• Regular Admission: November 1
• Early Decision: October 15

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When do applications open?

Applications open roughly three months before the deadline. If you would like to be notified by email when applications open, please fill out the BGIA interest form.
Contact Us

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Who is eligible to apply to BGIA?

College sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Where applicable, we also accept recent college grads. 

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May I apply if I’m a senior?

Yes, students can attend BGIA during their senior year, or shortly after graduating.

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May I apply if I have already graduated from college?

Yes, BGIA accepts recent college graduates. Students will receive a certificate of completion and a transcript from Bard College. Grads should also consider the one-year MA in Global Studies program, which offers courses and internships in NYC.

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May I attend BGIA for more than one semester?

Bard College students may petition to do the BGIA program for a full academic year. If you are not enrolled at Bard, please ask your institution’s study abroad office.

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Are all majors welcome to apply?

BGIA is designed for students of all academic majors with a demonstrated interest in international affairs. We have had students majoring in political science, international studies, economics, history, biology, computer science, pre-law, English, music performance, gender studies, Middle Eastern studies, and many more fields. Schedule a meeting with us to see if BGIA is the right fit for your course of study.

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How competitive is the admission process?

BGIA is an extremely competitive program. We receive applications from talented students at colleges and universities across the country, and around the world via the Open Society University Network (OSUN).

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What are the key criteria for admission?

BGIA students are selected through a competitive application process, but there is no single requirement that applicants must meet. BGIA candidates may have strong writing and research skills or a track record of leadership on campus and in the community. Foreign language skills and previous work experience are also considered. Schedule a meeting with our staff to discuss if BGIA is the right fit for you.

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Does BGIA offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes, BGIA offers need-based financial aid towards the cost of tuition. Students are responsible for housing, transportation, and meal costs. If you receive federal aid, it will transfer to BGIA. Many schools allow you to transfer your institutional aid as well. Please speak with your school’s financial aid office.

If you are a student at a BGIA partner school, then your aid may transfer automatically. Please get in touch with us, and speak with your school’s study abroad office for more information.

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Does BGIA offer financial aid for international students?

Yes, international students studying in the United States are eligible for BGIA financial aid. Students from Open Society University Network (OSUN) schools should speak with their advisors, as policies vary by institution.