Why Join APSIA?

APSIA is a catalyst for building understanding, prosperity, peace and security in the world. We connect, elevate, and promote the leading professional schools of international affairs. By working with APSIA, members and affiliates transform their programs into even-more effective training grounds for leaders.

Membership Levels

APSIA offers two membership levels:

• Full Members are autonomous graduate-level entities that fulfill APSIA’s membership criteria. Members have a vote in the Council of Members. They may serve as Officers or Committee Members within the Association. Members actively contribute to APSIA’s online and in-person events. Members regularly participate in APSIA’s recruitment fairs, career services, alumni events, and promotional initiatives. The annual membership fee is US $7,500.
• Affiliate Status is available to graduate-level entities that do not seek full membership or do not fulfill all the criteria for membership.  Affiliates contribute to the APSIA community by participating in a selection of in-person and online learning opportunities. Affiliates cannot vote in the Council of Members. Affiliates have limited access to APSIA’s events. The annual affiliate fee is US $2,000. 

Explore the APSIA Membership Benefits resource for additional information about the differences between member and affiliate involvement.

Membership Criteria

As outlined in APSIA’s bylaws, an applicant university must fulfill the following criteria:

• Uphold an educational program of high academic quality;
• Maintain significant autonomy within a major university;
• Demonstrate a substantial commitment to the study of international affairs;
• Demonstrate a commitment to graduate professional training;
• Offer at least one master’s degree program requiring two years of academic coursework; and
• Graduate at least three classes from the two-year master’s degree program.

Application Process

• Prospective applicants submit an initial inquiry form.
• APSIA staff reviews the inquiry form to determine basic eligibility.  
• If basic eligibility is established, APSIA will share a complete application form with the applicant. Please note that APSIA membership/affiliate applications are by invitation only.
• Once the application materials are received in full, APSIA will write a report and pass the application for its Membership Committee for a further review. Some applications may require some follow up. APSIA staff will contact the applicant, if applicable.
• Upon review, the Membership Committee may recommend Full Membership or Affiliate Status, or they may decline the application. In cases where an applicant sought Full Membership and did not qualify, the Committee may recommend Affiliate Status instead.
• If recommended for Full Membership or Affiliate Status, the application will go to the Council of Members for a vote. If at least 3/4 of the Members vote in the affirmative, the application is accepted.

The review can take several months, but we strive to process inquiries as efficiently as possible. Please see our standard timeline below:

Applications and any follow-up materials received by	Decision made by
April 20	mid-June
July 20	mid-September
October 20	mid-December
January 20	mid-March

NOTE: APSIA welcomes one connection per parent university. Please consult the list of current members and affiliates to see if your university is already part of APSIA.