Our master’s degree application is now live
The master’s degree application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available. Whether you’re focused on economic inequality, climate change, the health of democracy, international development, technology, or national security, you’ll gain the skills and network to make an impact at Harvard Kennedy School. We hope you will apply to join us....
How to request a GRE/GMAT waiver
June 02, 2025 For the upcoming application cycle, we will continue to waive the GRE/GMAT requirement for Master in Public Policy (MPP) and Master in Public Administration (MPA) applicants who have successfully completed certain quantitative coursework....
Read the Class of 2024 Employment Snapshot
Each spring, the Office of Career Advancement publishes an employment report highlighting the employment outcomes of the previous year’s graduating class. ...
MPP students highlight their work at this year’s Policy Analysis Exercise Showcase
Each spring, second-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) students complete the Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE), during which they examine and develop solutions for a pressing issue presented by a client organization. This year, students proposed innovative policy recommendations on topics ranging from instant payment systems in Brazil and India to adapting to flood risk in New York City. ...
Our 2025 Class Day student speakers reflect on their HKS experiences
The HKS community came together for the Class of 2025 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28 to celebrate the achievements of members of the graduating class and the faculty and staff members who supported them along the way. During the event, student representatives—nominated by their peers—delivered addresses on behalf of each of their degree programs. Kennedy School Student Government (KSSG) President Zubair Merchant MPP 2025 opened up the ceremony, and Master in Public Policy (MPP) speaker Caren Yap MPP 2025 and Master in Public Administration (MPA) speaker Sadie Harlan MPA/MBA (Stanford) 2025 followed. ...
Admission decisions have been released—now what?
Admission decisions and financial aid awards have been released. Applicants, log into your applicant status page using the credentials you used to submit your application and click “View Update” to view your decision....
Striving to work together—even in disagreement—at the 2025 Mexico Conference
March 10, 2025 The student-led Mexico Conference returned to Harvard Kennedy School last month for its eighth consecutive year to address critical issues affecting Mexico, the United States, and the world. ...
An HKS scholar explores options for the U.S. health insurance system under Trump
America’s health insurance system is a “complex patchwork quilt,” says HKS Associate Professor of Public Policy Mark Shepard. “There’s Medicare over here, there’s Medicaid over here, there’s employer coverage here, but there’s a big hole in the middle. Before Obamacare, a lot of people didn't have health insurance coverage, and what Obamacare tried to do was to put another patch on our quilt to get people covered, and it succeeded. But there’s still a lot of holes in the quilt, and so coverage is incomplete.” We asked Shepard to explain that patchwork system, how we got to where we are today, and what could happen to health insurance under the new administration of President Trump—who tried to repeal Obamacare in 2017. The interview has been edited for length and clarity....
HKS experts look at how Trump’s statements and actions could shape our democracy, economy, and foreign policy
It was a fast-paced first few weeks for President Trump featuring cabinet confirmations, controversial executive orders, and high political theater. A recent John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics (IOP) offered an opportunity for HKS professors and IOP fellows to analyze what we have seen and forecast what we might expect in the next four years....
MPA/ID Coffee Hours: Conversations between current and prospective students in Jakarta, Indonesia
Reni Windari MPA/ID 2025 and Ian Nurseto MPA/ID 2025 met with prospective students in Jakarta, Indonesia to discuss the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program. At this event, the hosts addressed the MPA/ID curriculum, campus community, and student life....
Lessons in lobbying
Students in HKS Professor David King’s policy entrepreneurship course learned important lessons about lobbying through an immersive simulation exercise this fall semester....
Meet the Spring 2025 Graduate Student Ambassadors
We’re excited to introduce our Spring 2025 Graduate Student Ambassadors, who work with the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid to give prospective students insight into the student experience at HKS. These student ambassadors will lead campus tours, conduct information sessions, answer questions from prospective and admitted students, and participate in additional virtual and on-campus programming....