Arabic & Islamic Studies

Application Procedures


Entering students are required to have Arabic language competence equivalent at least to that attained by the end of the third year of intensive language study in the undergraduate program at Georgetown University.  To upgrade their proficiency, students may be required to enroll in language classes concurrent with their graduate program.  A placement exam is administered upon admission to the program. Study in the Arab world is strongly advised before completion of the Ph.D. degree; course equivalences will be evaluated for possible transfer of credit.

Admission Requirements:

 In addition to advanced proficiency in Arabic, admission application requirements include:

  1. A completed Graduate School application form.
  2. A non-refundable application fee.
  3. A statement of purpose in English of approximately 500 words.
  4. Official transcripts of the applicant’s academic record.
  5. Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from professors who have taught the applicant.
  6. A completed departmental Supplemental Data Sheet: must be downloaded and filled, then submitted with the online application. 
  7. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
  8. For non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL score of at least 620 (260 for the computer-based test), or the IELTS test with a score of at least 7.5.
  9. Writing Sample:  a 10-20 page, scholarly essay, preferably on a topic related to the applicant’s field of study.

Obtain an online application form at:
http://grad.georgetown.edu/pages/app_procedures.cfm
The application requirements checklist is detailed at:
http://grad.georgetown.edu/pages/application_requirements.cfm
For detailed Admission requirements, see the Graduate School website:
http://grad.georgetown.edu/pages/admission_of_applicants.cfm

The Graduate School telephone number is:  202-687-5974.  E-mail: gradmail@georgetown.edu

GRE scores:
GRE scores are required for all native English-speaking applicants and foreign students with degrees from colleges and universities where the primary language of instruction is English. There is no minimum required GRE score.

English Language Writing Test:
Non-native speakers of English, if admitted to the program, are required to take an on-campus English Language Screening Test before they register for their first semester of studies at Georgetown. 

This is usually administered on the morning of the first day of registration.  On the basis of the test, the Division of English as a Foreign Language will recommend appropriate courses, if required. 

Graduate students with a TOEFL score of 620 or above are exempt from this requirement.


Application deadlines:
Students applying for financial aid must complete the application procedure with all documentation by February 1.  General application deadlines are:

January 3 for Fall admission (with fellowship consideration)
June 1 for Fall admission
November 1 for Spring admission

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