Application Timeline 2025-2026

• September 15: Application opens
• Throughout the Fall: TPP hosts informational webinars for prospective students
  • Attendees must register in advance through the  events calendar
• December 15, 11:59 p.m. ET: Application Deadline
• Early January: Faculty review of applications
• Mid-March: Admissions decisions sent to applicants
• April: Accepted students begin search for Research Assistantships

Application Components

• Materials submitted via online application
  • Résumé/CV
  • Cover Letter (500 words or less)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Objectives (500 to 750 words)
  • Response to Supplemental Question (500 words or less)
  • $90 Application Fee (due at time of submission)
• Materials sent directly to MIT
  • Official Transcripts 
    • Official transcripts are sent from your university to the admissions coordinator at the address provided below.
    • Some schools use a clearinghouse such as Parchment or National Clearinghouse to send transcripts electronically. Electronic transcripts should be emailed to ebyrne@mit.edu.
  • Required Tests
    • GRE: General test
      • The GRE is optional for 2026 cycle.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that their command of English is sufficient to participate fully in the regular research and academic activities of a TPP student. They can do this by:
    • Demonstrating their main language of instruction was English in primary and secondary schools (i.e., from age 6 through age 18). or
    • Demonstrating their residency in the U.S or another country where English is an official language for a minimum of three years and demonstrating they have earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the main language of instruction. or
    • Taking the Duolingo English Test (DET). The minimum DET score expected is 140. Accommodations can be arranged. or
    • Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, academic format. The minimum IELTS score expected is 7.5. Online exam administration is OK. Accommodations can be arranged. or
    • Taking the Cambridge English Qualification, C1 Advanced Exam. The minimum score expected is 191. Accommodations can be arranged.
  • Send to:
    MIT Technology and Policy Program
    77 Massachusetts Avenue, E17-373
    Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

Application Support 

Prospective students with questions about the application or application process should contact the admissions coordinator Elena Byrne (ebyrne@mit.edu).

Talk to Current Students

Applicants can fill out this form to ask current students about their experiences in the TPP program. Your questions will not influence your application. Students should not be contacted with questions about the application or to assess an applicant’s qualifications for the program.