Admission & Funding

Before You Apply

Please read through all information on this page before completing the Application Part 1 so that you are aware of all requirements of the admission process.

Admission to the CDE is very competitive. Each year there are many more applicants (more than 300 in 2007) than available places. Selection is based not only on specific high qualifications (see below), but also on who would benefit most from the program. In addition, interview results and at least one reference are important factors.

Candidates are responsible for securing their own financial support for studies at the CDE. Candidates should first explore the possibility of training funds from their government. The CDE will work with individual governments and sponsoring agencies to assist in this process whenever possible.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree with superior performance (many candidates also have master's degrees)
• Work experience on economic development issues, as would be gained for example in central banks, finance ministries, offices of the President or Prime Minister, departments or ministries of agriculture, health, environment.  Applications from the NGO sector also are welcome.
• Minimum TOEFL score of 550/PBT, 213/CBT, 79/iBT; or IELTS overall score of 6.0
• Good results on the GRE General Test or GMAT (see www.ets.org)

Time Line for Application Submission and Enrollment

• At least one year prior to your intended enrollment, determine when the required GRE or GMAT exams are given in your country and the registration deadlines. Prepare to take one (preferably the GRE) as early as possible and have the scores sent to Williams College (code 3965). In some countries they are only offered in October. Preparation materials are available online. Candidates from countries not offering these tests are encouraged to take either test if traveling to another country.
• At least one year prior to your intended enrollment determine when the required TOEFL or IELTS exams are given and the registration deadlines. Prepare to take one as early as possible, if English is not your first language or the language of your studies. Have the scores sent to Williams College (code 3965). Preparation materials are available online.
• Submit Application Part 1. Test dates must be included for processing.
• Submit Application Part 2, all university level transcripts and degrees, references, test scores, and copy of passport by December 31st. Afterwards, some candidates will be selected for interviews.
• Start funding research 12-18 months prior to your intended study date. Look locally within your government, then to international scholarships.
• Notification of admission decisions begins by early March.
• DS-2019 form for the J-1 visa is issued only once confirmation of funding has been received by the CDE.
• Orientation begins mid-August and the academic term begins early September.

Admission Checklist

Earlier submission of all documents is strongly encouraged to increase funding opportunities. Part 1 may be completed on-line. All documents may be submitted via email attachments, fax, or post.

• Application Part 1 - electronic on-line submission preferred, but can be submitted via email, fax, or post
• Application Part 2 - submit by email (preferred), fax or post
• Results of standardized tests - GRE and TOEFL
• Copy of first university degree and any subsequent degrees
• Transcript(s) of all academic work
• Reference - to be sent directly to the CDE by the person completing the form
• Copy of passport or birth certificate

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