Before You Apply
Please read through all information on this page before completing the Application 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 2009) 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.
Application Documents and Forms
To complete an application, you need to submit:
- Application Form: Part 1
- CV (1-2 pages)
- Transcript of all university degrees showing individual courses and grades received
- GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if available)
After submission of these initial materials, strong candidates will be invited to submit additional documents within two weeks.
Funding
There are a number of international scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Review the funding information and apply for as many scholarships as possible. This list is not exhaustive and you should explore other potential sources of funding as well.
Cost Sheet for 2012-2013
Tuition and Fees: $45,500
Other Expenses: $16,910
Total Required for Visa Certification: $62,410
More Details
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 (required if offered as a computer based test in your country, otherwise strongly recommended)
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. In some countries they are offered only 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 primary language of your studies. Have the scores sent to Williams College. Preparation materials are available online.
- Submit Application Part I, CV, transcript, and GRE & TOEFL/IELTS scores (if available) by December 1.
- After submission of initial materials, strong candidates will be invited to submit additional documents within two weeks.
- Start researching funding opportunities 12-18 months prior to your intended study date. Look locally within your government, then to international scholarships.
- Notification of admission decisions begins in early March.
- Support for US visas is provided only after funding is secured.
- The orientation program begins in mid-August.