Instructions for Applying for Graduate Study in MESALC

Applications are now being accepted for graduate study toward an MA degree in Middle Eastern or South Asian Studies at the University of Virginia. The deadline for completing your application (with all supporting materials) is 15 December. We will usually be able to make our decisions and make notifications by early February.

The following procedures obtain for submitting an application:

• Begin by going to the Admissions Website for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
• To use the GSAS online application system, you must first set up an account. Where the account registration form asks for "Academic Department/Program," click the DOWN arrow and select "Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies (MA)."
• Then complete the application form online. Some tips:
  • Specialization and Application Semester: In the section called Application Information, you will again need to elect the Intended Program and Degree ("Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies (MA)"). This time you will also need to select "Not Applicable" for the Specialization box (since our degree does not have separate specializations.
  • GRE Scores: You may not matriculate as a GSAS student without taking the GRE exam and submitting the scores. Admitted students who have not reported their scores at the time of application will therefore be required to report scores to the Graduate School before beginning classes in August.
  • Recommendation Letters: The online application system REQUIRES you to put in information about (at least) two references (writers of recommendation letters).
  • Writing sample: This does not have to be in the field of Middle Eastern or South Asian Studies. Give us a five to ten page example of your best academic writing.

  If you have further questions, please contact our Director of Graduate Studies.