Application Process
The Institute seeks dedicated students aspiring to be changemakers and innovators, creating positive impacts globally. Applicants must submit all the written responses and required evidence listed below.
Start your application
Step 1
Key application dates
Apply by: 1st April, 2025
Step 2
Gather your required documents
Read below for further information.
Step 4
Contact and enquiry email
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email us at admissions@newlinesinstitute.org or call us at 202-559-5024
Written responses
Application form
Statement of purpose
Each applicant is required to submit a statement of purpose. While there is no specific word limit, we recommend a response of 500-1,000 words, double-spaced. Precision is crucial – please avoid vague responses. Remember that your written documents represent you – thorough proofreading is advised. Ensure that your name is included in the statement. Please respond to the following prompts:
- Explain your motivation for pursuing the Master of Arts in Strategy and Policy at New Lines Institute.
- Articulate the reasons behind your career choice in foreign policy.
- Elaborate on your academic and other endeavors to cultivate this passion.
- Detail how this program will propel you toward your professional goals.
Analytical essay
In 1,000 words or fewer, identify and analyze what you perceive as the primary threat to global security, and why. What short- and long-term approaches would you suggest to best mitigate the threat?
Resume/CV
Applicants should submit their current resume or CV in a suitable format. We acknowledge the diversity of global CV templates and varying levels of experience in creating them. Although common in some regions, please refrain from including personal details such as your photo, date of birth, gender, marital status, or other similarly protected information. These factors do not influence the admission process. You should concisely present your prior work experience, educational background, and relevant skills.
Evidence provision
Letter of recommendation
Educational requirements
All US-based applicants must provide evidence of a baccalaureate degree or higher from an educational institution located in the United States, accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For institutions outside the United States, accreditation or similar acknowledgment by an agency deemed acceptable is at the Institute’s discretion.
During the application process, unofficial transcripts may be submitted, but official transcripts must be received for a student to attain full admission to the program. There is no formal GPA cutoff; instead, a candidate’s transcript is reviewed holistically as a part of the overall application.
Applicants submitting international education credentials must provide an official course-by-course evaluation from a member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). This evaluation ensures equivalency with graduation from an undergraduate or graduate program, establishing eligibility for admission to a graduate program in a U.S. university.
In cases where transcripts are issued in both a foreign language and English, applicants are only required to submit the English version.
Interview
Meet with our admissions team to discuss your goals and expectations, and determine your compatibility with the program.
English proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate college readiness by providing evidence of English proficiency.
Proof of ID
Please submit a scanned copy or photocopy of a government-issued photo identification (e.g., passport or state-issued license). Upon admission and before the commencement of classes, students must present this official legal document to their admissions officer to facilitate the verification of identity.
Enrollment agreement
Applicants should thoroughly read, comprehend, and agree to the terms outlined in the enrolment agreement.
Optional documents
Applicants who wish to provide additional insights into their applications are encouraged to consider the following options:
Circumstances statement
In instances where difficulties or circumstances may impact the understanding of prior education transcripts or grades, a statement explaining these circumstances is welcomed.
Professional portfolio submission
Submit a portfolio of professional work that showcases your abilities. This may include materials generated through work experience, special projects, or other relevant items.
Academic portfolio submission
Submit a portfolio of academic work that enhances our understanding of your academic abilities. This may encompass materials from your high school experience, including participation in special projects.
Essential information
Level/program: graduate
Cost per credit: $333.33
Cost per 3-credit course: $1000.00
Cost of 36-credit program: $12,000.00
Tuition and fees are subject to change. To learn more about our fees, download the fee table.
Applicants for this year’s cohort will be eligible for a full scholarship scheme, alongside a paid internship as part of the program to assist with the cost of living.
Credit and/or debit cards: Credit and/or debit card payments are accepted online through the Student Portal. We accept Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
NOTE: Online payments can be made by using multiple cards. Please note that the same card cannot be used more than once in the same 24-hour period.
Checks: All checks should be made payable to New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, with the student’s New Lines Institute ID number and name written on the memo line. Checks that are already endorsed are not accepted. Checks must be payable in U.S. dollars with an intermediary bank in the U.S.
Traditional wire transfers: To make a traditional wire transfer to the institute, please contact the Student Accounts Office for further instructions. When sending a wire transfer, be sure to include the student’s full name and student ID number.
Money orders: Money orders should be made payable to New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy. Money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars. Please be sure to include the student’s full name and student ID number with the money order.
Demand drafts: The Institute will accept demand drafts (DDs) only if the funds are drawn on a US bank and in US currency. Drafts should only total the amount of tuition and fees for the semester for which the student is paying. All demand drafts received which exceed the amount of total tuition and fees for that semester will be refunded only after the Demand Draft is processed and settled.
NOTE: The Student Accounts Office does not accept payments over the phone.
Admissions Policy on Plagiarism, Originality, and Use of AI-Generated Content
New Lines Institute maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism, including the use of content generated in whole or in part by generative AI tools. All written materials submitted as part of the admissions process must be original and authored solely by the applicant.
This policy is in place to:
- Uphold academic integrity and honesty
- Ensure fairness and equity among applicants
- Preserve the authenticity of the applicant’s voice and expression
- Support holistic admissions decisions based on the applicant’s own critical thinking and communication skills
- Promote readiness for graduate-level academic work
- Address potential intellectual property concerns
Cancellation and refund policy
An applicant who provides written notice of cancellation within three (3) business day, excluding weekends and holidays, of executing the Enrollment Agreement is entitled to a refund of all monies paid less any non-refundable fee required as part of the application process. If no admission fee is required at the time of admittance, then any/all funds would be refundable.
An applicant requesting cancellation more than three (3) days after executing the Enrollment Agreement may elect to cancel the Enrollment Agreement with no financial penalty at any point prior to the start of the term or the end of the add/drop period. Any cancellation that takes place after the add/drop period will follow the institute’s stated Cancellation and Refund Policy.
If a student elects to withdraw from the institute, the following refund schedule will be used to determine any outstanding financial obligation for which the student may be responsible:
| Last Day of Attendance Notice | Tuition Refund Amount* |
| Up to the last day of add/drop period | 100% of the tuition |
| After the add/drop & through 25% of the session | 75% of the tuition |
| Through 50% of the session | 50% of the tuition |
| Through 75% of the session | 25% of the tuition |
| After 75% of the session | No refund will be issued |
*Excludes any fees
Institutional withdrawal policy
New Lines Institute distinguishes between official, student-initiated withdrawals from administrative withdrawals.
A student may withdraw from the institute when circumstances beyond the student’s control make it impossible for them to complete their coursework for the semester. A student wishing to withdraw from the institute must complete the relevant section of the Institutional Withdrawal Form, obtain the school officials’ signatures, and submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office. This is considered an official withdrawal from the institute.
If a student fails to attend for a period of 14 consecutive calendar days of classes for which they are registered in each semester, the institute will decide as to whether the student intends to return to classes or should be administratively withdrawn (unofficial withdrawal) from their program of study. The decision to maintain a student in an active status beyond the determination on the 14th day will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Students who do not attend class within the first 14 calendar days of the term will be administratively withdrawn from their course(s) and will not be permitted to re-register for that semester.
Students who fail to register by the end of week 2 of the first semester are automatically considered administratively withdrawn from the Institute.