Thinking about applying to Johns Hopkins SAIS in 2025? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most prestigious names in international relations and policy education—but that also means competition. And yet, real numbers on the Johns Hopkins SAIS acceptance rate can be surprisingly hard to find. Forums like Reddit or GradCafe throw around estimates, but how hard is it really to get in?
In this post, I’ll break it down clearly: what we know (and can infer) about SAIS admissions data, how competitive the process is, what they’re really looking for in applicants, and how to improve your chances of getting in.
🔎 Table of Contents
What Is the Acceptance Rate at Johns Hopkins SAIS?
Let’s get to the heart of it: SAIS does not publicly publish a definitive acceptance rate for every program. But based on available class profile data, applicant reports, and patterns from peer schools, we can estimate the range.
- For the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program, the estimated acceptance rate is around 30%.
- For the Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and other specialized degrees like the Master’s in International Economics and Finance (MIEF), acceptance rates likely vary from 25% to 35%, depending on the year and cohort.
These numbers are inferred by comparing class size (typically 300-400 across campuses) with application volumes discussed in public forums and past SAIS admissions presentations.
⚠️ Bottom line: SAIS is selective, but not out of reach. It’s more competitive than many master’s programs, but not as exclusive as top 10 MBA programs or certain dual degrees.
SAIS Admissions Requirements
Applicants to Johns Hopkins SAIS are expected to submit:
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- A Statement of Purpose
- A graduate admissions resume (not a job resume)
- Two letters of recommendation
- English proficiency test scores (for non-native speakers)
- GRE scores (optional for some programs, but can be beneficial)
Meeting the basic SAIS admissions requirements is just the start — it’s how you present your story that really matters.
SAIS Class Profile Highlights
Here’s what the most recent class profiles tell us about who gets in:
MAIR Class Profile (Washington, DC Campus)
- Students enrolled: ~240
- Average GPA: Not listed, but estimated around 3.5 based on peer programs. A 3.5 GPA is common among admitted students, but don’t worry if you’re below that — SAIS uses a holistic review process.
- Average work experience: 2–5 years
- International students: 30%+
- Top undergraduate majors: Political science, economics, international studies, public policy
MAIA Class Profile (Bologna + DC)
- Students enrolled: ~90
- Languages spoken: Over 30
- Diversity: Highly international, broad representation from Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Work experience: Also 2–5 years on average
💡 Tip: You can view the full MAIR class profile here and the MAIA profile here.
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How Competitive Is SAIS Compared to Peer Programs?
📊 Comparing Acceptance Rates Across Top IR Programs
| School | Estimated Acceptance Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins SAIS | ~30% | Known for economics-heavy curriculum |
| Georgetown SFS (MSFS) | ~20% | Highly selective, policy focus |
| Harvard Kennedy (MPP/MPA) | ~18% | Very competitive, strong quant requirement |
| Columbia SIPA | ~30% | Larger class sizes, diverse concentrations |
| Tufts Fletcher | ~40% | Strong international focus, holistic admissions |
SAIS is very much in the top tier—especially for students with a strong economics or quantitative background. But it’s not out of reach for non-traditional applicants.
What Makes a Successful SAIS Applicant?
From years of reviewing real applicant files, here’s what typically makes a standout candidate:
- Strong academic record (doesn’t have to be perfect, but solid)
- Quantitative coursework or experience (econ, statistics, finance)
- Clear, strategic career goals that align with SAIS strengths (World Bank, diplomacy, consulting, NGOs)
- Policy or international experience (internships, fieldwork, research, or professional)
- Languages and global exposure (while not required, this helps)
- Compelling, focused Statement of Purpose that ties your background to your future plans
If you’re missing one of these elements, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the running—but you will need to compensate with clarity and positioning.
⚠️ And before you start drafting, it’s worth reviewing the top SOP mistakes that get applicants rejected — so you can avoid common pitfalls from the start.
🎥 Watch: How to Get Into a Top Master’s in International Relations Program — Strategy, Tips, and What SAIS Looks For
What If You’re Not a Traditional IR Applicant?
Let’s say you don’t have a political science degree. Or you’re pivoting from a private sector job. That’s not a dealbreaker.
SAIS has admitted applicants with backgrounds in:
- Engineering
- Journalism
- Business
- Environmental science
- Tech and data science
The key is to build a clear bridge between your past and your policy future.
How to Get Into Johns Hopkins SAIS: 4 Tips That Actually Work
Here’s where most applicants fall short—and how to avoid it:
1. Tailor Your Statement of Purpose
Show why SAIS specifically is the right fit. Mention faculty, concentrations, or the economics-heavy core. Don’t just copy-paste the same SOP you used for SIPA or Georgetown.
👉 For help crafting a compelling SOP that stands out, check out my full guide on how to write a Statement of Purpose for grad school — written by a former admissions insider.
2. Show Quant Readiness
If you didn’t major in economics, show proof you can handle the quant: take a micro or stats class, highlight your work with data, or address it head-on in your SOP.
3. Clarify Your Career Goals
Be concrete. SAIS wants to see that you know what you’re doing this for: international finance? Peacebuilding? Trade policy? Don’t be vague.
4. Leverage Your Work and Life Experience
Mid-career or non-traditional applicants can lean heavily on professional insight, leadership, or lived experience across cultures.
Here’s something most applicants overlook: Your job resume won’t cut it.
If you’re applying to SAIS or any other top international affairs program, your resume needs to be tailored for admissions, not the private sector.
Why?
- A job resume focuses on outcomes, deliverables, and titles.
- An admissions resume focuses on readiness, relevance, and trajectory.
Especially if your background doesn’t fit the mold—if you’re pivoting careers, coming from a quant-heavy role, or switching from the private sector—your Johns Hopkins SAIS admissions resume is your chance to frame the narrative
In many cases, the resume can be just as make-or-break as your Statement of Purpose. It’s one of the first documents readers scan, and if it doesn’t immediately show academic potential and fit, your file can be quietly deprioritized.
🎯 Download my free resource: The Ultimate Grad School Resume Blueprint — a step-by-step guide + template to building a resume that actually works for top programs like SAIS.
Is SAIS Worth It? Cost and Career Outcomes
The current cost of attendance is over $50,000 per year. But there are scholarships, fellowships, and campus jobs.
What makes it worth it?
- D.C. location with access to internships, think tanks, and government orgs
- Global alumni network in diplomacy, finance, consulting, and NGOs
- Career outcomes include the World Bank, UN, IMF, USAID, McKinsey, and more
FAQ: Johns Hopkins SAIS Acceptance Rate
What is the acceptance rate at Johns Hopkins SAIS?
It’s estimated at 25–35%, depending on the program.
Is SAIS harder to get into than SIPA or Georgetown?
It’s on par with SIPA and a bit less competitive than Georgetown MSFS.
Do I need an economics background to get into SAIS?
It helps, but it’s not required. You do need to show readiness for quant coursework.
Can I get into SAIS without IR experience?
Yes—if you can connect your experience to your goals and make a strong case for fit.
Does SAIS offer scholarships?
Yes, including merit scholarships and assistantships. Funding is competitive.
Final Take: What the SAIS Acceptance Rate Means for You
Don’t get too caught up in the exact number. Whether the acceptance rate is 25% or 35%, your application is never just a statistic. If you have strong motivation, a clear narrative, and a strategic application, you have a real shot.
📌 Still deciding how many schools to apply to? Here’s a practical guide to finding your ideal application list size without burning out or overspending.
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With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Dr. Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab. A former professor and admissions committee insider at UNC–Chapel Hill, he spent over a decade in academia before turning to full-time consulting.
Now a graduate school admissions consultant with over ten years of experience, Dr. Barr has helped hundreds of applicants gain admission to top PhD, MBA, and master’s programs worldwide — while staying in control of their goals, their story, and their future.
👉 For expert insights, follow him on YouTube and TikTok, or explore more at admit-lab.com.