Applying to CMES

Fall 2026 Admissions Update: Admissions to the joint PhD programs in Middle Eastern studies have been paused and will not be accepting applications for Fall 2026

Welcome, prospective students! Thank you for your interest in the graduate degree programs at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) at Harvard University.

Applications to CMES graduate programs are administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS), and are accepted online only. You will find application deadlines and information, including letters of recommendation, GRE, English Proficiency, and Transcripts, on the Harvard Griffin GSAS website as well.

We welcome applications from students with a demonstrated interest in Middle Eastern Studies. Strong recommendations, a compelling statement of purpose, and a writing sample are vital to a successful application. The GRE is optional, not required. Prior language training in a Middle Eastern language is not a prerequisite, although it is advantageous to one’s application. All application materials, including GRE and TOEFL scores, must be submitted to GSAS by the deadline.

Prospective students should read the program descriptions (AM and PhD) carefully before submitting their applications. Students should also consult the CMES Prospective Student FAQs for answers to common questions about applying to CMES.

For more information about applying to a CMES graduate program through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, including a link to the online application, please visit the GSAS Admissions website.

Still Have Questions?

Please review the program, admissions, and FAQ information on this website and the admissions and CMES-related sections of the Harvard Griffin GSAS website thoroughly. If you have specific program-related questions not addressed there, please contact Haley Stramel.