Application Instructions

We encourage you to apply online for the following: Master's degree programs, Bachelor's degree in International Studies, and foreign language or certificate programs. Our online application allows you to complete your application anytime, pay the application fee, and receive immediate notification of its submission. Your statement of purpose and resume may also be submitted online. Academic transcripts and recommendations should be sent directly to Admissions.

Application Fee

You can pay this fee with a credit or debit card, check from a US bank, International Postal Order in US dollars, or wire transfer. You can use credit or debit card to pay the application fee online.

Please send checks and postal orders with hard copy applications. To pay with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express over the phone, please contact the Cashier’s Office at (831) 647-6434. The Cashier also provides instructions for wire transfers.

Please make all checks payable to:
Monterey Institute of International Studies
Attn: Admissions Office
460 Pierce Street
Monterey, CA 93940 USA

Fed ID: #94-1425570
CA ID: #216-09672

Statement of Purpose and Resume

Your statement of purpose should explain who you are, including your motivations for pursuing graduate studies and future academic or career objectives. Your resume should highlight your educational background and professional experience.

Undergraduate Transcripts

Official transcripts should be sent in a sealed envelopes from all academic institutions attended. If your school does not provide original transcripts, we will accept certified copies. Please provide certified English translations for non-English language transcripts.

For those currently attending degree programs, we will grant admission conditional upon satisfactory degree completion and final transcript results.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation should be written by individuals qualified to evaluate your educational background and professional experiences. Appropriate individuals include university professors, employers, supervisors, or commanding officers.  They should send the letters directly to Admissions at enroll@miis.edu.

No forms are provided. Please clearly identify the applicant's full name in the letter. All letters must be written or translated to English.

Standardized Test Scores

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores are required for the Fisher International MBA program. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are recommended - not required - for all other graduate programs only if they will enhance your application. We  consider strong scores in scholarship decisions. Please use our four-digit institution code [4507] to send us the scores.

International Students

Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English proficiency from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations. Applicants who were educated in the U.S. or the United Kingdom may be exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement. Please contact Admissions to waive this requirement.

International students are not US citizens or permanent residents, and they enter the US on an F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant visa for the purpose of higher education. US federal regulations require international students to demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their first academic year. Admitted students must submit a Certificate of Financial Responsibility to obtain their F-1 or J-1 status. It is not necessary to submit the Certificate with the application.  Visit the Office of International Services for more information about visa applications.

Program-Specific Requirements

Translation and Interpretation Programs: Early Diagnostic Tests
This two hour, take-home test includes both written and oral exercises designed to assess your language proficiency level. Please contact Admissions to request the test. The Early Diagnostic Test should be submitted to edt@go.miis.edu before May 1st to prevent delays in the admissions process.

The Teaching Foreign Language Program: Language Interview and Writing Sample
This writing sample should be a two to three page document on any topic in your language of instruction. Language faculty will contact applicants by phone or email to arrange the interview.

Second Language Proficiency

When submitting your application for admission, if the Admissions Committee has any questions about your second language capabilities, you may be contacted by our Language Requirements Coordinator and asked to take a self-administered language diagnostic test and to clarify how you acquired your second language capabilities. If appropriate, the Language Coordinator may work with you to devise a Language Learning Plan to help ensure that you are on track for successfully passing the Language Placement exam administered at New Student Orientation.