Please note: the NMES program will not be accepting applications during the 2025-2026 year for entry in Autumn 2026
Please check back in summer 2026 for updates about admissions during the 2026-2027 cycle.
Below you can find general information about admissions timelines and requirements during years when the NMES program accepts applications (not applicable in 2025-2026)
Deadlines
The application deadline is generally January 15 for autumn quarter admission. There is only one start date annually. Applicants can expect to receive a notification of the outcome of our admissions process before March 1. Admitted students must accept or decline their offers of admission by April 15th.
Procedures
Qualified applicants will have acquired an M.A. or its equivalent in a discipline or field directly related to the proposed Ph.D. work, a third-year competence in a regional language, and a reading knowledge of a second language pertinent to his/her/their Ph.D. research.
To apply for this program, submit the following via the online application:
- On-line Graduate Admissions application.
- Unofficial transcripts of all college work.
- Three letters of recommendation submitted online. (These should be academic references. If possible, one should be a language reference, and at least one should be from a scholar familiar with the applicant’s work in the humanities, history and/or social sciences. Lacking one of these, a professional/employer letter may be submitted.)
- Writing sample–preferably an academic work. Indicate the original purpose of the writing sample (e.g., M.A. Thesis, a course term paper, a scholarly presentation, etc.)
- Résumé or vita.
- TOEFL or other English Language Proficiency test scores (international students only).
- Statement of purpose with the Program Application Form. The statement of purpose should describe succinctly the applicant’s background, proposed course of study, and future goals in one to two pages, single-spaced. Be as specific as possible regarding the areas of interest and the languages proposed for Ph.D. work. The statement of purpose assists the admissions committee in assessing a possible match between an applicant’s goals and the program resources. The statement of purpose should also identify the principal faculty members with whom the applicant wishes to work. Use the Program Application Form as the cover page of the Statement of Purpose.
*GRE is not required
The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Near and Middle Eastern Studies is committed to inclusiveness and diversity among its students, faculty, and staff. For programs specifically addressing graduate school diversity please see the Graduate School Equity and Excellence web site.
International Applicants
An international applicant is anyone who is NOT a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident. If you fit this definition, review our information about admission and application requirements for international students.
The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or e-mail at dso@u.washington.edu.
Funding
Our program offers packages of funding with offers of admission. All applicants are considered for funding at the time admissions decisions are made. We normally offer multi-year packages made up of a possible combination of 1st year fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships. We admit very small cohorts each year, with the intention of offering some support to all of our students.