Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for a Master’s in Comparative and International Disability Policy (CIDP)?
The application is open to anyone around the world with and without disabilities, regardless of age, gender, or race/ethnicity. All candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to the CIDP program start date (August of each year). Please note that at this time, the distance learning programs of American University are not accepting admissions applications from residents of the state of Alabama.
What are the admissions requirements and how do I access the online application form?
Admissions requirements are available on the IDPP Web site under the Admissions page. Instructions for the online application are available on the CIDP Application Instructions page. The online application is available here.
How much is tuition for the Master’s program?
Tuition costs are listed on the IDPP Web site under the Tuition and Fees page.
Are there fellowships available?
Fifteen full fellowships each year are awarded by The Nippon Foundation. While all complete applications will be considered for a fellowship, preference is given to candidates from the ASEAN region who are blind or visually impaired; deaf or hard of hearing; and/or mobility impaired. More information on fellowship eligibility, requirements, and coverage is available on the Fellowships page.
Why are The Nippon Foundation fellowships offered to candidates who are blind or visually impaired; deaf or hard of hearing; and/or mobility impaired?
While anyone who meets CIDP admission and academic requirements may apply to the program, preference for The Nippon Foundation fellowships are focused on candidates with a physical disability from one or more of these three specified disability groups. The team of worldwide experts which contributed to the design of the IDPP and CIDP program has technical and pedagogical expertise in working with students who are blind or visually impaired; deaf or hard of hearing; and/or mobility impaired, as well as expertise in cyberlearning and accessible cyberinfrastructure. In an effort to ensure that we can support students to be as successful as possible in the CIDP program, the fellowships are targeted to the groups in which our partners have expertise. As we further establish and continue to grow the IDPP and CIDP program, the scholarship criteria may be re-examined.
Is there other funding available besides The Nippon Foundation fellowships?
Any applicant who submits all required admissions materials that are received by 15 January at American University School of International Service’s (AU SIS) Graduate Admissions Office will be considered for AU SIS merit awards.
What if I cannot obtain an academic letter of recommendation?
In the absence of an academic recommendation from a faculty member, another professional recommendation (e.g. from a former work supervisor) will be accepted.
Must I submit hard copies of my official university transcripts?
Yes, hard copies of official transcripts from all university institutions attended should be sent to:
IDPP Office
American University, School of International Service
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071
USA
If possible, the transcripts should be sent directly from each institution to the IDPP office in a sealed envelope. Please be sure to request hard copies of official transcripts from each university as soon as possible, as this request may take time for each university to complete.
