Admissions

Join the next generation of global health leaders.

At Duke Kunshan University you’ll develop the skills you need to have a rewarding career and make a difference in the world. Duke Kunshan is looking for students with a global mindset and a drive to reduce health disparities around the world.

*Please note that the application for 2026 admission opened in August 2025.

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Entry Requirement

Graduates of the Master of Science in Global Health program at Duke Kunshan University will receive a Duke University master’s degree. The application process is also consistent with that of Duke University graduate programs.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Global Health program at Duke Kunshan University must have received a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from an institution recognized by the relevant education authorities before enrollment, which is expected to begin in mid-August 2027. In addition to the required bachelor’s degree, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicants should submit their application via the Slate system. Link to the Slate system:https://applygp.duke.edu/apply/?sr=1ab14e97-9524-4528-a632-fbeade59bce8

A résumé/CV is an important component of the master’s program application. It provides a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s educational background, work experience, research experience, professional skills, and relevant achievements. The admissions committee will review the résumé/CV to better understand the applicant’s academic foundation, practical experience, development potential, and fit with the program.

The résumé/CV should include the following information:

1. Personal Information: Include your name, contact information such as phone number and email address, and other basic information.

2. Educational Background: List the degrees you have earned or are currently pursuing, institutions attended, dates of study, and major or primary field of study.

3. Work Experience, if applicable: List all relevant work experience, including position title, organization or company name, dates of employment, and main responsibilities or achievements.

4. Skills and Certificates: List skills related to the master’s program you are applying to, as well as any certificates or professional qualifications you have obtained.

5. Research and Project Experience: Describe any research projects, internships, or other relevant project experiences, including the project title, dates, and your main contributions.

6. Honors and Awards: List any academic, research, competition-related, or professional honors and awards you have received.

7. Language Proficiency: Indicate the languages you know and your level of proficiency.

8. Publications and Presentations, if applicable: List published papers, research reports, conference presentations, or academic talks.

The personal statement should be written in English and is recommended to be 500–1,000 words in length.

The personal statement should focus on the applicant’s academic background, research interests, career goals, and fit with the program. It is recommended to include the following information:

  1. Purpose and goals for pursuing graduate study: Explain your motivation for applying to the master’s program and the academic or career goals you hope to achieve through graduate study.
  2. Research interests and future plans: Describe the research areas, topics, or fields you are interested in, as well as the questions you hope to further explore in the future.
  3. Strengths and areas for improvement: Based on your own experiences, explain your strengths and relevant abilities in the field, as well as the areas you hope to further develop during graduate study.
  4. Research or project experience: Describe any research projects, independent studies, internships, or other relevant practical experiences you have participated in, and explain how these experiences have influenced your career plans and your desire to pursue further study.
  5. Reasons for choosing Duke Kunshan University: Explain your specific reasons for applying to this program, such as its program features, curriculum, research resources, career development support, or faculty members and research areas you hope to engage with.

Duke Kunshan University requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation to support the review of their application. Unless otherwise required by the program to which they are applying, applicants do not need to submit more than three letters of recommendation.

It is recommended that at least two of the three letters come from academic sources, such as course instructors, academic advisors, or research supervisors. These letters should focus on the applicant’s academic ability, research potential, and learning performance. The remaining letter may come from a colleague, supervisor, or project lead from a work or internship setting, if applicable, to provide additional insight into the applicant’s practical skills, professionalism, and teamwork abilities.

*If an applicant receives and accepts an offer of admission from Duke Kunshan University, their recommenders may be asked to confirm that the letters submitted were written by them.

How to Submit Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should enter each recommender’s name and email address in the recommendation section of the Slate online application system. Each recommender will receive an automated email containing a link to an online recommendation form. Recommenders must submit their letters through this online form.

Duke Kunshan University accepts letters submitted through Interfolio and other letter of recommendation services that are compatible with our online recommendation system. If applicants choose to use such services, they should enter the recommender’s name in the system and provide the email address supplied by the recommendation letter service.

Applicants are required to upload their undergraduate transcript in the online application system. Please note the following requirements:

  1. If you have already graduated, please upload your complete undergraduate transcript. If you are currently enrolled, please upload the most recent and complete transcript available at the time of application, including all completed courses and grades received.

  2. This program does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement. The admissions committee will conduct a holistic review of all application materials. In general, applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale will be more competitive in the admissions review.

  3. If you have attended another higher education institution for one semester or longer, earned 12 or more credits, or taken courses relevant to the program to which you are applying, you should also upload the corresponding transcript.

  4. Applicants must submit transcripts in English. If the original transcript is not in English, please upload both the original transcript and an English translation. If your undergraduate institution provides a grading scale or explanation, such as how percentage grades are converted to a 4.0 GPA scale, please upload it together with your transcript.

  5. If admitted, applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions listed in the education section of the application through their institutions or other officially recognized channels. If any discrepancies are found between the unofficial transcript submitted in the application and the official transcript submitted later, Duke Kunshan University reserves the right to withdraw the offer of admission.

If you are unable to upload your transcript through the online application system, please send each transcript as a separate PDF attachment to dku-grad-admissions@duke.edu. In the body of the email, please include your full name and the name of the graduate program to which you are applying.

If an applicant’s native language is not English, they are required to submit valid English language proficiency test scores. For the 2026–2027 application cycle, Duke Kunshan University accepts the following English language tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and the Duolingo English Test.

English language proficiency scores will be considered an important factor in the application review process. Applicants must meet one of the following minimum score requirements:

1. 90 for the Internet-Based TOEFL taken before January 21, 2026

2. 5 for the Internet-Based TOEFL taken on or after January 21, 2026

3. 7.0 for IELTS (no minimum subscores required)

4. 125 for Duolingo English Test 

 

How to Submit English Language Test Scores

Official score reports must be sent directly to Duke Kunshan University by the testing agency. If the name entered in the Slate application system differs from the name on the test score report, applicants should contact the university in a timely manner to explain the discrepancy.

  1. TOEFL

Applicants should request that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send official scores to Duke Kunshan University. The institution code is 5156. Applicants do not need to enter a department code. If ETS requires a department code, applicants may select any department code from the list. As long as institution code 5156 is used, the scores will be delivered to Duke Kunshan University.

ETS generally provides TOEFL scores only within two years of the test date. If ETS is unable to send your scores to the university, you will need to retake the TOEFL before submitting your application.

  1. IELTS

Applicants should request that official IELTS scores be sent through the IELTS E-Delivery service to Duke University Graduate School:

Duke University Graduate School
Graduate Office of Admission
2127 Campus Drive
Durham, NC 27708
USA

  1. Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test does not use an institution code. Applicants must select the following institution when sending scores:

Duke University Graduate Programs: Graduate School; Divinity; Engineering; Environment; Public Policy; Duke Kunshan

Score Validity

English language test scores must be earned within two years prior to August 1 of the year of intended enrollment. For example, applicants applying for Fall 2027 enrollment must submit scores earned on or after August 1, 2025.

Duke Kunshan University does not accept English language test scores submitted through methods other than the official score delivery methods listed above.

English Placement Test After Enrollment

All admitted students whose native language is not English are required to take an English placement test administered by Duke Kunshan University’s Language and Culture Center at the beginning of their first semester. Based on the test results, students will either be exempted from or placed into academic English courses. Any assigned academic English courses will be considered part of the degree requirements.

English Language Test Waiver Policy

Applicants who wish to request a waiver of the English language test requirement must have completed two or more years of full-time study at a college or university where English is the sole language of instruction and in a country or region where English is the primary language. The two-year study requirement must be completed before the application is submitted.

Applicants who believe they meet the waiver criteria should upload a waiver request statement in the Additional Information section of the online application. The statement should specify the institution and the country or region where the applicant completed the two years of full-time study in English.

Please note that even if an English language test waiver is granted, all admitted students whose native language is not English are still required to take the English placement test administered by Duke Kunshan University’s Language and Culture Center at the beginning of their first semester.

We strongly recommend that all applicants whose native language is not English complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test before applying, even if they may meet the waiver criteria. Test scores help applicants and the admissions committee better understand the applicant’s academic English proficiency and will also serve as an important factor in the application review process.

The program does not require applicants to submit GRE or other graduate entrance examination scores.Applicants may choose whether to submit such scores based on their individual circumstances. If applicants believe that their test scores can support their application, they may enter the test name and scores on the test scores page of the application system. Please note that if applicants choose to self-report such test scores, official score reports will become part of the application materials and may need to be submitted through official channels at a later stage.


How to Submit GRE Scores

Applicants must request that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send official GRE scores to Duke Kunshan University. The institution code is 7554. Applicants do not need to enter a department code. If the ETS system requires a department code, applicants may select any department code from the list. As long as institution code 7554 is used, the scores will be delivered to Duke Kunshan University.

If the name entered in the Slate application system differs from the name on the GRE score report, applicants should contact the university in a timely manner to explain the discrepancy.


Score Validity

GRE scores must be earned within five years prior to August 1 of the year of intended enrollment. For example, applicants applying for Fall 2025 enrollment must submit GRE scores earned on or after August 1, 2020.


Additional Notes

  • If applicants choose to submit GRE scores, they should make sure to take the test before the application deadline and arrange for ETS to send official scores to Duke Kunshan University.
  • If applicants have taken the GRE more than once, they may enter the highest score for each section in the application system.
  • If applicants have not yet taken the GRE, they may enter their planned test date.
  • The admissions committee understands that GRE performance for applicants whose native language is not English may be affected by linguistic and cultural differences, and this will be taken into consideration during the holistic review of application materials.

* All information entered in the online application, including the content of all uploaded materials, is subject to verification. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information provided in the application is true, accurate, and complete. If any discrepancies are found between the information submitted in the application and the information verified at a later stage, Duke Kunshan University and Duke University reserve the right to withdraw the offer of admission or terminate the applicant’s enrollment eligibility.

Application Deadline

All applicants will receive an admission decision (admit or deny) within three weeks after all required application materials have been received. Please note that if you are placed on the waitlist, it may take additional time for a final decision. 

Key Information

Your file is assembled in the Graduate Admissions Office where all official record keeping is maintained. The actual in-depth review of your file is conducted by graduate faculty, usually an admissions committee headed by the Director of Graduate Studies. All applications are reviewed with respect to openings in the department and the strength of other applicants. Attention is given to every aspect of an application, with an attempt made to evaluate past achievement as well as scholarly potential. Academic records, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, as well as your own statement of goals and objectives, are all taken into consideration during the review process.

Applicants are understandably concerned about Duke Kunshan University’s standards for admission with regard to grades and standardized test scores. Keep in mind that grades and test scores are only two factors taken into consideration during the application review process. Letters of recommendation and your Statement of Purpose are equally important. Duke Kunshan University is interested in recommendation letters from individuals who are in the best position to assess your true potential as a graduate student, particularly those who are in a relevant field of study. In your Statement of Purpose, be as specific as possible about your research interests and qualifications. If you have particular reasons for choosing Duke Kunshan University, be sure to indicate these.

Before a student can begin graduate work at Duke Kunshan University, she or he must be formally admitted by the Dean of the Duke University Graduate School and the Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University. Decisions about Fall admission are generally made starting in February or March. All applicants are notified of admission decisions via email. The decision notification email will provide instructions for accessing the online decision letter. If you are offered admission, your online letter of admission will include two enrollment options. By clicking the appropriate option (“Accept” or “Decline”), you will be notifying Duke Kunshan University of your enrollment decision. The process of admission is not complete until you have notified Duke Kunshan University of your decision, whether or not you have contacted your department. In general, and unless otherwise indicated, we expect to hear back from you by April 15, or within 15 days of your receipt of the admission letter, whichever is later. If we do not hear back from you within the appropriate timeframe, we will assume that you have declined the offer of admission, and your application record will be withdrawn.

Every candidate who completes an application will receive, at the earliest possible time, notification of the decision reached on the application. Questions about the timetable for decisions or the reasoning behind those decisions should be addressed directly to the department to which you applied.

Tuition
For 2025-2026 Academic Year *

Tuition Per Semester

For International Students

For Chinese Students

First Semester

$32,560

¥105,000

Second Semester

$32,560

¥105,000

Third Semester

$32,560

¥105,000

Fourth Semester

$3,618

¥11,667

The program will only charge 1/9 of tuition for the last semester. The tuition for is subject to change according to The Duke Graduate School’s policies.

Scholarship support is available to ensure that qualified students can participate in the MSc Global Health Program. All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their Graduate School application, and students do not need to apply separately.

Official Transcripts and Degree Confirmation

After you have accepted the offer of admission, you must submit official transcripts from each institution listed in your application.

The final transcript should show all work completed and the conferral date of the degree. This also serves as your degree confirmation. When you request a final transcript from your institution, verify that the transcript states the date that the degree was conferred or awarded. It is very important to verify this, as there is often a delay between the date of graduation and the date of degree conferral. Your official transcript must be in an envelope sealed by your school for us to recognize it as official. Note that official documents sent to us will not be returned.

If your transcripts cannot be sent due to valid extenuating circumstances, please contact the graduate admissions office at dku-grad-admissions@duke.edu .

HOW TO SUBMIT

Request that each institution you have attended send us a final transcript. Electronic transcripts sent directly from the educational institution may be considered official, if we are able to authenticate the sender, and should be sent to dku-grad-admissions@duke.edu.

Paper transcripts should be mailed to

DKU – Duke University Graduate School
Office of Admissions
2127 Campus Drive, Box 90065
Durham, NC 27708

Note: The address listed above is both a physical location and a mailing address. If your mail service will not deliver to a post office box, delete “Box 90065” from the address and use the postal code 27708-0065.

IF YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT IS NOT YET AVAILABLE

If you completed your degree very recently or are still enrolled in a degree program, your final, official transcript may not be available until as late as August. If this is the case, DO NOT wait until June, July, or August to have your official transcript sent to us. Instead, request that your educational institution send your most up-to-date transcript as soon as possible. Once the final transcript with the degree conferral date becomes available, request that it be sent as well.

IF YOUR TRANSCRIPT IS IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH

If the transcript is not in English, we need both the transcript in its original language and an English translation of the transcript. If your institution does not issue documents in English, you must have the transcripts translated by a professional translation service. Self-translations and notarized translations will not be accepted.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

Some international schools issue only one official transcript. If this is the case for the school(s) you attended, DO NOT send this document to us, because no materials submitted in support of an application will be returned to you. Instead, send an exact copy that has been stamped as a “Certified True Copy” by the appropriate institutional official of each institution that you attended. Uncertified copies are not acceptable.

IF YOUR TRANSCRIPT DOES NOT SHOW A DEGREE CONFERRAL DATE

If the date of degree conferral is not included in the final transcript, ask your educational institution to send a complete transcript that includes your final grades as well as an official certificate of degree completion showing the name of the degree and the date it was awarded. (IMPORTANT: If you received your diploma or degree from a Chinese institution, we only need the final transcript and the CDGDC/CHESICC degree verification report. We do not need a copy of the diploma or the degree certificate.)

If the degree certificate is not in English, you must provide both an English translation and the degree certificate in its original language. Most university officials will provide English translations if asked to do so; therefore, we strongly encourage you to work with your university to obtain a translation.

If you are absolutely unable to obtain an English translation from the institution, you must obtain one from a professional translation service. Self-translations and notarized translations will not be accepted.

If you have received an offer of admission to Duke Kunshan University and decided to accept the offer, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit (10,500 CNY, 1,500 USD) before the deadline specified in the admission letter. Please submit your non-refundable tuition deposit, net of all bank fees, to reserve your seat in the class. The deposit must be paid via bank wire transfer.

Admission offers are made for a specific semester and year in accordance with Duke University Graduate School policies. Under certain circumstances, an admitted student may request to defer enrollment for up to one year from the semester stated in the admission letter.

Deferral requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the academic program and DKU Graduate Admissions. Approval is not guaranteed. In general, deferral requests may be considered for circumstances such as: Personal medical emergencies, Military deployment or Visa application delays.

 

How to Request a Deferral

Students who wish to request a deferral should follow the steps below:

  1. Accept your offer of admission through the Slate Status Portal if you have not already done so. Your deferral request will only be considered after you have accepted your offer of admission.
  2. Email your department (gh-education@dukekunshan.edu.cn) directly with your request and provide a summary of your situation.
  3. Your department will review your request and submit it to DKU Graduate Admissions on your behalf.
  4. A final decision on your request will be emailed to you by the DKU Graduate Admissions office. Final decisions are typically distributed within two weeks of a department request. To confirm your deferral, you must formally accept your offer and submit a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 USD to hold your place for the following year.

Please note that if your deferral request is approved, it is a final decision. You will not be able to reactivate your original start date.

Deferral Requests will be accepted from May 15 – August 15.