HESA applications are accepted year-round, but are only reviewed twice per year, in December (due December 1) and April (due April 15) for enrollment the following fall semester. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their completed application by December 1 to increase the chances of an available spot for the upcoming fall. Those interested in interviewing for HESA graduate assistantships must submit their completed application packet by December 1. The April review cycle is only for applicants not seeking assistantships.  

We welcome new full-time and part-time students every fall semester. Admission to the HESA program is highly competitive and based on the candidate's academic accomplishments, potential for successful graduate work, knowledge of higher education and student learning and development, professional readiness, and commitment to the higher education and student affairs field. The HESA admissions committee assesses a candidate's potential for successful completion of the degree program and ability to function effectively as a professional in a college and university setting.  

Applications to the HESA program are managed via the Graduate College. The admissions process includes submitting items requested in the Graduate College application packet (details below) and a potential interview with HESA program faculty.  

HESA graduate assistantship interviews are coordinated separately from the academic admissions process and take place early in the spring semester each year.  Eligible admitted students will receive details about the assistantship interview process shortly after being notified of their admission to the HESA program. Please visit the HESA Funding Pathways page for more information. 

Application Packet

Please review the detailed application instructions provided by the Graduate College. All materials must be submitted online via the Graduate College application system. A completed HESA program application includes the following: 

1. Application Form

2. Statement of Purpose (specific to the HESA Program) 

3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae 

4. Three Letters of Recommendation 

5. Transcript(s) for each higher education institution you have attended 

6. Residential Status Questionnaire (for in-state tuition consideration) 

7. Test scores for English proficiency for applicants whose native or first language is not English 

8. Application Fee of $65.00 paid at time of submission 

For further guidance on the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and other application materials, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the HESA degree page in the UVM Graduate Catalogue. 

Note: The GRE is NOT required for academic admission to the UVM HESA nor for university funding through financial aid. 

Applicants are strongly advised to submit all materials (e.g., transcripts, recommendations, resume) by or before the deadline to receive a full and timely review. 

You can check whether your application is complete and all materials (e.g., recommendations, transcripts) have been submitted by logging into the application system provided by the Graduate College. Your application will not be reviewed by the HESA admissions committee until it is complete.