TAVITIAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM

All applications must be completed with their recommendation letter submitted by 23:59 (AMT) on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The admissions process includes 4 steps: (1) All candidates must submit their written application and recommendation letter by the application deadline of January 15; (2) Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person interview in Yerevan in February; (3) Semi-finalists selected from the pool of shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with Fletcher School faculty and staff in March; (4) Finalists will be notified of their selection in April.

The English language test requirement cannot be waived except under the following condition: You are not required to submit an English language test if you have completed a university degree (undergraduate or graduate) in which English was the primary language of instruction. If this applies to you, please upload your English-instruction university transcript in the English test section of the application form.

If your work is primarily conducted in English but you do not meet the test waiver criteria listed above, you must submit an English language test along with your Tavitian application. Please see the admissions criteria section above for Fletcher's minimum required test scores.

Applicants should have 5 years of practical public service experience, not only academic. If you feel that your PhD program should qualify, email TavitianProgram@tufts.edu with records of the program and an explanation of the practical aspects in which you are involved.

Applicants should have 5 years of practical public service experience, not only academic. If you feel that your internship experience should qualify, email TavitianProgram@tufts.edu with records of the internship and an explanation of your responsibilities.

Yes, military service may be considered part of the required 5 years of public service experience.

The Tavitian Scholars Program application requires only one recommendation letter. You may submit an additional letter if you wish by adding a second recommender in the application portal. The admissions committee will not accept more than two letters.

Scholars will be housed with 1 other scholar of their same gender in 2-bedroom furnished apartments in Cambridge, MA. Scholars will have access to the building’s amenities including common laundry facilities, gym, study areas, conference rooms, and common areas.

There will be a mandatory in-person orientation in Yerevan hosted by our Tavitian Foundation partners. Scholars will also participate in a virtual orientation call hosted by The Fletcher School staff prior to arriving in Boston and a week-long in-person orientation alongside other incoming Fletcher students prior to the start of classes.

Yes, all scholars will receive a monthly stipend to cover everyday living expenses. The flights to Boston and return trip to Armenia is provided by the program as are housing, utilities, and programmatic events. All scholars will receive a CharlieCard each month to use for buses and trains around the city.

The Fletcher School will help to coordinate a group visa appointment for the selected cohort of scholars. The Tufts International Center will guide the cohort through the process.