The Institute may also admit as auditors applicants who never earned an undergraduate degree but who demonstrate that they have compelling professional interests or educational requirements in international affairs as well as the requisite ability.

Continuing education students are not guaranteed admission into the degree or certificate programs. Students wishing to apply to a Master of Arts or certificate program must follow respectively the M.A. or certificate application instructions, which require the submission of additional and updated materials. Normally, no more than two Institute courses taken before a student is admitted to the certificate program may be credited toward that program. No more than four Institute courses taken before a student is admitted to a Master's program may be credited toward an M.A. degree.