Students interested in applying to the MALAS/JD combined degree program are encouraged to review the below eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply to the MALAS program:

  • Background and interest in Latin America; demonstrated through undergraduate coursework, study abroad, work experience, volunteer work, or other activity.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.
  • 3.0 GPA in all upper-division undergraduate coursework.
  • Minimal proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole.
  • Satisfactory scores on Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • For international applicants and applicants from Puerto Rico:
    satisfactory scores on the IELTS (6), MELAB (77) or TOEFL (550/213/80)
    List of countries exempt from this requirement

Online Application

The process is to be completed online, including the statement of purpose and recommendations.

Required Materials

Currently, applicants are required to submit certain supplementary materials to both the Office of Admissions and the Center for Latin American Studies in order to be considered for admission once the online application has been completed.

Please submit the following to the Office of Admissions at the address below:

  • Official transcripts from previous postsecondary institutions attended (with official English translations, if necessary)
  • Official GRE Scores (School code 5812; Department code 2201)
  • Official IELTS, MELAB, or TOEFL scores (International/Puerto Rico only)
  • Fee payment cover letter if unable to pay application fee online

Mail/Post:

Office of Admissions
University of Florida
PO Box 114000
Gainesville, Florida 32611-4000

Courier/Overnight:

Office of Admissions
University of Florida
201 Criser Hall
Gainesville, Florida 32611-4000

In addition, the following documents should be sent directly to the Center for Latin American Studies at the address below:

  • Official transcripts from previous postsecondary institutions attended (with official English translations, if necessary)
  • Official GRE scores
  • Official IELTS, MELAB, or TOEFL scores (International/Puerto Rico only)

Mail/Post:

MALAS Admissions
Center for Latin American Studies
University of Florida
PO Box 115530
Gainesville, Florida 32611-5530

Courier/Overnight:

MALAS Admissions
Center for Latin American Studies
University of Florida
319 Grinter Hall
Gainesville, Florida 32611-5530

Optional Materials

Students may send the following to the Center for Latin American Studies at the MALAS Admissions address above.

  • Brief CV
  • Hard copy of the Statement of Purpose
  • Letterhead versions of letters of recommendation
  • Brief writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
  • FLAS Fellowship Application (with statement on need for the language)