harvard phd application fee

Application deadlines for Fall 2024 have passed. If you have submitted an application during this cycle, you can access your status portal here .

The application for Fall 2025 will be available in September 2024. Please scroll to the GRE section below for updated requirements.

When our applications go live in September of each year, please open an application to view the most up-to-date, program-specific admissions instructions. The list below is a summary of the components.

For more information, please review Navigating the Application . It is a compilation of questions applicants have asked, and we hope it becomes your go-to resource as you begin the application process.

Deadlines for Fall 2025

Submission time is 5:00pm Eastern Time.

Before applying.

• Review the academic program descriptions and prerequisites , with particular attention to the previous degree required in order to apply.
• You may apply a maximum of three times to the same GSD degree program. If an applicant has been denied admission for the third time, further applications to the same program will not be considered.
• If you’d like to apply to more than one program at the same time (but only wish to enroll in one), you will need to submit a separate application and supporting materials for each program. Please indicate your first choice on the application.
• If you’re looking to concurrently pursue two masters degrees offered by the GSD, you will need to submit a separate application fee and form for each program and must be admitted into each degree program independently.
• If you’re looking to simultaneously pursue degrees offered by the GSD and another Harvard University graduate school, you must apply and be admitted into each school independently.
• If you’re a prospective Ph.D. student , you must apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences .
• Please note that if you are currently enrolled at another graduate school, the GSD does not accept transfer credits for work completed at another institution.

Application Guidelines

• Gather Your Transcripts You are required to upload transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you have earned credit or will or have received a degree. Make sure the scanned version is legible and oriented properly. Uploaded transcripts should include your name, school name, degree name, major, degree date if awarded, and a semester-by-semester course breakdown with corresponding grades. Screenshots of course websites or student self-service sites are not acceptable. Appropriate transcripts are very important for the application review process. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Applicants are only required to request official transcripts to be sent directly from their previous institution to the GSD if they are admitted and decide to enroll at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Do not request that official transcripts be sent to the GSD prior to receiving an admissions decision; we do not retain any transcripts received prior to decision release. All previous degrees must be conferred by August 10 in order to enroll in the fall.

Optional: If you have taken the GRE and would like to submit scores in support of your application, you are welcome to do so. If you have not taken the GRE and have not submitted scores, the weight of other components of your application will be spread out across your materials during the review process. Your application will not be disadvantaged if you choose not to submit GRE scores.

Not required or accepted: GRE scores are not required. If submitted, GRE test scores will not be considered when applications are reviewed.

Required : Official GRE scores are required to be sent directly from ETS to the GSD by the application deadline. The GSD does not ha ve a minimum GRE score.  

If you are applying to more than one degree program and submit scores for an ‘optional’ or ‘required’ program, submitted scores will not be considered for the ‘not required or accepted’ program.

Instructions for Currently Enrolled GSD Students and Reapplicants

Currently enrolled GSD students who are applying to another GSD degree, and who were admitted to their current GSD program prior to the new GRE requirements published during the summer of 2024, are exempt from the requirement and do not need to submit GRE scores for an application to another program, with the exception of Doctor of Design candidates. DDes applicants who are current students are required to submit the GRE beginning with the current 2025 application cycle.

Going forward, internal candidates—current GSD students—are required to take the GRE if it is part of their program’s requirements and if they were admitted to their first program in 2025 or beyond.  Note that if you have graduated from the GSD, have not taken the GRE, and have decided to apply for another degree, you must follow all application requirements, including for the GRE.

Please note that applicants who are reapplying to a program to which they were previously denied or admitted (and did not matriculate) are required to take the GRE if it is required for your program of interest.

Please consider that it may be to your advantage to provide GRE scores as another datapoint for consideration.

• Have your TOEFL Scores Sent to the GSD International Students Only International students, except those from countries where English is the native language, must submit scores from the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). When requesting that scores be sent to Harvard University, applicants should use the institution code for the Graduate School of Design (3455); a department code is not needed. However, if you are required to enter a department code, choose the department that best aligns with the program you are applying to. Note that we will receive the scores regardless of the department code you submitted. Applicants required to take the TOEFL should schedule their test in time to receive at least their unofficial scores prior to submitting their application. Overall and individual section scores should be reported on the application form.Official TOEFL scores are due by the application deadline for your program. Scores are usually delivered to the GSD 8-10 business days after your test date. To account for weekends and winter holidays, we recommend taking the test no later than December 21, 2023.In cases where you are applying to two or more programs with different deadlines (ex. MArch II and MDes), your official TOEFL score is due by the earlier application deadline. Scores received after the deadline will be added to your application, but we cannot guarantee that the admissions committee will see late materials during the review process.TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of the test, and we are not able to accept test scores for expired tests.Please note that we do not accept the IELTS. Read our TOEFL FAQ in Navigating the Application for more details. (Please note we do not accept MyBest TOEFL score reports.)
• Edit your Resume Upload a resume that includes: employment; education; extracurricular collegiate and community activities (note whether an office held was elected or appointed); honors, awards, professional registration, professional societies, publications; avocations, hobbies, travel; if you served in the military, indicate rank on entry and rank on separation.
• Write Your Essay All applicants must submit responses to both the general GSD community essay and program-specific essays. The essay prompts differ depending on the program to which you are applying. For essay prompts for the current application cycle, please refer to the instructions provided within the application .

Compile your Prerequisite Information 

MAUD/MLAUD Two to three years of experience in professional practice is strongly recommended. You will be asked to provide information about your work experience on the resume tab in the application.

MRE The MRE program prefers that its applicants have two or more years of experience in real estate or related fields (related fields include, for example, planning and design professions). On the resume tab in the application, you will be asked to list the dates of your real estate or related experience, the name of the organization for which you worked, your title, and the name and email address of a supervisor who could confirm your employment if needed. Note that you should list only those positions that are either directly related to or adjacent to real estate. The relevant positions should also be listed in your resume alongside any other work experience.

MArch I /AP and MLA I /AP The MArch I /AP and MLA I/AP degree programs require several prerequisite courses, which are detailed in the text and chart below.

MArch I/AP and MLA I/AP prerequisite courses must be taken at the college level, for credit, and be completed with a grade of B- or higher. In the application, you will be asked to indicate how you have fulfilled, are in the process of fulfilling, or will fulfill the prerequisites. You will need to upload a course description, syllabus, and transcript for each course. While it is not a requirement that you complete all prerequisite courses before applying, it is recommended that you complete or are in the process of completing as many as possible at the time of your application.

If admitted, applicants will be notified as to whether the courses they submitted have satisfied the prerequisite requirements. If an admitted applicant has not fulfilled a prerequisite, they will be required to do so before enrolling at the GSD.

Although we provide examples of pre-approved courses below, we accept a wide range of courses, including courses taken at your undergraduate institution, online at an accredited institution, and at community colleges. Note that Coursera and similar programs do not fulfill these requirements because they cannot be taken for credit. Please see our Prerequisite FAQs in the Navigating the Application page for answers to commonly asked questions about the prerequisite requirements.

• Pay the Application Fee There is a $90, non-refundable fee for each application submitted. In order for your application(s) to be reviewed, the fee(s) should be paid, by credit card only, immediately after submitting your application. Try again with a different credit card should the system reject your card.If the application fee presents a financial hardship, please see our Navigating the Application for information about the fee waiver request process. Please note that you will need to start an application in order to access the fee waiver request form.
• Apply for Financial Aid Prospective students interested in receiving aid should complete the Financial Aid application. Read more information about paying for your program.

After You Submit

Once submitted, changes, additions, or any other edits cannot be made to the application and/or portfolio. Application materials, including the portfolio, become the property of the GSD and cannot be returned or forwarded to any other party.

All decisions are released within the first week of March. You will receive an email indicating that there is an update on your Applicant Status Page . We do not give out decisions over the phone. If you have not received notification by April 1, please contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] .

Please note that the GSD does not grant deferrals. If you are admitted but unable to attend, you would need to reapply.

Nondiscrimination Policy

In accordance with Harvard University policy, the GSD does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status or handicap in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. Every effort will be made to ensure fairness and consistency in the school’s relations with its students, faculty, and staff.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Availability

The University is required by federal law (The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092(f), known as the “Clery Act”) to publish an Annual Security Report and an Annual Fire Safety Report.

The Harvard University Police Department publishes the Annual Security Report, entitled “Harvard University Police Department Annual Security Report,” which includes information about the HUPD, how to report a crime, HUPD’s crime prevention programs, substance abuse, sensitive crimes, emergency notifications, and other important information about security and HUPD services on campus. It also contains three years of statistics on reported campus or campus-related crimes. A hard copy of the “Harvard University Police Department Annual Security Report” may be obtained by contacting the Harvard University Police Department at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 495-9225.

The Harvard University Environmental Health and Safety Department publishes the Annual Fire Safety Report, which includes fire safety policies, evacuation procedures, and fire statistics. A hard copy of the “Annual Fire Safety Report” may be obtained by contacting Environmental Health and Safety Department at 46 Blackstone Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, (617) 496-7168.

The Annual Security Report is available at www.hupd.harvard.edu/annual-security-report .

The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.ehs.harvard.edu/programs/higher-education-opportunity-act-heoa .

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Please note that our GRE General Test score requirements for admission have changed. For candidates seeking Fall 2025 admission: -  required for applicants to the Clinical Science area  -  optional but recommended for applicants to the Social, Developmental, and CBB areas*  As  of Ma y 2024, GRE General Test scores will be required for all applicants seeking Fall 2026 admission.  The  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences welcomes applications for admission from individuals who have or will have by the time of matriculation a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree (for prospective international students, a three- or four-year undergraduate degree from an institution of recognized standing) and actively seeks applicants from groups historically  underrepresented in graduate schools . All degree candidates are admitted for full-time study beginning in the fall term.

Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard .

If you already hold a PhD or its equivalent, or are an advanced doctoral candidate at another institution, you may apply to a PhD program only if it is in an unrelated field of study; however, preference for admissions and financial aid will be given to those who have not already had an opportunity to study for a doctoral degree at Harvard or elsewhere. You may also want to consider pursuing non-degree study through our  Special Student or Visiting Fellow  programs.

Eligible Harvard College students with advanced standing may apply in the fall of their junior year to earn an AM or SM degree during their final year of undergraduate study. Interested students must contact the  Office of Undergraduate Education  for eligibility details before applying.

Questions about the application or required materials should be directed to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions Office at  [email protected] or 617-496-6100. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification. 

Required Application Materials

Please refer to Completing Your Application on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions site for details.  A complete application consists of:

Online application form

Application fee payment ($105) -  Application fee waivers are available to those for whom payment of the application fee would be financially challenging. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been completed, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation (at least 3)

Statement of purpose

Personal statement

Demonstration of English proficiency

GRE General Test scores:   -  required for applicants to the Clinical Science area  -  optional but recommended for applicants to the Social, Developmental, and CBB areas* As of May 2024, GRE General Test scores will be required for all applicants seeking Fall 2026 admission. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS may request additional academic documents, as needed.

*Graduate student admissions are among the most important decisions we make as a department. Like many other PhD programs around the US and abroad, we have wrestled with the question of whether we should continue to require that applicants to our PhD program submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of their application. After extensive review of the scientific literature and robust discussion among our faculty, we have decided to continue to make submission of GRE scores optional, but to Recommend that students submit GRE scores if they are able to do so. We wanted to share our candid thoughts on this here.  

A number of empirical and review papers have noted that performance on the GRE is not a strong predictor of performance on a number of graduate school metrics (e.g., correlation with graduate school GPA = .21-.31, which represent small to medium effect sizes; Woo et al., 2023) and that the fact that the significant group differences (by race/ethnicity and gender) in GRE scores suggest it may discourage those from underrepresented groups from applying to PhD programs. Other research has shown that although there are limitations to the GRE, other potential predictors of success in graduate school have even smaller correlations with such outcomes, and removing the GRE would lead us to rely on these other potentially biased factors, such as where a person received their undergraduate degree, what research lab they had the opportunity to train in, and letters of recommendation.(1) We have heard anecdotally from current and former PhD students (including those historically underrepresented in PhD programs) who argue that the GRE helped them demonstrate their abilities when they didn’t attend a top undergraduate institution or work in a well-known research lab.  

On balance, we acknowledge that the GRE is an imperfect test and should not be used as the single deciding factor in admissions; however, we fear that excluding it altogether will introduce more, not less, bias into the admissions decision-making process. Thus, we have decided to keep the submission of GRE scores optional, but to recommend that students submit their scores if they are able to do so.  

We know that many students might expect that we are looking for near-perfect scores as a requirement for admission. We are not. We do not use a rigid threshold for GRE scores, and take it into consideration with other factors (e.g., strong performance in undergraduate statistics might be used to demonstrate quantitative abilities in place of strong performance on the quantitative section of the GRE). To be transparent about this, we note that our past 10 years’ of admitted PhD applicants have had scores on the GRE ranging on the Quantitative section from the 38th to the 98th percentile, and on the Verbal section ranging from the 59th to the 99th percentile.(2 )

We will continue to work toward determining how to make admissions decisions in a way that identifies the candidates who match best with what our PhD training program has to offer and in doing so may make further adjustments to our admissions requirements in future admissions cycles.  

(1) For a review of these issues, see: Woo, S. E., LeBreton, J. M., Keith, M. G., & Tay, L. (2023). Bias, Fairness, and Validity in Graduate-School Admissions: A Psychometric Perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(1), 3–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916211055374  

(2) Note: Test scores were not required for the past 3 years and so are largely unavailable for that period. 

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Harvard College Admissions Application Fee Waiver Request

We are committed to making the application process accessible for all students. If the admissions application fee presents a hardship for you or your family, the fee will be waived. Please follow the steps below to request a fee waiver:

Common Application

• Select “Yes” when asked “Do you feel that your financial circumstances might qualify you for an application fee waiver?” Confirm that you meet at least one of the indicators of economic need.
• If you do not meet one of the indicators of economic need, select “You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.”  Harvard will not ask you to provide a supporting statement and your application will not be penalized if you select this option.

Coalition Application

• Confirm that you meet at least one of the indicators of economic need listed in the Fee Waiver section of your Profile.
• If you do not meet one of the indicators of economic need, you may enter the Harvard-specific fee waiver code on the payment page: JH3S5Q2LX9

Transfer Applicants

• Please see the Transfer Application Requirements for information about requesting a transfer application fee waiver.

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APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications for Fall 2025 will open in early September 2024.

Introduce Yourself  

Application requirements  .

• PHD in Business Economics
• PHD in Business Administration (includes Accounting & Management, Management, Marketing, Strategy, Technology & Operations Management)
• PHD in Health Policy Management
• PHD in Organizational Behavior

Attend an Outreach Event  

Non-discrimination disclosure information.

In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

Ellen Mahoney, Chief Human Resources Officer, has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies. has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies.

In addition, inquiries about the application of non-discrimination policies regarding race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability may be referred to the Regional Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor,5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-4557.

DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT

All prospective students should be aware of Harvard's policies on file sharing and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

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Harvard University - The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Graduate Programs

You asked and we'll answer!  Check out these FAQ's for applicants to our  Ph.D., M.E., S.M., and A.B./S.M. programs.

Visit the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) FAQ's  for even more information.   Applicants to the Master in Design Engineering should go  here  for more information.   Applicants to the MS/MBA:Engineering Sciences program should go  here  for more information.

Application Questions

We offer admission into the  Ph.D.  in the following four areas:  Applied Mathematics , Applied Physics , Computer Science , and Engineering Sciences. Engineering Sciences includes Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering , Environmental Science and Engineering , and Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering .

Note: we do not offer admission into terminal masters degrees in any of these areas.

We offer admission into the  Master of Science (S.M.)  in the following two areas:  Computational Science and Engineering and Data Science .

We offer admission into the  Master of Engineering (M.E.)  only in Computational Science and Engineering .

SEAS offers the following collaborative options: 

• Health Sciences and Technology graduate program , with Harvard Medical School and MIT (for Ph.D. students only)
• Master in Design Engineering (M.D.E.)  with the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) (masters degree only; application via GSD)
• MS/MBA :Engineering Sciences jointly offered with Harvard Business School (HBS) (masters degree only; application via HBS)

While there is no perfect set of criteria for admission, we especially look for candidates who:

• Have a strong interest in and great potential for undertaking research
• Have excellent grades, e.g., in the range of A to A- in their undergraduate, and if applicable, graduate programs
• Have solid preparation in coursework and research experience (e.g., a strong plan of study at a respected university)
• Obtain recommendation letters from distinguished people who (a) know your work and (b) know what is expected at a major research university.   The strongest letters speak in specific terms about your preparation and aptitude to conduct research at a major university

As of the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, applicants may submit two applications to SEAS only if one is for a PhD degree and one is for a master’s (SM or ME) degree. Each application must be unique, containing a separate statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendations, and TOEFL or IELTS test scores.  Multiple applications to the SEAS masters or PhD programs will result in the additional applications being withdrawn.  Students may also apply to a SEAS program and a non-SEAS program in the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the same admissions season. It is Harvard Griffin Graduate School policy that an individual may submit no more than three applications to GSAS during the course of his or her academic career. 

Applicants to the School of Engineering are responsible for fulfilling the requirements listed  here  and also on the Harvard Griffin GSAS  website.

We have two application deadlines; one for students applying to our PhD program and one for students applying to any of our terminal masters programs.  We cannot accept late applications, so be sure you apply on time!

December 1, 2024 is the application deadline for students submitting an application to one of our S.M., M.E., or AB-SM programs.    

December 15, 2024 is the application deadline for students submitting an application to one of our PhD programs.   

Note these deadlines do not apply to our MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences nor Master in Design Engineering programs.

-Students interested in the Master in Design Engineering with the Harvard Graduate School of Design will find information about applying to that program  here .

-Students interested in the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences program offered jointly with Harvard Business School will find information about applying to that program  here.

The application fee is required to process the application. If you would like to request a fee waiver, you may do so in the Application Fee section of the application. More about the fee waiver process is here .

We encourage serious-minded candidates (i.e. those who have a clear sense of what they would like to do and with whom they would like to work) to get in touch with relevant faculty to discuss their research plans.  Generally speaking, email is the best way to reach out to faculty.  Bear in mind that our faculty receive numerous emails from prospective students and they may not be able to personally respond to all inquiries they receive.

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) does not accept the General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our Ph.D. programs or masters degree programs in Computational Science & Engineering and Data Science.  Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials.  

Either the GRE or GMAT is required for applicants applying to the Master of Design Engineering or the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences programs.   The applications for these programs are available via the Graduate School of Design or Harvard Business School, respectively.

Note: this policy was officially changed in August 2020 and is in effect for the Fall 2025 admissions cycle.  

When requesting official score reports from ETS for the TOEFL, indicate the receiving institution as Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Code 3451. There is no department code; you may leave it blank.

To check the status of your application, you may log on to your online application account and see what materials have been received and what materials are still missing. The School of Engineering cannot provide information regarding the status of your application or supporting materials, as all materials are submitted to the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).  The contact information for Harvard Griffin GSAS is:

• PHONE: Please call the GSAS by phone between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday through Friday, at 617.496.6100.
• EMAIL: Please email GSAS at  [email protected]  with the SUBJECT LINE and information for the message as noted below. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response.
• SUBJECT LINE: Enter “ADMISSIONS QUESTION: CHECKING APPLICATION STATUS” in the subject line exactly as is and in all caps.
• MESSAGE (BODY OF EMAIL): Include your Name, Date of Birth, Program of Interest, and a note that you are checking the status of your application

We do not offer rolling admissions. New students are admitted once a year, to begin studying in the fall.

Decisions on deferral requests to our PhD programs are made on a case-by-case basis and only after an admitted student has accepted our offer of admission.    We do not grant deferrals for our terminal masters programs except in cases with extenuating circumstances. We do not grant deferrals for our masters programs for reasons related to employment or financing the cost of the program.

Applicants are required to upload copies of all transcripts into the online application system; these are usually in PDF format.  Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for the purposes of the application.  

SEAS does not have a formal transfer application process and we do not admit "transfer students."   All admitted students begin our program as first year graduate students.  All students complete the standard Harvard Griffin GSAS graduate application. After entering the program, Ph.D. students may submit a petition to transfer in coursework as explained below.

If you have any additional questions about admissions to graduate programs at SEAS, please contact the SEAS Graduate Admissions Office via email at  [email protected] . 

Questions about the Master in Design Engineering should be directed to  [email protected] .

Questions about the MS/MBA with Harvard Business School should be directed to  [email protected] .

You may apply to a SEAS master’s program if you already have a master’s degree from another institution.

Program/Requirements Questions

The degree requirements for the Ph.D., S.M., and M.E. are available here.  The S.M. and M.E. in Computational Science and Engineering have additional requirements, which are available  here .   The additional requirements for the S.M. in Data Science are available  here .

• The  Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science (A.B./S.M.)  is a joint degree program offered to  currently enrolled Harvard College students only .    
• The Master of Science (S.M.) degree is a coursework (non-research) based degree and no thesis, foreign language, or general examination is required.  We offer the S.M. in two areas: Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and Data Science.  The S.M. in CSE is a one year (two terms) degree.  The S.M. in Data Science is a one and a half year (three terms) degree  
• The Master of Engineering (M.E.) degree program is a research based degree and no foreign language or general examination is required.  Students are expected to successfully complete one year of course work and one year of research, including a final oral presentation and thesis, for a total of sixteen letter-graded courses/research courses. This is a two year degree. We offer the M.E. in Computational Science and Engineering only.

Graduate students are expected to be full time. Students may petition to change their status to part-time study only in cases with extenuating circumstances, such as health concerns or a serious family emergency.  

All degree programs at the School of Engineering require that coursework be completed in residence.  (Note:  due to COVID-19, courses may be moved to a remote delivery platform for the Fall 2020 term.   This is an exception given the pandemic.)       

For non-credit online SEAS courses, please visit Harvard’s initiative, edX at  https://www.edx.org/ , for information on free online courses offered by MIT and Harvard University.

The  Harvard Extension School  offers Master’s degree programs in various fields in science and technology areas, as well as professional certificate programs in Nanotechnology, Software Engineering and Web technologies. Some of these courses may be taken online.  The Harvard Extension School and School of Engineering are wholly separate schools within Harvard University.   Note that SEAS does not allow coursework taken at the Extension School it count toward our graduate degrees.

All SEAS Ph.D. students must take 10 courses toward the doctoral degree.  Each area has "Area Course Requirements, Guidelines, and Model Programs", which provide a good idea of the kinds of courses taken by students in Applied Physics versus the kinds of courses taken by students in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering (for example.)   Visit each area's page to see information specific to their area requirements.

Students must decide, based on their own interests and future plans, whether an Applied Physics degree or an Engineering Sciences degree is a better fit.

Note: admitted students can petition to change their degree program after they arrive, providing they have appropriate support from their faculty adviser, an approved program plan in the new area, and the approval of the Committee on Higher Degrees.

It depends.  Our Ph.D. students are expected to have a primary research advisor who is a member of the School's ladder faculty.  Students are allowed to have a co-advisor from departments/schools external to SEAS, but the SEAS ladder faculty member is expected to be the lead advisor and chair the dissertation committee.    All first year students must have an advisor who is a member of the SEAS ladder faculty.  " Affiliate faculty" cannot admit PhD students.   There are many SEAS ladder faculty with formal joint appointments in other GSAS departments, like Physics and Earth and Planetary Sciences.  These faculty can serve as primary research advisors to SEAS students.   A complete list of the SEAS ladder faculty can be found  here - filter for "primary graduate advisors" once you're on this page. 

Yes, but it requires a new, complete application.  Students admitted to SEAS cannot simply transfer to another department within the Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).  Students are welcome to apply to another Harvard Griffin GSAS department should they decide it’s a better fit, but that requires submitting a complete application to that department during the admissions cycle.  There is not a separate process for students who wish to “transfer” from one Harvard Griffin GSAS department to another.  More information can be found  here.

For Ph.D. students, transfers from one SEAS area to another SEAS area are handled internally. SEAS Ph.D. degrees areas include Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering Sciences, which encompasses Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science & Engineering, and Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering.

Masters students cannot change degree areas within SEAS.

“Maybe” for Ph.D. students and “no” for masters students.  Ph.D. students can petition for up to three classes taken elsewhere while enrolled in a graduate program to count toward the Ph.D. degree.   All "transfer" courses must be approved by the student's faculty advisor and the Committee on Higher Degrees after the student begins graduate study.

Courses taken while in an undergraduate program, even if they are graduate level, cannot be used for this purpose.  Any coursework you wish to petition to transfer must have been taken while enrolled in a graduate program. Our master’s degree programs do not allow for any transfer courses.

International Student Questions

Please visit  GSAS Oral English Language Requirement  for information about our proficiency requirements.

80 is the minimum score on the TOEFL's Internet-based Test (iBT).  

Applicants may opt to take the  IELTS  test instead of the TOEFL. A minimum score of 6.5 is required.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for no longer than two years.  If you are applying for admission for fall 2025, you may submit scores from tests taken no earlier than January 5, 2023.   Applicants must order scores and have them sent to GSAS before the scores expire.

GSAS welcomes applications for admission from individuals holding a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree (for prospective international students, a three- or four-year undergraduate degree from an institution of recognized standing) and actively seeks applicants from groups historically  underrepresented in graduate schools . All degree candidates are admitted for full-time study beginning in the fall term.

Students who are unsure of the US equivalency of their degree(s) should consult a reputable credential evaluation service.

Please contact the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  if you have any additional questions.

Please visit   GSAS Oral English Language Requirement  for information about our proficiency requirements.

80 is the minimum score on the TOEFL's Internet-based Test (iBT).  GSAS policy is that the TOEFL score must be valid  at the time of entry into the program .   TOEFL scores expire after two years.

Applicants may opt to take the  IELTS  test instead of the TOEFL. A minimum score of 6.5 is required. GSAS policy is that the IELTS score must be valid  at the time of entry into the program .   IELTS scores expire after two years. Results should be sent to Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by the IELTS test center via IELTS E-Delivery service.

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Graduate admissions and financial aid.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! Physics GRE scores and General GRE scores will remain optional for the upcoming admissions cycle (deadline December 15, 2024). The admission committee looks for all indications that an applicant will be successful at Harvard. No single factor will be used as a filter in our admissions decision. The committee considers the applicant’s academic performance to date, potential for contribution to research, and persistence in and commitment to educational success.

A note for international applicants, and for students from schools that may be less familiar to our admissions committee : Your Physics GRE score may contain information that adds to what we can learn from other parts of your application; in these cases, the Physics GRE can help in our admissions process. We therefore recommend (but not require) that international applicants, students from less familiar schools, and students who believe that their transcripts do not accurately reflect their underlying academic strengths submit a Physics GRE score.

The only specific requirements for admission are those stipulated by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . In addition, prospective students should be well-versed in intermediate physics and mathematics. Typically, applicants will have devoted between 50 and 60 credit hours - approximately half of their undergraduate work - to physics, mathematics, and chemistry. It is desirable for every applicant to have completed at least one year of introductory quantum mechanics classes.

A prospective student who has a marked interest in a particular branch of physics should include this information on the admission application form. Every applicant should indicate whether he or she is inclined toward experimental or theoretical (mathematical) research. This statement of preference will not be treated as a commitment to any course of study and research.

The application will be available in September at www.gsas.harvard.edu .

Please click here for answers to frequently asked questions about applying to the graduate physics program.

Harvard University does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

Financial Aid

The Department's compensation package ensures that all students, whatever the stage of their graduate studies, receive at least a minimum gross (taxable) stipend for living expenses. This stipend is adjusted each year to help meet increases in the cost of living, within the limitations of available funds. The support covers tuition and fees, which include full cost of medical insurance and access to Harvard University Health Services, as well as support for professional travel.

Should a student have another fellowship offer, it will be integrated into the financial package. An external fellowship will benefit both the student and the department, as it may reduce teaching responsibilities, provide more flexibility in choosing a research field, and release departmental or research funds to support other students. If the fellowship provides fewer resources than the minimum stipend offered by the department, the Department will provide a supplement. For example, National Science Foundation fellowships provide a living allowance and partial support for tuition and fees, and the Department provides the additional funds necessary to meet the Department's minimum stipend requirements and to pay the remainder of tuition and other expenses. Alternatively, some fellowships (e.g., the Hertz) provide substantially larger stipends than the Department's minimum, in which case we simply rejoice in the recipient's good fortune.

Research assistantships are the second main source of support for graduate students. During the first year, students will have the opportunity to explore informally the activities of the department's various research groups. At the start of their second year, most students will be offered one or more opportunities to enter into formal relationships with a research group as research assistants. A limited number of Summer School teaching positions will also be available for those who do not immediately secure a research position.

Teaching fellowships, the third major course of support, usually involve supervision of undergraduate discussion sections or laboratory sessions, grading of examinations and problem sets, and similar duties. These duties vary with course level and instructor, but typically require about 20 hours of work per week, including lecture attendance and preparation. Because of the importance of teaching skills for a successful physics career, one semester of teaching is required of all physics students in the first five years of graduate study. This experience will help students develop the communication skills that are vital for careers in both academia and in industry.

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Whether you’ve just finished your undergraduate degree or you want to pivot your career, grad school may be the next logical step in your educational and professional development.

But how do you apply to graduate school so you have the best chance at receiving that coveted acceptance letter? Read on to learn how to submit the perfect graduate school application to impress admissions officers. For information on due dates and a printable timeline, check out our  grad school application checklist .

How Grad Schools Evaluate Your Application

The exact criteria for  graduate school admissions  vary depending on the school and program. Still, there are certain qualifications, including GPA and grades from specific undergraduate courses, that all admissions officers consider. Most graduate programs look for a minimum 3.0 GPA.

A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 318 is considered strong and can help your application. A professional resume with work experience related to your program is often helpful or required. Programs typically ask for letters of recommendation and a  graduate school admissions essay  as well.

Are You a Good Fit for the Program?

Whichever program you apply for, you must first make sure it’s a good match. Consider the following questions before submitting your application:

• Do you love the field of study the program you’re applying to focuses on?
• Do you have an undergraduate degree or work experience in an area related to your graduate school program of choice?
• Will earning this degree help you advance your career or earning potential?
• Do you have the resources to pay for graduate school, either through your own funds or through loans, grants and scholarships? For more information about this, see our guide on  how to pay for graduate school .

Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you decide whether graduate school is right for you. You can also reach out to professors, students and alumni to get a better feel for your prospective program. You might even schedule a tour of the campus before applying.

Do You Have Relevant Internship or Research Experience?

Internships and relevant work experience may not make or break your graduate school application, but they can help set your application apart from the rest. Once you’re in a graduate program, you may be required to complete an internship or research work to graduate.

What Does Your Statement of Purpose Demonstrate?

A statement of purpose or personal statement tells admissions committees more about you. This essay should touch on your interests, especially as they relate to the graduate school program. The statement of purpose should also describe what you can bring to the program and why you want to be a part of it.

What Do Your Letters of Recommendation Demonstrate?

Letters of recommendation are important for graduate school because they show that credible academics and professionals think highly of you and believe you would be a good asset to the program you’re applying to.

An effective letter of recommendation is written by someone who knows you well academically or professionally, such as a professor, mentor or work supervisor. It should include titles of relevant research articles you’ve written, academic awards and honors and relevant academic activities like projects, presentations or research studies.

What Do Your Undergraduate Transcripts Show?

Simply put, official undergraduate transcripts verify that you attended the school you said you did and maintained a GPA that’s consistent with the program’s requirements. Undergraduate transcripts also allow admissions officers to see whether you took courses relevant to your prospective course of study.

How Are Your GRE Scores?

Most graduate school programs require students to take the GRE as part of the application process. An overall score of 318 or higher is considered a good score, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to study and retake the test if needed before your grad school application is due.

Is Your Prior Academic Experience Relevant?

While you don’t always need an undergraduate degree in the same field as the graduate program you’re applying to, admissions officers typically consider relevant undergraduate coursework, research projects and work experience when reviewing applications.

Statement of Purpose Tips

Your statement of purpose gives you the chance to show some individuality and let your personality shine through. You should aim to leave a memorable impression and craft a well-written, concise statement of purpose to boost your application. See our tips below for writing a statement of purpose.

Follow the Prompt Carefully

Be sure to answer all of the questions in the prompt to give admissions officers all the information they need. Additionally, make sure to follow any guidelines for things like style, font and file format. While these factors may seem small, incorrect formatting can lead to your application being disqualified.

Get Personal

This is your chance to tell your story. Write a statement of purpose that only you could write. Does your passion for medicine date back to an injury or illness you had as a child? Did you grow up watching Law & Order and feel inspired? These details remind graduate admission committees that you are a well rounded person with much to offer.

Discuss Your Goals

Aside from how your own personal and career goals relate to the program, you should also touch on how you can contribute to your school or program of choice. Do you plan on collaborating with colleagues or contributing to your institution’s research goals? Make this known in your statement of purpose.

Know Your Audience

What is the culture of the school or program you’re applying to? What does the institution value? Spend some time on its website and social media accounts to find out. You can even reach out to current students and alumni to get a better idea so you can tailor your statement of purpose accordingly.

Proofread and Revise as Needed

Don’t just write your first draft and send it off. After writing it, take some time to sleep on it, then come back and read and revise with fresh eyes. You should also have someone like a professor or tutor read your statement of purpose and provide feedback.

Interview Tips

The interview is a big part of the graduate school application process if your program requires one. Make sure to come ready and prepared.

Do Your Research

Read up on the university and program you’re applying to so you can sound knowledgeable and interested during the interview. Answer questions such as, how big is the program or school? What have its graduates gone on to do? What are the program requirements?

You can also read up on any academic articles or research professors in your program have created.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer

Remember, this isn’t just about the school interviewing you. You’re also interviewing the program to determine if it’s a good fit for you. What career and network opportunities are available to students and alumni? What about grants and scholarships? Will you be paired with a mentor or an advisor?

Practice With Mock Interviews

Practice makes perfect. Look into common graduate school interview questions, and practice with a professor, classmate or friend. You can even practice solo using these  20 Graduate School Interview Questions .

Bring a Professional Portfolio

Depending on the nature of your work, it may be helpful to bring in a professional portfolio, such as if your speciality is print graphic design. Other subject areas like writing or research lend themselves to online portfolios, which you can send to your interviewers ahead of the scheduled interview.

What Does a Grad School Application Look Like?

In addition to your transcripts, test scores, statement of purpose and portfolio, your graduate school application will require some basic background information about you.

Biographical Information

• Full legal name
• Any previous legal names used
• Age and date of birth
• Social Security number

Ethnicity Information

Ethnicity information about applicants and current students is used by the university to see if it is meeting diversity quotas and to share with stakeholders. You may select one particular ethnicity, or choose options like “other,” “multiracial” or “decline to state.”

Military Status

Scholarships, grants and special services can be available to active-duty and reserve military service members and veterans.

Contact Information

• Current mailing address
• Current phone number
• Current email

Program Selection

• The program you’re applying to
• Any speciality or concentrations available as part of your program

Academic Interests

• Specialities in your program that you want to focus on
• Research topics or projects you want to pursue

History of Education

• Undergraduate degree and major
• Academic achievements and awards

Standardized Test Information

• *GRE scores (Check with your program as some may no longer require or accept GRE scores )
• Scores from any other required tests

Financial Aid

Deadlines for financial aid often coincide with deadlines for admissions. Make sure to submit the FAFSA to ensure you qualify for as many financial aid resources as possible. Visit the  Federal Student Aid  website for more information, and check out our guide on  how the FAFSA differs for graduate school .

Previous Employment

• Relevant work history related to your program
• Internship or research experience related to your program

Do you speak the primary language spoken in the area where your campus is located? Do you speak more than one language? These are things admissions officers will want to know.

Supplemental Information

• Certifications or special licenses or training
• Special Awards

Reference Information

• Contact information, like phone numbers and emails, for professors, mentors and work supervisors who are willing to provide a reference

Upload Documents

When submitting your online application, make sure to upload all required documents so your application will not be disqualified.

Application Fee

• Graduate school application fees can range from around $60 to more than $100. You must pay this fee before you can submit your application.

Confirm and Submit Form

• Finally, make sure to confirm that all your information is correct and all necessary documents are uploaded before you submit your application.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com on Feb. 3. 2023. Author is Ryah Cooley Cole, and Editor is Brenna Swanston.

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For matriculation in the Fall of 2025, the Department of Anthropology at Harvard will be accepting PhD applications for the  Archaeology program and the MD-PhD program . Applications for the PhD in Social Anthropology, as well as for the AM in Medical Anthropology will not be accepted. The temporary pause on graduate-level Social Anthropology admissions is due to limited advising capacity among departmental faculty.

Admissions decisions.

Decisions on admission are made by a faculty committee. The graduate admissions committee selects well-qualified applicants who represent a range of interests and backgrounds to form a diverse cohort. The committee reads and evaluates all applications and consults with other departmental faculty on areas of specific theoretical, topical, or regional expertise. There is no automatic allocation of slots in the program for specific areas. The committee also attempts to balance advising loads and priorities across the members of core departmental faculty who are actively engaged in graduate training.

Admissions Numbers 

The Anthropology Ph.D. program receives over 300 applications each year, of which only 1-2% lead to offers of admission. Each year the program receives many more applications than we can possibly accept and with great regret must turn down many very well qualified candidates. The number of students we can admit each year is determined by the Dean of theHarvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. We do not learn the final number of admissions until March of each year.  

Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose is not a biographical narrative. A persuasive statement of purpose (1) clearly describes the applicant’s proposed areas of research; (2) justifies the applicant’s research interests in terms of the relevant existing scholarship, the applicant’s personal intellectual motivation, and the applicant’s background and/or training; (3) explains why the Anthropology faculty and curriculum at Harvard are ideal for supporting the applicant’s training and research. We strongly encourage applicants to read the publications of the faculty they are applying to work with. A clear connection with faculty research and teaching is the best gauge of an applicant’s potential “fit” with the Department.

Personal Statement

A core part of the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission is to identify and attract the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse community. We are committed to educating individuals who reflect the growing diversity of perspectives and life experiences represented in society today and who will contribute to our commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. Please share how your experiences or activities will advance our mission and commitment. Your statement should be no longer than 500 words.

Writing Samples 

The admissions committee pays particularly close attention to the writing samples submitted by applicants. Applicants should carefully select an example of your best academic writing that demonstrates your capacity for rigorous analysis and independent work. It is not essential that the writing sample be directly related to the topics or areas that you are proposing to study in the future.

Letters of Recommendation 

All letters of recommendation are due at the same time as the application. Applicants must provide the email addresses for three recommenders when you apply.  Harvard Griffin GSAS requires your recommenders submit their letters via an online recommendation system. We are unable to accept letters submitted through a recommendation dossier service.  

All students admitted to the PhD programs in Archaeology and Social Anthropology receive five years of full funding which includes four years of summer research funding. Typically, the first two years of graduate study are fully funded (tuition, health insurance and stipend), during the third and fourth years, tuition and health insurance are covered and students receive their stipend via teaching fellowships. Full funding (tuition, health insurance and stipend) is also provided during the dissertation completion year. Students are expected to obtain external funding for their field research. For more information on funding and aid, please refer to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Funding webpage .

Language Proficiency 

Prior preparation in languages related to an applicant’s intended area or areas of specialization is advantageous. Current language abilities should be explained in the application essay. Students in the graduate program are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient abilities for research in both a language they will use for conducting fieldwork and in a language in which there is a body of anthropological writing relevant to their proposed research.

Test Scores

• GRE Scores - Optional  
• English Proficiency - Required (may not be waived) 

TOEFL or IELTS examinations are required of all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university where the primary language of instruction is English; a master's degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency. The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences sets the regulation that "a minimum score of 80 on the Internet based test (IBT) on the TOEFL i or a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required for consideration by the Graduate School." We will not waive this requirement.  

Applicants who took tests more than two years ago (i.e. before September 1, 2021, for fall 2023 admission) must retake them. No test other than the iBT TOEFL , TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS Academic, or IELTS Indicator will be accepted as proof of English proficiency; a master’s degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.  For more information on sending TOEFL/IELTS scores, please refer to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions Webpage .

Faculty Research Interests

Potential applicants who have substantive questions about the research interests of faculty and/or their own preparation and background for graduate study at Harvard may write directly to faculty members with whom they believe they share interests. 

Please be aware, however, that because of the high volume of inquiries about the program and the large number of applicants, it may not always be possible for faculty to fully answer all inquiries. 

Retired, Affiliated, and Visiting Faculty

Retired faculty (emeritus and emerita professors) do not normally teach courses nor are they involved in training new graduate students. Student should not apply with the intention of studying with retired faculty.  

Although we encourage our students to work and take courses with faculty from across the university, applicants should not list visiting faculty, faculty affiliates, lecturers, or college fellows as faculty of interest in their applications. 

As part of the admissions process, the admissions committee invites semi-finalists for a virtual interview. There is no other interview. 

Visiting the Department 

Potential applicants may visit Harvard prior to submitting an application, but it is not necessary. Applicants considering a visit to campus should make arrangements well in advance. 

Individual faculty members handle their own calendars and appointments, so a visitor should contact faculty members directly to arrange appointments. 

Application Information 

The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 is December 1, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. 

How to Apply

All application materials and instructions are available on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website . Most questions can be answered on the Harvard Griffin GSAS website or the information below. Additional questions about applying to the Ph.D. program in Anthropology should be sent to [email protected] .  When applying to the Ph.D. program in the Anthropology Department, you must upload all supporting documents to your online application prior to submission - do not send any materials to the Anthropology Department. 

A completed application consists of the following:

• Admissions Form (submitted online)
• Statement of Purpose (not to exceed 1000 words)
• Personal Statement (not to exceed 500 words)
• A copy of your transcript from each college/university attended
• Writing sample that should not exceed 20 pages (double-spaced), not including bibliography; do not send a longer sample with instructions to read a particular section
• Three letters of recommendation (must be submitted via the link provided. Do not send hard copies and we are unable to accept letters via dossier services)
• Recent TOEFL and/or IELTS scores  (if required). If you are unsure, please refer to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions website

A previous background of study in anthropology is not a prerequistite for admissions. However, successful candidates, whether they have studied anthropology previously or not, must be able to state clearly their interests in anthropology and demonstrate familiarity with intellectual issues in current anthropological theory and method. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

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Department of Statistics

4c69b3a36a33a4c1c5b5cd3ef5360949.

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Frequently asked questions related to the Department of Statistics Ph.D. admissions process.

What is a qualified applicant's likelihood for admission?

What is the application deadline.

The complete online application, fee, and supporting materials (including official GRE scores) are due by December 1, 2023, 5:00 pm EST, for September 2024 enrollment. We cannot make exceptions for late applications. Applications that are not complete when the faculty begin reviewing them will not receive full consideration.

Can I start the program in the spring?

Can i apply to two different gsas degree programs at the same time, is a math or stats major required for admission, is the gre required, what are the guidelines for proficiency in the english language for an international applicant, what is the toefl institution code for harvard gsas, how much is tuition, is financial aid available, what is the cost of living in cambridge/boston.

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PhD Admissions

Learn more about the PhD program admissions process through GSAS  

Applicant Checklist and Deadlines

APPLICATION : You are required to complete the Harvard University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Application to apply to the Ph.D. Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health, located at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS : Application information and instructions are available at  https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply

NUMBER/NAME : Program Number: 8500 Program Name: Biological Sciences in Public Health

SUBJECT : Name/Number: BPH/85

DEGREE : Ph.D.

APPLICATION DEADLINE : December 1, 2024.  Please note that we request that all of your materials are received by no later than December 1, as our committee reviews all applications immediately after the deadline.  Late materials will not be considered. We do not have rolling admissions, so there is no advantage to submitting application materials early. [NOTE: the next application cycle will open in the fall of 2024]

INTERVIEW DATES : For those invited, in-person interviews will take place from February 6-7, 2024.   Please make note of these dates as we only offer one interview opportunity.

FEE : $105 U.S. – Payable to Harvard Griffin GSAS-Harvard University. This fee must accompany the application for admission; applications will not be processed without the full fee. Application fee waivers can be requested directly through the online application.

REQUIREMENTS: Matriculants are required to have at minimum a bachelor’s degree.

GRE TESTS: GRE General Test scores will not be considered when applications are reviewed.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

If English is not your native language, there are only three acceptable ways to demonstrate English proficiency: 1) Hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction; 2) Score at least 100 on the TOEFL iBT Test; 3) Score at least 7.5 on the IELTS test. Please note that Harvard Griffin GSAS does not accept scores from the TOEFL ITP Plus examination.

TOEFL TEST : TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

When requesting TOEFL score reports, be sure to indicate the receiving institution as Harvard University, Graduate Division, Arts & Sciences code R-3451.

More information can be found on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Application instruction website .

IELTS TEST : IELTS Academic Test (International English Language Testing System)

For those students planning to submit IELTS scores, please note that we will only accept official IELTS Academic scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center via the E-Delivery service. Scores from the IELTS General Training module are not accepted. At the time of test-taking, please specify Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a score recipient. We do not accept IELTS paper test Report Forms nor do we verify Test Report Forms (TRFs).

RECOMMENDATIONS : 3 recommendations are required.  It is suggested that you communicate to recommenders you listed on the application so that they submit their recommendations before the deadline.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The statement of purpose is a particularly important part of the application. We suggest that applicants take time to familiarize themselves with program faculty to assess compatibility with their scientific interests and align their purpose and goals with the program.  A well-crafted statement should address the following:

• Your motivation in seeking doctoral-level training in the BPH Program
• Specific aspects of the BPH Program that motivated you to apply
• A description of any past research experience
• Your current research interests
• The BPH faculty members who most closely match your interests and reasons why you would like to work with them
• Your current career aspirations
• If applicable, a brief description of any hardships, adversity or extenuating circumstances that you feel provide important context for other components of your application

PROGRAM START DATE: The PhD Program in Biological Sciences begins in July 2025.

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For Prospective Graduate Students

The Department of Government. Calling all researchers, leaders, and changemakers.  

When you join Harvard University’s Department of Government, you become part of a highly-recognized intellectual community of scholars, researchers, visionaries, leaders, and changemakers. Our strength in teaching and research in all fields of political science is reflected in both our faculty and our curriculum. 

Harvard University’s Department of Government is a world leader in the study and scholarship in political science. Our programs of study include:

• American Government
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Methodology/Formal Theory
• Political Philosophy and Its History

Our innovative curriculum reflects a diverse range of fields and methodologies. The vibrant graduate student body receives hands-on training by conducting supervised dissertation research and working with our faculty in research projects and undergraduate teaching. 

Here, scholars have access to unparalleled resources.  They have the opportunity to define and formulate their own research questions and to apply a variety of research methodologies. 

• Graduate students research is greatly facilitated by the exceptional resources offered by the Department of Government and the University.
• Harvard has the  largest university library in the world .
• Harvard expansive network of research centers and top international studies centers bring together scholars and researchers from around the globe.

Scholars can also take advantage of Harvard’s generous financial aid program.  In addition, there is just no match to the energy and excitement that accompanies student life in the Cambridge/Boston area.  

Harvard University does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classificiation.

PhD Requirements

Candidates for the PhD in Government are expected to complete the required coursework during their first two years of graduate study and take the General Examination at the end of the second year. A typical schedule consists of these two years, followed by three or four years of work on a dissertation, combined with supervised teaching.

Admissions 

The graduate program of the Department of Government is designed to train students for careers in university teaching and advanced research in political science. The department does not offer an independent master’s program, the master of arts in political science being reserved for PhD candidates on the way to their final degrees.  Click here  to visit the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s page on admission to the Government Department to learn more about the application process. 

Application for Admission

The application for admissions is available at  http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/apply .

The application fee is $105. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been answered, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.

Application information and instructions are available at  www.gsas.harvard.edu . Applicants with admissions questions should call 617-496-6100 from 2-5pm EST or email  [email protected] .  Applicants with financial aid questions should call 617-495-5396 or email  [email protected] .

Financial Aid and Fellowship Opportunities 

Financial aid is administered under the direction of the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) .  The department intends that all graduate students should have support adequate to enable them to complete their studies while enrolled full-time. Prospective students apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission and are also required to submit a Statement of Financial Resources.  The financial aid package for government students typically includes tuition and fees plus a stipend and a summer research grant for the first two years; tuition and fees plus guaranteed teaching fellowships and a summer research grant for years three and four; tuition and fees in year five; and tuition and fees plus a stipend for the completion year.

In addition to  funding from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , graduate students are encouraged to apply for outside fellowships and grants. Please visit the  website of the GSAS Fellowships Office  for more information.  

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• PhD Funding in the USA – A Guide for 2024

PhD Funding in the USA

Written by Ben Taylor

Many of the world’s top research universities are based in the USA, so it’s no surprise that it’s an extremely popular destination for PhD students.

Although the USA has a reputation for being an expensive place to study, there are also some fantastic opportunities for PhD funding (including many fully-funded PhD programmes for international students).

This page will give you an introduction to the cost of a typical doctorate in the USA, as well as a guide to some of the most generous forms of PhD funding available at American universities.

On this page

American phd funding – what you need to know first.

As we’ve already mentioned, the USA has an expensive reputation – but you shouldn’t let that put you off.

There’s a reason why such a large number of American universities can be found among the top-ranked in the world: many institutions have huge budgets and endowments, allowing them to offer generous fully-funded PhD scholarships to graduate students (regardless of nationality).

These are a few key points to bear in mind when beginning your search for PhD funding in the USA:

• Public universities in the United States differentiate between in-state and out-of-state when it comes to fees, so you won’t necessarily be charged more than an out-of-state domestic student if you’re an international student
• Private universities don’t distinguish between domestic and international students
• It’s common for universities to offer ‘full-ride’ PhD scholarships to talented grad students
• The Fulbright Commission administers several funding schemes for international students to complete their research in the USA
• Federal student loans are available to US nationals

The cost of a PhD in the USA

With a huge range of universities offering PhD programmes in the USA it’s no surprise that American PhD fees vary a lot. They also tend to be exaggerated or otherwise misreported based on very high figures for prestigious Ivy League universities. These aren’t typical.

Actual fees vary between public and private institutions and sometimes depend on a students’ residency status:

• Public institutions charge an average of $12,394 per year for in-state students on graduate programmes. Be aware that fees for out-of-state students (including international students) are higher than this.
• Private institutions charge an average of $26,621 per year for all students on graduate programmes.

These figures are based on data published by the US National Center for Education Statistics . As a general rule, public institutions will be cheaper than private institutions, but will charge a higher out-of-state fee to international students. This can mean that the actual difference in fees is smaller than it seems above. Private institutions, on the other hand, may have more funding available.

The best way to get a sense of the tuition fees you will actually pay for a US PhD is to look up a few programmes in your subject and compare their prices. Just make sure you’re comparing the same thing: some universities will list fees per year, whereas others may list fees per semester or per credit.

In-state vs out-of-state

US universities don’t distinguish between international students and domestic fees in the same way as the UK. But public universities do differentiate between students from inside or outside their state. This is because ‘in-state’ students have their education partly subsidised by their state government. As an international student you’ll pay the same fee as a US student from ‘out-of-state’.

Living costs

The sheer size of the USA makes it almost impossible to offer accurate figures for student living costs across all 50 states. So we haven’t. You should definitely include this in your research and preparation though. Some parts of the USA are much more affordable than others. Your university’s international office may be able to help provide a sense of typical graduate student expenses for rent, groceries and travel.

See our guide to living in the USA during a PhD for more advice.

Other expenses

American universities will usually charge additional fees for processing graduate school applications. You’ll also need to budget for admissions tests, language tests and your visa.

Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is an organisation dedicated to fostering research connections between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Every year they offer postgraduate scholarships to talented British students to help them study at an American university (and vice versa).

A Fulbright Postgraduate Award offers the following benefits:

• A contribution towards your tuition fees (this could cover the first year of fees or fully-fund the entire degree, depending on the award and institution)
• Health insurance cover
• Visa sponsorship

Fulbright Scholars will also gain valuable networking opportunities through a global alumni organisation, as well as support during their studies from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

There are a range of Fulbright Postgraduate Awards available, with some providing a fully-funded PhD degree and others only offering a one-year tuition fee waiver. You can check out the Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships on their website.

Eligibility for Fulbright Postgraduate Awards

The main eligibility requirement for a US-UK Fulbright Award is, unsurprisingly, that you must be a British citizen. However, if you’re a foreign national settled in the UK you may also be able to apply.

You’ll also need an undergraduate result of at least a 2.1 (although a 2.2 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis).

As the primary goal of the US-UK Fulbright Commission is to foster new connections between the countries, the ideal candidate won’t have spent more than six months in the United States already.

Applying for a Fulbright Postgraduate Award

The application process for a Fulbright Award usually opens in August, with a deadline in early November.

You’ll need to make an online application with the following documents/details:

• Academic transcripts
• Passport photo
• Personal statement
• Research objectives

You’ll also need to complete a separate application to the university you want to do your PhD at.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview in the following February.

Other Fulbright PhD scholarships

The above information focuses on the US-UK Fulbright Commission, which is part of a much larger network of organisations devoted to helping talented international students attend American universities.

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowships , for example, offer Indian students the chance to complete a funded research placement (six to nine months) in the USA.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides Nigerian doctoral students with the opportunity to conduct PhD research in the United States.

Fulbright Germany’s Doktorand:innenprogramm (PhD student programme) is a similar scheme to help German researchers complete work in the USA.

You can view Fulbright programmes by country on the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.

University PhD scholarships

It’s actually very common for US universities to provide fully-funded PhD programmes for international students, and relatively rare for successful candidates on graduate programmes to be entirely self-funding. The ‘sticker price’ for a US PhD may seem high, but it’s probably not the price you’ll end up paying.

Funding will take various forms. ‘Full-ride’ PhD scholarships will cover fees, living costs and other expenses. Other common options include partial fee discounts or full fee waivers.

In general, private universities will have more funding than public universities (though they will also have higher fees). You can search some of the PhD funding available using an official tool provided by Education USA . These results aren’t exhaustive though: make sure you also check with the university you are considering.

We’ve done some of the leg-work for you and produced a list of international PhD scholarships available at some of the top American universities, which you can check out below.

Assistantships

As well as awarding direct funding, it’s common for US universities to offer assistantship positions to their graduate students. These are effectively a form of employment with the university : you will fulfil a selection of responsibilities in exchange for a stipend or a fee waiver.

Common types of assistantship include:

• Graduate teaching assistantships – These involve teaching and mentoring undergraduate students on courses related to your subject. Responsibilities may include leading discussion groups, supervising essays and helping with course admin. Graduate students doing this kind of work are sometimes referred to as ‘TAs’ (teaching assistants) or ‘adjunct faculty’. Find out more about graduate teaching assistantships .
• Research assistantships – These involve helping faculty with their research. Responsibilities may include collecting and recording routine data, monitoring experiments or helping set up equipment.
• Administrative assistantships – These involve clerical, administrative and secretarial work for the university or graduate programme. Responsibilities may include data entry and management, assisting with meetings and other activities or helping with other routine office tasks.
• Fellowships – These don’t involve additional work but may be conditional on maintaining a certain standard for your academic work or pursuing particular directions with your research.

Graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships are the most common types of assistantship, but it’s worth checking to see what different universities offer.

Federal grants and aid

National science foundation (nsf) graduate research fellowship program (grfp).

The National Science Foundation’s GRFP is a long-established federal grant scheme for talented STEM graduate students in the USA, providing the opportunity of a fully-funded PhD. Past fellows include over 40 Nobel laureates.

The GRFP offers the following financial benefits over a three-year period:

• $37,000 annual stipend
• Tuition fee allowance of $12,000 (paid directly to the university)

Applicants for the NSF GRFP must be:

• American citizens, permanent residents or nationals
• Graduate students beginning a research-based Masters or PhD degree in a STEM subject
• Embarking on Masters or PhD study for the first time

As you might expect, competition for these prestigious fellowships is high, with around 12,000 applications for 2,000 places.

There are four main elements to an NSF GRFP application:

• Graduate research plan statement
• Two or three reference letters

The deadline for submitting these documents is usually mid to late October, with the results announced at the beginning of April.

You can find out more on the NSF GRFP website .

Federal Student Aid for US students

If you’re a US citizen, you may be able to receive financial aid from the government to help fund your studies. Generally, international students are not eligible to apply except in very specific circumstances .

You’ll also need to have financial need, but there is no income cut-off to qualify for financial aid. Rather, there are several factors considered when assessing your application.

Unlike undergraduate students, Masters and PhD applicants are considered independent for financial aid purposes, meaning only your own income and assets are taken into account, as opposed to your parents’.

The types of federal aid available for postgraduate students include:

#1 Federal loans

Loans available for Masters students include Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans .

For Direct Unsubsidized Loans , your university determines how much money you’re eligible to receive, up to an upper limit that depends on your personal circumstances. Find out more about Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits. Interest rates are currently set at 7.05% for the 2023-24 year.

Direct PLUS Loans don’t award a set amount. Instead, you can borrow up to the full cost of your Masters programme, minus any other forms of financial support you are receiving for it. Interest rates are set at 8.05% for the 2023-24 year.

To apply, you’ll need to be studying a course at 50% intensity or more (part-time programmes are eligible for direct plus loans, provided you study on a ‘half-time’ basis or greater). You’ll also need a good credit history to apply a Direct PLUS loan. You won’t normally be able to receive a Direct PLUS Loan if you have a record of credit default or overdue debt for existing loans. In some cases, a parent or other US citizen may endorse your application as a guarantor.

As a Masters student you won’t repay your loan until six months after you cease to be enrolled on your course. Note that this repayment period will normally still come into effect if you exit your graduate programme early.

Actual repayment plans vary, but you can view a set of guides from the US Department of Education .

#2 Work-study

Federal work study provides part-time jobs for US students who have financial need, to help them cover their living costs and tuition fees.

Roles can be on or off campus, and where possible related to your field of study. Off-campus jobs are generally for nonprofit organisations or public agencies, and must be performed in the public interest.

Postgraduate students may be paid by the hour or by salary, depending on the type of role performed. How many hours you’re allowed to work will be determined by your university’s financial aid office.

Federal work-study is generally not available for international students, but there are other ways to earn money alongside your studies. We cover this in our guide to working in the USA as a student .

Applying for financial aid

To apply for financial aid, you’ll need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Filling in the FAFSA involves creating an online account and receiving a unique FSA ID.

You should have access to the following documents and information when filling in the FAFSA:

• Your social security number
• Your driving license number (if you have one)
• Your Alien Registration Number (of you are not a US citizen)
• Tax documents or tax returns for yourself and your spouse (if married)
• Records of any untaxed income, savings, cash or investments

The FAFSA form for becomes available for course starting the following year on 1 October annually. So if you’re planning to study a Masters or PhD starting in Autumn 2024, you’ll be able to fill in the FAFSA from 1 October 2023 .

The FAFSA deadline for 2023-24 is 30 June 2024 .

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This page answers some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about getting started at Harvard Extension School.

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One credit in a Harvard Extension School course is equal to one semester hour. The hours you need to dedicate to your studies depend upon how many courses you take per semester and the intensity of the class.

Instructors determine the workload for their individual courses, but students should expect to have at least two hours of work outside of class for every hour in class. Please refer to course syllabi, once available, to learn more about coursework and assignments.

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Most courses are offered in an online-course format to allow flexibility to our students. All graduate certificates may be completed entirely through online education. However, our graduate programs require at least one on-campus learning experience.

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Yes, you can take more than one on-campus course if you choose. Please note all registered students who will have a presence on campus must comply with Massachusetts and Harvard University regulations requiring proof of immunization.

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Harvard Extension School undergraduate and graduate degree programs offer students a flexible, affordable opportunity for academic and professional advancement.

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If you haven’t earned at least a B in all of your Harvard courses, use our GPA Estimator tool to determine your GPA. See Academic Standing for information on grade-point average calculation for the graduate degree program.

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Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree should apply during the semester of their second or third degree course to ensure their progress and avoid a $300 delayed application fee.

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On the website, students will find detailed application and admission requirements for each field of study. To find courses that specifically fulfill these requirements, by term or other sort options, use the course catalog to filter by specific degree or certificate. You may then also filter by Admissions Courses, Degree Courses, and other requirements.

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You may take the Critical Reading and Writing Skills (CRWS) test once per term (fall, spring, or summer). If you do not pass your first attempt, you may take it again during the following term. If you do not pass the test after two attempts, you will not be allowed to take it again. If you don’t pass the test on the first try, we strongly advise you to take the course that the exam graders have recommended.

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Harvard Extension School is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Extension School courses are approved each year by Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences to count toward the Harvard University degrees of Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies and Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies .

We believe the most important predictor of successful program participation and completion is your current ability to perform at the honors level at Harvard. The application process for degree programs is nontraditional and based heavily on the student’s performance in two or three field-specific Harvard Extension School courses taken before application. For more information on our programs, please see Academics . Please see About Us and Why Harvard Extension School? to learn more.

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Sixty percent of Harvard Extension School instructors are Harvard University affiliates (professors, administrators, or teaching fellows). Learn more about HES faculty . Our degree candidates receive a Harvard student ID card, which grants them access to a wide range of Harvard University’s Resources and Benefits .

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Harvard Extension School does not offer certificates upon the completion of individual academic courses. However, students looking to receive proof of courses taken at the Extension School may request an official transcript . This document will indicate any courses from the Extension and Summer Schools that have been completed, and the grades received in courses taken for credit.

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Harvard to expand financial aid starting with Class of ’26

Change aims to ease pressures of expenses, remove economic barriers to entry.

Harvard College has offered admission to 1,214 applicants for the Class of 2026, with 1,954 admitted in total, including those selected in the early action process.

“The Class of 2026 is truly remarkable in every way, and we hope they will choose to come to Harvard in the fall,” said William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid. “Beyond their academic and extracurricular accomplishments noted in their applications are the many contributions they made to their families, Schools, and communities during a time of pandemic and economic challenge.”

2022 financial aid data Families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less do not pay anything toward the cost of a Harvard College education. Nearly 1 in 4 undergraduates comes from a family whose annual income is $75,000 or less. Harvard provides a $2,000 “start-up” grant to each of these students in their first year. Harvard also provides aid for low-income students to pay for health insurance, books, travel costs home, winter coats, event fees, and other activities to ensure every student can engage in the Harvard experience. Harvard has awarded nearly $2.9 billion in undergraduate financial aid since launching the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative. Harvard College’s annual financial aid award budget has increased over 190% from $80 million in 2005 to $235 million in 2022. 55% of Harvard undergraduates receive financial aid and pay an average of $12,700 per year. Over 80% of the Class of 2021 graduated debt-free.

Reinforcing its commitment to opportunity for all talented students regardless of their economic resources, the University is also announcing a significant expansion of the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) for low- and middle-income families. Beginning with the class admitted this week, the cost to attend Harvard College, which includes tuition, room, board, and all fees, will be free for families with annual incomes below $75,000. This is an increase from the $65,000 annual income threshold in previous years. Nearly a quarter of Harvard College students come from families with incomes under $75,000.

“Harvard continues to make investments in our financial aid program to lessen the enormous pressures that low- and middle-income families face in sending their deserving students to College,” said Claudine Gay, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “Education is a source of opportunity, and we will support families seeking to provide the best possible opportunities for their children.”

Harvard’s undergraduate financial aid program continues to benefit from consistent and aggressive investment . Since launching HFAI in 2005, the University has awarded almost $2.9 billion in scholarship aid to undergraduates. During this period, Harvard’s annual financial aid budget has risen more than 190 percent, from $80 million to $235 million in 2022. Beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year, all first-year students from families with incomes below $75,000 with typical assets will also receive a $2,000 start-up grant to help with move-in costs and other expenses incurred in the transition to College. The grant was launched in 2016.

Based on projections, 55 percent will receive need-based grants, allowing aided families to pay an average of $12,700 annually. In addition, 25 percent of students qualified for the HFAI.

“We know that financial aid makes the most fundamental difference for applicants and their families,” said Jake Kaufmann, Griffin Director of Financial Aid. “In increasing the no-contribution level, Harvard is continuing its efforts to open doors to excellent students from around the world.”

In 2020, Harvard further expanded its financial aid program by eliminating the summer work expectation from aid awards beginning in the 2020–21 academic year and replacing it with scholarship funds. Students are not required to take out loans and are only expected to contribute $3,500 through term-time work to meet their estimated personal expenses, including books.

In this application cycle, an estimated 20.5 percent qualified for federal Pell grants, typically awarded to students from lower-income backgrounds. Students who will be in the first generation of their family to graduate from a four-year college or the equivalent represent 20.3 percent of this year’s admitted class.

Harvard’s net-price calculator makes it easy for families to get a sense of the College’s affordability. For students not receiving need-based aid, the total cost of attendance (including tuition, room, board, and fees) is scheduled to increase by 3 percent to $76,763 for the 2022–2023 academic year.

This year’s admitted class, whose members learned of the decisions Thursday evening, hails from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 98 countries, including the U.S. International students make up 13.9 percent of the class, and 9.3 percent are U.S. dual citizens. About 22.2 percent come from the mid-Atlantic states, 18.2 percent from the South, 16.4 percent from New England, 16.6 percent from Western and Mountain states, 9.8 percent from the Midwest, and 14.9 percent from U.S. territories and abroad.

The total number of applications for the Class of 2026 was 61,220, a nearly 7 percent increase from the 57,435 received last year.

The Class of 2026 reflects the increasing diversity of the College’s applicants, with 15.5 percent identifying as African American/Black, 27.8 percent as Asian American, 12.6 percent as Latinx, 2.9 percent as Native American, and 0.8 percent as Native Hawaiian. Women account for more than half, 54.2 percent, of all those accepted.

As the pandemic continues to disrupt high school students’ access to standardized testing, Harvard announced in January 2022 an extension of its test-optional policy, allowing applicants through the Class of 2030 to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.

Harvard has continued efforts to recruit U.S. military veterans, working with groups affiliated with the Defense Department and joining the Service to School’s VetLink program in 2017. Eighteen veterans were admitted to this year’s class, and 40 students expressed interest in ROTC.

Harvard College plans to welcome students to campus for an in-person Visitas weekend April 24-25. Harvard will host a number of events designed to welcome the admitted Class of 2026 and introduce them to the College community, as well as to the available resources and opportunities.

Harvard will also continue to host virtual events for students via Crimson Connect, its online platform for the Class of 2026, which will be used throughout the spring to engage with current students, faculty, and staff. Students will receive information about Visitas and Crimson Connect via the Admitted Student Website. In-person Visitas programming will be contingent upon University, local, and state public health guidance. Admitted students will be notified directly of any programming changes.

Staff members of the Griffin Financial Aid office will be available to speak with students and their families this month to help them as they make their final college choices.

Students have until Monday, May 2, to reply to their offers of admission.

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