Need-Based Grant Awards

HGSE Grant Funds

HGSE grant funds are awarded to Ed.M. candidates on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Grants generally range up to the present maximum of $7,000 and are awarded on the basis of financial need.

Pforzheimer Fellowship Application

Incoming masters and first year doctoral students who are graduates of Harvard/Radcliffe College are encouraged to apply. These fellowships are intended for graduate students who demonstrate unusual talent for and commitment to public service. Priority is given to current practitioners. Candidates must submit along with their HGSE Financial Aid Application:

1.) A statement of no more than two double-spaced pages in length, describing your commitment to and experience in public service, and

2.) A current curriculum vitae or resume.

Harvard University Restricted Scholarships

Students at Harvard University are eligible to apply for restricted scholarships administered by the Committee on General Scholarships. Most of these are based on need and also have award preferences related to field of study, ethnic background, region of the country, or high school or college attended. These scholarships are listed on the HGSE Financial Aid Application and the Committee on General Scholarships website. If students believe they qualify for a restricted scholarship, they should carefully complete the application by the stated deadline, indicating their eligibility. Students should attach documentation of the eligibility criteria; for example, high school diploma or proof of lineage. Awards from these funds are determined through a University-wide competition with students from other Harvard faculties. The scholarships are small, generally less than $5,000. For more information on Restricted Scholarships, please see the website for the Committee on General Scholarships.

Advanced Doctoral Student Grants

This one-time-only grant is available to doctoral students who meet specific academic milestones and demonstrate financial need. These students may be considered for grant aid for either year four or year five of doctoral study. (Students should remain aware in years one through three of the timetable which may make them eligible for a grant.) Please contact the Office of Academic Services or the Financial Aid Office for more information. ADG flyer (57KB pdf)

HGSE Dissertation Support Fund (DSF)

This one-time, need-based award is designed to assist doctoral students with expenses related to the final phase of dissertation work. To be eligible, students must have passed their Oral Examination and have a Memorandum of Understanding on file in the Office of Academic Services. The student's application must be supported by his/her advisor with a letter of recommendation, confirming that the student is in the final phase of work on the dissertation and that graduation is anticipated within one academic year of application. DSF applications (90KB pdf) are reviewed throughout the year.