International Applicant's Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for financial aid at HGSE?

2010-2011 HGSE Financial Aid Applications will be available in late 2009 on our Applying for Aid page.  Please be sure to pay special attention to all deadlines and the instructions provided.

May I apply for a tuition waiver?

Tuition waivers are not available at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

What kind of financial aid is available for international students?

Grants & Scholarships

International students are eligible to be considered for both need-based and merit-based HGSE aid found on the Fellowships & Grants page.

All HGSE applicants and students may apply for any of the University wide Restricted Scholarships for which they may be eligible. You can apply for these scholarships when you complete your HGSE Financial Aid Application.

International students may refer to our Fellowship Information for general information about possible external sources of support and may also want to refer to the list of Funding Sources for International Students available through this website. The Harvard Committee on General Scholarships also provides funding through various scholarships and fellowships.

Loans

International students are not eligible for U.S. federal student loans. Many international students utilize loan programs in their home nations.  However, international students may borrow through some private lenders. International students will generally be required to have a creditworthy co-signer/co-borrower who is a U.S. citizen. Please refer to our loan page for further information about these and other loan programs.

Work

International students are generally restricted from working in this country, but may be able to work on the Harvard campus depending on visa status. Applicants should refer to the Harvard International Office for questions about work eligibility.

For information about on-campus job opportunities students should refer to the Student Employment Office. Please keep in mind that U.S. Federal Work-Study positions, which subsidize employer costs, are available only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It is often difficult for international students to find unsubsidized campus jobs.

HGSE also has Research Assistantships or Teaching Fellowships for which international students may be eligible to apply during the course of their program. For more information about these positions and their eligibility requirements you may refer to the Office of Academic Services or contact them directly at 617-495-3957.

Where can I get information about housing and other living expenses?

Upon admission to HGSE, students are mailed a packet which includes detailed information from the HGSE Financial Aid Office, Office of Student Affairs, and the Housing Office.

How can I calculate the funds I will need to obtain a student visa (for myself/for myself and family members)?

The following examples are estimates for full time students entering in 2009-2010 academic year:

• A single student must certify:
  $57,698 for the cost of attendance (including tution, fees, living expenses and books) plus the cost of a return airfare in guaranteed, available funds (through a scholarship, personal funds in a U.S. bank, or agency sponsorship, or combination thereof).
• A student with a spouse must certify:
  $57,698 for self plus $11,528 for the cost of health fees and living expenses for their spouse, plus the cost of return airfare in guaranteed, available funds (see above).
• A student with a spouse and a child must certify:
  $57,698 for self plus $21,352 for the cost of health fees and living expenses for their spouse and child, plus the cost of return airfare in guaranteed, available funds (see above).

• Please note that the above figures pertain to full-time master's students and first and second year doctoral students paying full tuition and fees. Budgets for doctoral students in their third year and beyond are adjusted according to the tuition level they are required to pay. HGSE students who are currently enrolled, or returning from a leave of absence, should contact the HGSE Financial Aid Office for instructions on certifying for an extension of their visa and related documents.

When do I receive information about applying for my student visa?

The HGSE Admissions Office mails information about visa requirements with the notice of admission.