The deadline to apply to the Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) has now passed. The application for fall 2024 enrollment will be available on our website by fall 2023. The list below is provided for planning purposes but actual application requirements may change for the 2024-2025 academic year. Decisions will be made available in March.
A complete application to the Ed.L.D. Program consists of the following:
- Online Application Form
- Short essay question
- Statement of Purpose and Résumé
- Standardized test score(s):
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted through the online application system)
- Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended (uploaded with the online application)
- $85 application fee (paid via credit card with the online application
You must submit all of your required documents online, including your academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. After you enter the contact information for your three recommenders on your application, each will receive an email with instructions about logging onto our system. At that time, they will have the opportunity to fill out the Recommendation Form and upload a recommendation letter.
It is not possible to submit multiple HGSE applications for the same academic year. Ed.L.D. applicants who wish to be considered for admission to an Ed.M. program, should they not be admitted to the program to which they applied, should indicate their interest in an Ed.M. referral on their online application. They will be required to select a specific Ed.M. program (and strand, if applicable) and provide a statement regarding their referral interest.
*Once all applications have been reviewed, HGSE will invite selected Ed.L.D. applicants for required virtual interviews (both individual and group) with members of the admissions committee. These virtual interviews will take place in February.
Reapplying
The Harvard Graduate School of Education will accept a maximum of three applications from one individual over the course of his or her lifetime.
Applicants who have previously applied within the past three years should review the reapplication process to determine which materials they do not need to resubmit.
International Students
International applicants must submit all standard application materials outlined above and pay special attention to the requirements for international transcripts and standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS).
The Harvard International Office and the HGSE Office of Student Affairs provide extensive support for international students before they depart and once they arrive in Cambridge.
Once students have been admitted as degree candidates, Harvard University requires international students who need a Harvard-sponsored student visa to submit financial certification that demonstrates adequate funding for one year of study. Detailed instructions regarding this process will be available upon admission to HGSE. Please note that admitted international students requesting J-1 or F-1 visas are required to enroll full-time.