Frequently Asked Questions

What hotel accommodations are available to me in Cambridge?

We work with local hotels to provide participants with special rates for their stay in Cambridge and the surrounding areas. Additional information on booking accommodations is provided once accepted participants have completed the online confirmation form.

For detailed information about transportation to and from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as a list of nearby accommodations, please visit the Getting to Campus page.

Where do the programs take place?

Most programs are held on the Harvard Graduate School of Education campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Other locations may include areas within the Harvard University campus or on-site school visits for some programs. Participants can see individual program details on the program schedule for specific locations.

Am I required to attend each session?

Full-time participation and preparation are required throughout programs; participants are expected to free themselves of all work obligations during the program. Less than full participation in a program could affect the number of clock hours received.

What is a typical day like in a program?

The day-to-day schedule varies for each program, although full-day sessions begin before 9:00 a.m. and run until early evening. Participants will receive a detailed schedule before the program starts.

What are the protocols to address COVID and other health issues?

Please see our On-Campus Program Health and Safety Policies.

How do I apply to a program?

All Professional Education programs have online registration or applications. You can access the online application by visiting the program webpage and clicking the "Register" or “Apply” buttons.

To apply for a program, please log in or create your Community account here. 

Is there an application fee?

No. Once admitted, participants will receive an invoice for the program tuition, but there is no application fee.

What are your admissions requirements?

For most programs, proficiency in written English is required, and participants must be fluent in English to actively participate in group discussions. Each program may also have its own admissions criteria, which can be found on the program webpage.

How do I know if you are still accepting applications for a program I want to attend?

Programs still accepting applications or registrations will have an “Apply” or "Register" button on the top of the program page.

How long does it take to process my application?

For rolling admissions programs in our PreK-12 portfolio, individual applicants are notified via email within one to three weeks from the date they apply. The Harvard Institutes for Higher Education will notify you by the application deadline.

I’m trying to apply for a program, but the form isn’t letting me submit my short answer in the text box.

There is a 250-word limit on short answer submissions. We recommend that you shorten your answer if it exceeds this limit.

I am a Team Coordinator. Do I need to apply individually as well?

Team coordinators do not need to complete the additional application provided for team members. If you want to participate in the program, you will select “participating team coordinator” in the application process. 

I am part of a team. When can I expect to receive an acceptance notification?

Team applicants are notified of an admissions decision via email within three weeks of the team application submission date. Please note that team applications are only reviewed once every member has submitted their team member application form.

Are there scholarships or financial aid available?

In support of continued learning and development, we have a limited pool of tuition assistance available to educators on a need and application basis for our Professional Education programs. To inquire about tuition assistance for our upcoming programs, please contact us by submitting a case here.

If tuition assistance is available, information will be available on the specific program page. The application for tuition assistance will be available upon completion of the program application. 

What is included in my program tuition?

Generally, the program tuition covers the cost of instructional materials and light refreshments. Some programs may provide additional assistance. Please visit the program website for detailed information.

When is payment due?

For online programs, the payment deadline is stated in the registration materials. For on-campus programs, the payment deadline is 30 days after your acceptance; if the program start date is less than 30 days away, payment is due immediately. 

What types of payments are accepted?

Payment can be made by check, electronic bank wire transfer, or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, or Visa). Detailed payment information will be included in your invoice. 

Does Professional Education accept payment by purchase order (PO)?

We accept purchase orders as a guarantee from an institution to pay a participant's registration fees. However, full payment is still required before the program starts. Please send the PO document to ppefinar@gse.harvard.edu.

What is HGSE Professional Education's tax ID number (TIN)?

04-2103580

How can I get a copy of the invoice for the program?

Please log in to your Professional Education Community account and generate an invoice. 

I have a question regarding billing and payment, and I am already enrolled in the program. Whom should I contact?

If you have already enrolled in a program and have confirmed that you plan to attend, please submit your question regarding payment here.

Why has an international tax been added to my invoice? 

The digital service tax added to your invoice is based on your current mailing address. India mailing addresses are considered residents of India for tax purposes. India residents are being charged the current India GST rate (18% as of 1/26/24). The tax collected is passed on to the government of India through Harvard University. 

I can no longer attend a program, or I wish to withdraw from this program. What do I do?

Please refer to our Refund and Withdrawal Policies page for information regarding the refund process. Submit your withdrawal question here.

Last updated: June 4, 2024

Will I need to prove my vaccination status or provide an attestation to attend an on-campus Professional Education program?

As of May 11, 2023, participants will not be required to submit attestations of vaccination, test results, or overall wellness in order to attend. However, we strongly encourage all Professional Education participants, visitors, and guests coming to campus to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In addition, we ask that you do not come to campus if you are sick, have been asked to quarantine or isolate, or have tested positive within the past five days.

Will international participants be permitted to attend on-campus programs?

We welcome all participants. All international applicants should review the current U.S. travel restrictions before applying to and/or registering for an HGSE Professional Education Program.

Is COVID-19 testing required for program registration or attendance?

No, we do not require participants to test for COVID-19 before a Professional Education program. 

What if I experience symptoms of COVID-19 during my on-campus program?

If you experience symptoms that you believe may indicate COVID-19, HGSE can direct you to local drugstores that can provide a rapid antigen test for your use. If you do not feel well, please do not come to campus.

What if I test positive for COVID-19 during my on-campus program?

If you test positive for COVID-19, please contact us through the Professional Education Community. (Select “Program Experience” in the drop-down, and use “Urgent: {Program Name} Attendance” in the subject line.) Your positive result will stay anonymous and not be shared with your faculty or classmates. Participants who test positive for COVID-19 at any time during the program will be asked to exit the program for their health and safety. Depending on the exit date, a program refund, deferral, or certificate of program completion will be issued. 

Are masks required to participate in my on-campus program?

No, masks are not required for attendance. However, though no longer mandatory on Harvard’s campus, voluntary masking is encouraged in crowded settings and when virus transmission rates are high. If you would like a mask for your program, HGSE will provide one for you. Please note that though masking is not required, each member of the HGSE community should choose whether and when to wear a mask based on their own comfort level. We ask everyone to respect the choices of others.

What happens if HGSE cancels my on-campus program due to COVID-19 or for any other reason?

HGSE is closely monitoring public health guidelines as well as case counts in Cambridge and on the Harvard University campus. If it is determined that a planned on-campus program is no longer safe to host in person, the Professional Education team will either transition the program to an online format (with an option to attend, defer your enrollment and use the tuition for another HGSE Professional Education program within one calendar year, or receive a tuition refund) or postpone the program to a later date (with options to defer participation until the next offering, defer your enrollment and use the tuition for another HGSE Professional Education program within one calendar year, or receive a tuition refund).

Will HGSE refund travel fees or other incurred costs related to attendance of a canceled program?

HGSE will refund tuition fees only—not travel costs or other expenses incurred. However, many airlines have waived cancellation fees in light of COVID-19. It may be helpful to share emails you have received from the Professional Education team regarding a canceled program with the airline when requesting an airfare refund.

What if I test positive for COVID-19—will I be refunded?

If you cannot attend the program due to a positive COVID-19 test, you may defer your enrollment and use the tuition for another HGSE Professional Education program within one calendar year, or HGSE will refund your tuition. We are unable to reimburse travel costs or other expenses incurred.

Are graduate credit or Professional Development Points associated with HGSE Professional Education programs?

With the exception of the Certificate of Advanced Education Leadership (CAEL), Professional Education programs do not provide graduate credit. Participants receive a certificate of participation and a letter confirming the number of clock hours awarded during the program. We recommend that participants contact their institutions or school districts for information on converting clock hours to Professional Development Points (PDPs).