how to apply for phd at harvard

• Crimson Careers
• For Employers
• Harvard College
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
• Harvard Extension School
• Premed / Pre-Health
• Families & Supporters
• Faculty & Staff
• Prospective Students
• First Generation / Low Income
• International Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Undocumented Students
• Varsity Athletes
• Explore Interests & Make Career Decisions
• Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter
• Expand Your Network
• Engage with Employers
• Search for a Job
• Find an Internship
• January Experiences (College)
• Find & Apply for Summer Opportunities Funding
• Prepare for an Interview
• Negotiate an Offer
• Apply to Graduate or Professional School
• Access Resources
• AI for Professional Development and Exploration
• Arts & Entertainment
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Climate, Sustainability, Environment, Energy
• Government, Int’l Relations, Education, Law, Nonprofits
• Life Sciences & Health
• Technology & Engineering
• Still Exploring
• Talk to an Advisor
• Share This: Share How to Apply to Grad School: A Complete Guide on Facebook Share How to Apply to Grad School: A Complete Guide on LinkedIn Share How to Apply to Grad School: A Complete Guide on X

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.

Jump to navigation

Harvard University - The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Returning users:

First-time users:.

• Utility Menu

• Department Intranet

The Department of Philosophy typically receives over 400 applications each year. We ordinarily matriculate an entering class of five to six doctoral students. Although the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of offers the department can make, we invite all who would like to study Philosophy at Harvard to apply.

Note regarding GRE scores:   The Philosophy Department does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. Submission of scores is permitted, and, when submitted, GRE scores are taken into account in the admissions process. But those who do not submit such scores will not be penalized.

Note regarding application fee waivers : 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. Please consult the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences admissions pages for further information or email them at [email protected] .

Note regarding JD/PhD program:  Students seeking admission to the joint JD/PhD program must apply to and be separately admitted to both the Law School and the Department of Philosophy in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Note regarding non-discrimination:  Harvard does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

Student Qualifications

Background in Philosophy:  The Department requires that applicants have the equivalent of a solid undergraduate background in philosophy, so that they have a good grounding in the history of philosophy, as well as familiarity with contemporary work in ethics, epistemology and metaphysics, and logic.

Scholarly Potential:  The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of outstanding potential in the field of philosophy as shown in the applicant's academic record, letters of recommendation, and Statement of Purpose on the application form.

Questions?  Please contact the  Director of Graduate Admissions .

For more information on deadlines and application procedures, please click here:

Important Addresses

Harvard College

University Hall Cambridge, MA 02138

Harvard College Admissions Office and Griffin Financial Aid Office

86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

Social Links

If you are located in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (the “European Economic Area”), please click here for additional information about ways that certain Harvard University Schools, Centers, units and controlled entities, including this one, may collect, use, and share information about you.

Application Tips

• Navigating Campus
• Preparing for College
• How to Complete the FAFSA
• What to Expect After You Apply
• View All Guides
• Parents & Families
• School Counselors
• Información en Español
• Undergraduate Viewbook
• View All Resources

Search and Useful Links

Search the site, search suggestions.

Aerial Harvard view, students walking on campus and in classroom

We consider each application with care.

When reading an application, we get to know the person behind the numbers. We take into consideration your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and life experiences. Just as there is no typical Harvard student, there is no ideal Harvard applicant. We look forward to learning more about you.

Frequently asked questions about applying

Have my application materials been received (including common application forms, or supplemental materials).

Upon receipt of your application, we will send you a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the  Applicant Portal . This portal allows you to view your record in our applicant database, to see which pieces of your application we've received and processed, and to make other changes to your application.

The data is updated nightly from the main admissions database and has the most up-to-date information available from our office. If you have sent us required materials that are shown in your status as not received, it is possible that those documents are being processed (along with thousands of others) in our office and simply have not yet made it to your file. Though we can not track each individual's materials upon request, we will conduct a thorough scrutiny of all files prior to committee evaluations. You will be contacted if you are missing required documents, and you will be given the opportunity to re-submit them without penalty.

How can I add new accomplishments/awards/accolades to my submitted application?

We understand that you might receive new recognitions or awards after you’ve submitted your application. We welcome the submission of this additional notable information. You may upload information about notable accomplishments and awards using the Applicant Portal .

When do I need to submit test scores if I want them considered in my application?

If you are applying Restrictive Early Action, we would like your testing results by the end of October; however, you may submit the November series if needed.

For Regular Decision, although it is possible to submit scores from tests taken as late as the February, we recommend that you submit testing as early as possible.

Do I need to complete an alumni interview for my first-year application?

Applicants are assigned interviews at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, based, in part, on availability of alumni in your local area. Nearly 10,000 alumni/ae volunteers help us recruit students from all 50 states and around the world, but most areas do not have the capacity to interview all applicants. Your application is considered complete without an interview and will receive a full and thorough evaluation. In most cases, the Admissions Committee has sufficient information in the student’s application materials to reach an admissions decision. If the Committee would like more information about a student or has questions about any application materials, someone may reach out to schedule an interview.

Starting an Application

For all first-year and transfer applicants, your first step will be to fill out and submit an application. You can do so through the Common Application or the Coalition Application - Powered by Scoir. For first-year applicants, the Common Application opens on August 1 and the Coalition Application opens on August 15. For transfer applicants, both applications open on September 1. 

We have no preference and each application is treated equally by the Admissions Committee. 

Application Requirements

All applicants—both international and U.S. candidates, first-year and transfer— must complete the following application components:

• Common Application or apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir
• Harvard College Questions for the Common Application, or Coalition Application Harvard supplement
• $85 fee (or request a fee waiver )
• SAT or ACT (with or without writing) 
• Optional: AP or other examination results

For first-year:

• School Report (which includes a counselor letter) and high school transcript
• Teacher Report (2)
• Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)
• Final School Report (for admitted students only)

For transfer:

• College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
• Official College Transcript
• College Instructor Recommendations (2)
• Official High School Transcript

Click below to learn more about each component. 

No student with a bachelor's degree or other first university degree from any other university, whether American or foreign, is eligible for admission to Harvard College. Students interested in continuing their studies beyond the bachelor's degree might wish to consider one of the  12 Harvard University graduate schools . 

Admissions Deadlines

Restrictive Early Action application deadline -  learn more about Restrictive Early Action .

Regular Decision application deadline

Transfer application deadline

Get step-by-step tips on filling out your college application. From the application fee waiver to the writing supplement, we've gathered some tips to help you complete your application.

U.S. Military Veterans

Individuals who have served in the U.S. military bring valuable perspectives to our community and we welcome applications from veterans for both first-year and transfer admission. If you are a veteran, please review the information on our U.S. Military Veterans page. There, you'll find details on whether to apply as a first-year or transfer student, financial aid, and making the transition to college life. 

International Applicants

We welcome applications from all over the world. Our admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants - regardless of nationality or citizenship.

Related Topics

First-year applicants.

Here's everything you need to know about applying to Harvard College as a first-year applicant.

Transfer Applicants

Students who have completed at least one but not more than two continuous academic years in a full-time program may apply to transfer to Harvard.

Visiting Undergraduate Students

The Visiting Undergraduate Students (VUS) Program welcomes students enrolled in colleges around the world to spend a semester or year at Harvard.

Toggle Admissions Submenu

• Utility Menu

Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department
• FAQ for Applicants

Please check out our  PRO-TiP  (PhD Resources and Online Tips Page)!  PRO-TiP provides easy and open access to resources that help demystify the process of applying to graduate programs in Psychology.

What kind of program does Harvard offer?

The Harvard Psychology Department offers a research-oriented Ph.D. program in four areas: Experimental Psychopathology & Clinical Science, Developmental, Social, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). The Department does not offer a terminal master’s degree in psychology, though students admitted to the Ph.D. program can earn a master’s along the way. Some graduates of the program seek positions as research psychologists in an academic setting. Other graduates get positions in government, consulting firms, tech startups or larger tech companies, hospitals or social service agencies, and other network or private clinical settings.  The Department offers two tracks, Clinical Science and a Common Curriculum. The common curriculum is composed of three sub-fields: Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). The Common Curriculum, described in the program section of the graduate program website ,   is taken by all students except those in Clinical Science. Though these area boundaries exist, collaboration is an important aspect of our academic community. As such, faculty and students collaborate within and across these area boundaries.

How do I get information about Harvard doctoral program admissions?

The Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions website includes information about how to apply, required application materials, test score requirements, deadlines, and FAQs.  The application process is online .  This link connects you to the Psychology Program of Study page on the GSAS Admissions website. You can refer to our PRO-TiP page to find faculty answers to frequently asked questions.

Prospective applicants will want to read carefully about departmental faculty research interests   to decide whether this department is a good match. "Fit" of interests is an important criterion when the Department makes admissions decisions.

This list of theses and dissertations completed by current and previous students in the doctoral program may be useful in figuring out if this department would provide a good fit for your research goals.   

Do I need an undergraduate degree in Psychology to be eligible for the PhD program?

A psychology major is not required, but it is recommended that applicants take some basic psychology courses and obtain research experience. Admitted applicants have excellent grades, test scores, letters of recommendation, research experience and are a good match in terms of research interests with one or more members of the faculty, who serve as advisors.

Do I need to submit GRE scores, and how do I submit them?

*For Fall 2025 admission, the submission of GRE scores is required for applicants to the Clinical Science area and optional but recommended for applicants to the Social, Developmental, and CBB areas.*  GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date. If you have personal score reports available from tests taken within the last five years, you can upload them to your online application for consideration by the admissions committee. However, you will still need to ensure that  Educational Testing Service  (ETS) sends an official score report. Be sure to register for the tests well before administration dates and request that your scores be sent to Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using code 3451 (department code is not required).

Does the Psychology Department offer a master's degree?

No, we do not offer a terminal master’s degree in psychology, though students admitted to the PhD program can earn a master’s along the way.   

How long does the program take?

Some students find four years is sufficient to complete the program, although most take five and a few take six years. Financial aid is generally offered for up to six years. 

Who may act as a PhD advisor?

Only tenure-track faculty members in the Department of Psychology may serve as primary advisors to PhD students in Psychology. Affiliated faculty cannot serve as primary mentors for PhD students. Students are welcome to form collaborations with affiliated faculty, but these individuals do not participate in our PhD program admissions.

Can I get training in clinical psychology at Harvard?

The Department offers a research-oriented program in Clinical Science. Our program was designed and is perhaps best suited for individuals who aspire toward careers in clinical scientific research and teaching. As compared with some more clinically oriented programs, we place relatively more emphasis on research training and experience in our program admissions and our training program for admitted graduate students. That said, the clinical training opportunities afforded by the program provide excellent training in clinical intervention and assessment as well. The Clinical Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS).

Is there a part-time or distance learning option?

This is a full-time, in-person program. In unusual circumstances, the Department may grant permission for an enrolled student to temporarily register for a part-time schedule. It is required that students be in residence for at least two years in the program, and almost all students are in residence for the entire program. It is possible to receive permission to be a "traveling scholar" and do research or writing away from Cambridge, but this is most typical for students at an advanced stage of the program who have finished data collection. There is no online or distance-learning program.

Can I apply if I already have a master's degree?

Yes. Students that have completed prior graduate work can petition, after a semester of satisfactory work in the Department, to receive credit for up to eight relevant half-courses, the equivalent of a year's worth of work. However, many students in the program don't bother to apply for this credit since it is rare for a student to be exempted from any courses required by the department. In addition, the bulk of time in the doctoral program is spent on research projects, and the department very rarely exempts students from these. Even students coming in with a master's degree take between 4-6 years to complete the program, though an incoming student with more education may naturally be more focused at an earlier point in their program. By the time a student has finished all requirements for the doctorate, including research requirements, they will have many more than the required minimum number of credits.

Is there financial aid available?

Funding is in the form of grants in the early years and teaching or research fellowships in later years. Typically all admitted students are offered a funding package consisting of up to six years of full tuition, three years of living stipend, and two years of guaranteed teaching fellowships (which would provide a similar level of living support). Additional teaching is usually available in the fifth year. Both international and U.S. applicants are eligible for this financial package. Because funds are limited, applicants are urged to apply for any outside fellowships they may be eligible for.  NSF graduate fellowships  and those from the  Department of Defense  are examples of national fellowship competitions open to U.S. citizens. There are also the  Ford Foundation Fellowships , available specifically for URM scholars.    Receiving an outside fellowship may allow you to have a higher stipend, to decrease your teaching commitment or to have an additional year to complete your degree. Receiving an outside fellowship is also a professional honor that will help you in applying for jobs after graduate school.  

How can I maximize my chances of being admitted?

We use a holistic approach in evaluating applicants and admitting graduate students to the program. Among the factors considered are grades from undergraduate coursework, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, application essays, prior research experience, and focused research interests, with an emphasis on those that are compatible with those of faculty members. The department is also actively committing to building an inclusive field. Part of that commitment is prioritizing diversity and support for diverse individuals within our own department.

While we do not require an undergraduate concentration in psychology, some social science coursework is recommended. Because the program is heavily quantitatively oriented, college-level math and statistics are also advised. Research experience is extremely helpful: successful applicants have often worked for professors, done research projects as part of college courses, written an undergraduate thesis, or volunteered in a psychology research lab.

Candidates’ research interests and compatibility with the program are determined in large part by the candidate's application essay, the Statement of Purpose. Here is some advice from a professor for writing a good application essay:

Over the past 12 years, I have been reading graduate school admissions’ essays. These include essays from students applying to work with me as well as those from my own students who are preparing to apply to other graduate programs. When my own students apply to graduate school, I give them very specific advice about the nature of the essay, what I think most candidate schools and advisors are looking for. I have always had a particular view about what makes for a good read , of course from a personal perspective. I have been struck by the fact that many of the incoming essays lack the kind of content that I am looking for, having the appearance of an undergraduate application essay. This seems unfortunate because I often use the essay more than almost anything else to get a sense of the applicant’s intellectual potential and passion. Many students that apply have stellar GPAs and GREs, but only a few present carefully reasoned essays that really motivate the reasons for going to graduate school. In essence, essays that capture my attention are ones that develop ideas, propose experiments, point to holes in the literature, and do these things with passion and excitement. These very general comments, which will certainly not capture every advisor’s perspective, or even the majority, can be distilled to a few essential ingredients, presented below as questions:

• Why continue on with your education? Why do you need to learn more? What skills, theories, and knowledge do you lack?
• What are the kinds of discoveries and theories that sparked your interest in the chosen discipline?
• In graduate school, what kinds of questions do you hope to address? Why do you think that these questions are important? Given the set of questions that you will focus on, what kinds of methods do you hope to apply? What skills do you bring forward as you enter graduate school and which skills do you hope to acquire?
• What holes do you see in the current discipline [big picture stuff]? In what ways do you think that they can be addressed during your graduate career?
• What kind of graduate environment are you looking for? Are you particularly keen on working with one faculty advisor, and if so, why this particular person? If you are leaning more toward a cluster of advisors, as well as the department more generally, why? Hint: faculty are engaged by students who have read some of their work, have thought critically about it, and wish to develop some of the issues addressed. Further, it helps with admissions to have one or more faculty championing your case.

Essays that have the above ingredients are truly informative. They tell each faculty member why the candidate wants to go to graduate school, what problems they hope to tackle, what skills they bring, and which skills they hope to acquire. Following this format is, of course, not a ticket of admission, but it will certainly make your application more interesting and informative.

More information from faculty in this program can be found on our PRO-TiP page .

Can I take courses without being admitted to the degree program?

The only way to take Harvard FAS courses, unless you are enrolled in another Harvard graduate program or MIT, is to be admitted as a  Special Student , which allows you to take between one and four courses a semester. Foreign national students  have  to take a full-time load in order to get a student visa. Students are issued a transcript, but no degree or certificate, for their work in the Special Student program.

Admitted Special Student applicants should be aware that the Department does not have the resources to provide the same support, academic and otherwise, to Special Students as it does to PhD students. Special Students are not assigned advisors, office space, research space, research funds, financial aid, library keys, or computer lab accounts. They are restricted from taking the Department's proseminar (PSY 2010), and other courses at the discretion of the instructor. 

Many Special Students hope eventually to enroll in a psychology graduate program; some plan to apply to Harvard's Ph.D. program. However, applicants should consider the Special Student year an opportunity to take courses, rather than a way to get an early start on the PhD program. While Special Students are certainly eligible to apply, potential applicants should be aware that admission as a Special Student does not guarantee admission to the PhD program. Special Students who are later admitted to the doctoral program receive credit for appropriate graduate-level courses taken during the Special Student term(s).

• Resources for Applicants

Overview of the PhD Program

For specific information on the Applied Mathematics PhD program, see the navigation links to the right. 

What follows on this page is an overview of all Ph.D. programs at the School; additional information and guidance can be found on the  Graduate Policies  pages. 

General Ph.D. Requirements

• 10 semester-long graduate courses, including at least 8 disciplinary.   At least 5 of the 10 should be graduate-level SEAS "technical" courses (or FAS graduate-level technical courses taught by SEAS faculty), not including seminar/reading/project courses.  Undergraduate-level courses cannot be used.  For details on course requirements, see the school's overall PhD course requirements  and the individual program pages linked therein.
• Program Plan (i.e., the set of courses to be used towards the degree) approval by the  Committee on Higher Degrees  (CHD).
• Minimum full-time academic residency of two years .
• Serve as a Teaching Fellow (TF) in one semester of the second year.
• Oral Qualifying Examination Preparation in the major field is evaluated in an oral examination by a qualifying committee. The examination has the dual purpose of verifying the adequacy of the student's preparation for undertaking research in a chosen field and of assessing the student's ability to synthesize knowledge already acquired. For details on arranging your Qualifying Exam, see the exam policies and the individual program pages linked therein.
• Committee Meetings : PhD students' research committees meet according to the guidelines in each area's "Committee Meetings" listing.  For details see the "G3+ Committee Meetings" section of the Policies of the CHD  and the individual program pages linked therein.
• Final Oral Examination (Defense) This public examination devoted to the field of the dissertation is conducted by the student's research committee. It includes, but is not restricted to, a defense of the dissertation itself.  For details of arranging your final oral exam see the  Ph.D. Timeline  page.
• Dissertation Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, a committee chaired by the research supervisor is constituted to oversee the dissertation research. The dissertation must, in the judgment of the research committee, meet the standards of significant and original research.

Optional additions to the Ph.D. program

Harvard PhD students may choose to pursue these additional aspects:

• a Secondary Field (which is similar to a "minor" subject area).  SEAS offers PhD Secondary Field programs in  Data Science and in  Computational Science and Engineering .   GSAS  lists  secondary fields offered by other programs.
• a Master of Science (S.M.) degree conferred  en route to the Ph.D in one of several of SEAS's subject areas.  For details see here .
• a Teaching Certificate awarded by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning .

SEAS PhD students may apply to participate in the  Health Sciences and Technology graduate program  with Harvard Medical School and MIT.  Please check with the HST program for details on eligibility (e.g., only students in their G1 year may apply) and the application process.

In Applied Mathematics

• First-Year Exploration
• Areas of Application
• AM & Economics
• How to Declare
• Who are my Advisors?
• Secondary Field
• Senior Thesis
• Research for Course Credit (AM 91R & AM 99R)
• AB/SM Information
• Peer Concentration Advisors (PCA) Program
• Student Organizations
• How to Apply
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Model Program (Course Guidelines)
• Oral Qualifying Examination
• Committee Meetings
• Committee on Higher Degrees
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories

• Utility Menu

• Internal Resources
• EDIB Committee
• Admissions Information

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.

• Archaeology
• Social Anthropology
• MA Medical Anthropology
• Secondary Fields
• Fellowships
• Teaching Fellows
• Program Contacts
• PhD Recipients

• Utility Menu

gA4 tracking code

Department of chemistry and chemical biology.

• Donate to CCB

Graduate Program

Science in the 21st century is rich with opportunity and challenge. Our pillars for success in this complex world are all tied to interactions—between people and between disciplines. By building both strong interpersonal connections between our students and faculty, and effective bridges between disciplines, entering graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology can thrive at the frontiers of research in the chemical and life sciences.

Our graduate programs prioritize research and exploration. With many opportunities to interact with departments, research centers, and institutions across the Boston area, our students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that encourages curiosity and innovation. Students can choose from one of our following two graduate degree programs:

Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Our program in Chemistry offers research and training opportunities in many subdisciplines of chemistry, including chemical biology, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical.

Chemical Physics

Our interdepartmental Chemical Physics program is designed for students who wish to prepare themselves for the study of chemical problems by the methods and theories of modern physics.

Prospective students

Current graduate students, news about our graduate students.

• Chemistry Internship Reunion Celebrates Success of Local High Schoolers
• CCB publishes fourth edition of CCB Magazine
• School of Life

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.  

How to Apply

Important dates.

Admission Application Deadline: December 3, 2024 at 11: 59 a.m. ET

Financial Aid Application Deadline: January 2025

Decision Notification: Mid-March 2025

Office of Admissions & Financial Aid 124 Mount Auburn Street Suite 165-South Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

The application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available. 

All applications and required materials must be submitted by Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. ET. There is one admission application deadline and one start date for each degree program per year. You may apply to only one master’s degree program per admissions cycle.

What We Look For

We consider the following attributes when evaluating applications for admission:

• Strong academic achievement and intellectual distinction
• Leadership capabilities and personal character
• Quantitative proficiency
• Commitment to public service
• Diverse experiences and backgrounds

We receive more qualified applicants than we are able to admit. The Admissions Committee reviews and carefully considers all submitted applications. The strongest applicants are admitted to our programs each year.

Degree Program Prerequisites

Some of our degree programs have specific academic and professional prerequisites that you must meet either before or while you are applying to HKS.

Master in Public Policy

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• Evidence of quantitative proficiency, regardless of your undergraduate major. This includes success in undergraduate-level economics, statistics, or calculus courses. 
• Work experience is preferred but not required. Incoming MPP students typically have 2-3 years of professional work experience.

Master in Public Administration in International Development

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. This includes strong grades in economics and mathematics courses.
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Calculus through multivariable calculus (usually part of a three-course college sequence)
• Work experience is not required but is preferred. Most students admitted to the MPA/ID Program have two or more years of development-related work. 

*Applicants may satisfy some of these prerequisites after submitting their application. Requirements must be complete before the program starts. Statistics and linear algebra courses are desirable but not required.

Master in Public Administration

• A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• Three years of professional work experience by September 1 of the year you would enroll in the program
• Financial management
• International business
• International development
• Mathematics
• Physical science involving math (chemistry of physics, for example)
• Politics and advocacy
• Quantitative analysis and statistics
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of International Business
• Master of International Development
• Master of International Economics
• Master of Science in Engineering

* Courses cannot have counted towards your undergraduate degree.

Mid-Career Master in Public Administration

• At least seven years of professional work experience by June 30 of the year you plan to enroll in the program

Public Leadership Credential (PLC) Pathway Applicants

Applicants to the MC/MPA Program through the  PLC Pathway  must earn the Public Leadership Credential—which includes successful completion of all six courses plus the final capstone assessment—before submitting an application for admission. PLC Pathway applicants must also apply to and enroll in the MC/MPA Program during the admission cycle that immediately follows the PLC capstone experience.

MC/MPA Mason Program Applicants

Applicants to the  MC/MPA Edward S. Mason Program  typically hold primary citizenship from  one of these countries, territories, non-self-governing states, cities, or areas . We recognize, however, some applicants who have spent the majority of their academic and/or professional lives in countries with industrialized economies do not feel the MC/MPA Edward S. Mason Program fits their individual background. Therefore, applicants who are eligible to apply as an MC/MPA Mason Fellow may choose to opt-out of consideration for its co-curricular programming.

Which HKS master’s degree program is the right fit?

Prospective applicants should keep in mind that it is only possible to apply to one master’s program per application cycle, so determining the right program for you is important from the beginning of the application process.

Application Components

Applicants to our master’s degree programs must submit an online application and the following supporting materials. 

GRE or GMAT

Our GRE and GMAT test score requirements vary by program. 

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPP Program. However, this requirement can be waived if you have earned grades of B+ (or equivalent) or better in intermediate economics and statistics (and/or calculus).  These courses must have been full-semester courses taken for credit at a regionally accredited higher education institution. Courses taken as pass/fail (including those taken as satisfactory/unsatisfactory) will not be considered. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), certifications, and other non-credit options will not be considered.

Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID)

GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPA/ID Program. In general, you are most competitive for admission if your quantitative section score is 160 or above on the GRE, or 48 or above on the GMAT.

Master in Public Administration (MPA)

GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPA Program. However, this requirement can be waived if you have earned grades of B+ (or equivalent) or better in two college-level courses in economics, statistics, and/or mathematics (algebra or higher). These courses must have been full-semester courses taken for credit at a regionally accredited higher education institution. Courses taken as pass/fail (including those taken as satisfactory/unsatisfactory) will not be considered. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), certifications, and other non-credit options will not be considered.

Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA)

GRE or GMAT scores are not required to apply to the Mid-Career MPA Program. You may choose to submit GRE or GMAT scores for consideration in the application process, but this is optional. 

MPP/MPA Waiver Instructions

If you are applying to HKS to begin your studies in fall 2025, you will indicate whether you wish to submit standardized test scores or take advantage of the waiver opportunity. Should you choose the waiver option, you will be prompted to list the classes that meet the requirements outlined above, and you will need to provide a transcript showing the courses taken and grades earned.   

Test Information and Logistics

You may self-report your test scores for the purposes of submitting your application; however, official, valid scores on all required standardized tests must be received by the application deadline. We strongly recommend that you take all required exams no later than one month prior to the application deadline to account for any processing delays. If official scores are not received by HKS Admissions & Financial Aid by the application deadline, your application will be marked as incomplete, your file will be closed, and your application fee will not be refunded. Late and/or invalid scores will not be accepted.  GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years as of the application deadline. 

Please make sure to select Harvard Kennedy School as a score recipient when taking the test.

• Use code 3454 when registering for the GRE. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” Harvard Kennedy School does not have a department code.
• Our GMAT code is HRL-27-69.

All of our master’s degree programs require that you submit at least four essays, which vary by program.

MPP Program

• JFK Essay: The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. (500 word limit)  
• MPP Essay: The MPP curriculum is designed to broaden students’ perspective and sharpen skills necessary for a successful career in public service through a rigorous set of courses that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. Please describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skill set as you equip yourself to achieve your career goals. (500 word limit)
• Personal History Essay: Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
• Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
• Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)  

MPA/ID Program

• International Development Essay: Discuss your decision to choose international development as your professional career. Also, explain how developing your analytic skills relates to your career in development. (750 word limit)
• Leadership Experience Essay: Describe an event or experience in which you exercised a significant decision-making, management, or leadership role. (750 word limit)
• Public Policy Essay: Describe a public policy or public management problem related to international development and analyze a range of solutions. (750 word limit)

MPA Program

• JFK Essay:  The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. (500 word limit) 
• Two-Year MPA Essay: There are many pathways one can pursue in order to make a difference in the world. Why is the MPA Program at HKS an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals? (500 word limit)
• Personal History Essay : Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
• Adversity Essay : Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
• Perspectives Essay : Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)  

MC/MPA Program

• Career Goals Essay: Submit a statement that discusses your career goals, as well as the factors that led you to select the Mid-Career MPA program as a means of furthering your personal and professional goals. Be as specific as possible in describing how your expected course of study will enable you to build on your prior professional experience and achieve those goals. (500 word limit)  
• Professional Contribution Essay: The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee how you have created positive change thus far in your most substantial professional leadership and/or public service role. (500 word limit) 

Joint and Concurrent Degree Applicants

In addition to the program-specific essays, applicants to joint or concurrent degree programs must also respond to the following essay prompt: Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership across the United States and around the world, so people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. How will a joint/concurrent degree enhance your pursuit of this mission? (400 word limit)

Optional Statement

If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, you may submit an explanation. (250 word limit)

A résumé is required of all applicants. This document should highlight:

• Employment history, including titles and dates (months and years) for each position, job responsibilities, reason for any gaps in employment history
• Academic degrees, achievements, and honors
• Volunteer, public service, and political work
• Recent leadership experiences
• Extracurricular activities (months and years) and interests

Letters of Recommendation

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who know you and are familiar with your work. Additional letters will not be accepted. 

You will input the names and email addresses of your recommenders in your online application. They will each receive an email with instructions on how to submit their recommendation. Your recommenders will also be asked to fill out a form that rates you in a number of areas, including intellectual ability, leadership, and problem-solving orientation. Recommendations must be submitted online and written in English. 

Who to Select

If you are an undergraduate or have less than two years of work experience, we encourage you to submit two letters of recommendation from university faculty members and the third from your immediate supervisor from a professional work environment or internship.

If you have more than two years of work experience, two of your three letters of recommendation should be from current or previous work colleagues, including a supervisor. We also encourage you to submit an academic reference, if possible.

We understand you may not be able to submit recommendations from college professors if you are applying to the Mid-Career MPA Program . In this case, you should have colleagues or supervisors who can evaluate your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment write your letters of recommendation.

Academic Transcripts

We require submission of transcripts for all colleges and universities you have attended and earned academic credit. This includes institutions where you may have taken courses but did not receive a degree. 

Applicants have two options for submitting academic transcripts:

• You may scan and upload unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to your application for admission. (Recommended)
• You may request that your college or university send official transcripts directly to our office.

Please see “Official Documents” below for more information. 

Your transcripts must include the following:

• All courses attended and grades received
• Proof of degree conferral
• Date of degree conferral
• Grading policy and scale

If you are currently enrolled in classes or a degree-granting program, we need proof of enrollment that includes a list of your current classes, even if grades are not yet available.

If you transferred universities or studies abroad, you will only need to submit separate transcripts for study abroad programs and transfer classes if your home institution did not report your grades, courses, and dates of attendance.

Do not provide transcripts for professional training, executive education, language programs, secondary schools, Gymnasiums, lycées, or certificate programs that did not earn you college or university credit. Do not list these institutions or programs in your application.

If you participated in the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program , you must submit a copy of your program evaluation in the “Education” section of your application.

Non-English Transcripts

Transcripts and diplomas in languages other than English must be translated by your issuing institution or a certified translation service. We must receive the original and translated versions. We do not have a preferred translation service, but often recommend World Education Services and SpanTran . You are not required to submit a credential evaluation, but we strongly encourage you to do so if your transcript is in a language other than English.

Official Documents

All transcripts uploaded to your application for admission are considered unofficial. You do not need to request official transcripts for the purposes of applying to HKS.  

If you are admitted and decide to enroll at HKS, you must then provide official copies of your transcripts and degree conferrals if you received a degree. You must have your issuing institution send the transcript, degree conferral, and translation (if necessary) directly to our admissions office. If you enroll but do not submit your official documents by the deadline in your admissions letter, you cannot enroll in classes until we receive all of your official documents. Due to long processing times, we recommend requesting official documents from your institution(s) at least one month in advance.

English Proficiency Testing

Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit proof of English language proficiency. 

If you earned an undergraduate degree conducted entirely in English, you do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency, regardless of your native language. We may ask you to submit proof from your university that your entire undergraduate degree was conducted in English. If you transferred from a non-English speaking undergraduate institution to an English-speaking undergraduate institution, you must submit test scores. An advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate from a U.S. institution or an institution where English is the language of instruction does not fulfill the English proficiency testing requirement.

Accepted Tests

We accept the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic test only), or Cambridge English exam. We do not accept MyBest TM  TOEFL, TOEFL Institutional Testing Program, IELTS General Training, or IELTS Indicator scores. You may be asked to submit additional information to demonstrate your English language proficiency before being offered admission.

Required Scores

The following minimum test scores must be met in a single test sitting:

• 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) either in-person or on the Home Edition. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 25 on each sub-section.
• 7 overall band score on the IELTS. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 7 on each section.
• 185 on Level C1 or Level C2 proficiency on the Cambridge English. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 185 on each section.

You may self-report your test scores for the purposes of submitting your application; however, official, valid scores on all required standardized tests must be received by the application deadline. We strongly recommend that you take all required exams no later than one month prior to the application deadline to account for any processing delays. If official scores are not received by the application deadline, your application will be marked as incomplete, your file will be closed, and your application fee will not be refunded. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years as of the application deadline. 

• Use code 3454 when registering for the TOEFL. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” If prompted for a department code when registering for the TOEFL, our preferred code is 99. 
• There is no code for the IELTS; list “Harvard Kennedy School” when taking the test.

Application Fee

Our application fee is $100 USD and may be paid by credit card, check, or money order. Checks and money orders must be in U.S. dollars, made payable to Harvard University, and mailed to the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid. We strongly encourage you to pay online.

The fee cannot be refunded if you submit an incomplete application.

Fee Waivers

The application fee may be waived for participants or alumni of certain programs, as well as applicants who require a waiver in order to apply. If you are affiliated with one of the programs below or need a fee waiver for any reason, you should submit a fee waiver form found on the application status page after you submit your application.

Special Program Affiliation

Application fee waivers are available to applicants who are affiliated with the following special programs:

• AmeriCorps (current volunteers only)
• Crown Prince Frederick Fellows
• Kennedy Trust Fellows
• Payne International Development Fellows
• Peace Corps Volunteers (current volunteers only)
• Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellows
• PPIA Fellows
• PPLC Alumni
• Rangel Foreign Affairs Fellows
• Teach for America (currently serving)
• U.S. Air Force Officers
• U.S. Coast Guard Officers

Please keep in mind that receiving a fee waiver does not guarantee your ability to receive financial assistance to attend HKS. Review our financial aid website for detailed information on the funding opportunities available through HKS and outside entities.

Updates to our standardized test policy

Starting with this application cycle, MPP and MPA applicants who have successfully completed certain quantitative coursework can waive the GRE/GMAT requirement. Learn more about this new policy on the Admissions & Financial Aid Blog.

Learn More About the Application Process

Admissions & financial aid blog.

Our blog is a go-to resource for applying to our master’s degree programs and learning about life at HKS.

Admissions Events

There are a number of ways for you to engage with members of the Kennedy School community and learn more about the application process.

Additional Application Information and Disclosures

Reapplying to hks, previous applicants.

If you applied to one of our master’s programs in the past, you are welcome to reapply for admission. You  may apply to a single HKS degree program up to three times.  To reapply, you will need to submit a new online application, the $100 USD application fee, and new essays.

If you applied within the last three years, you may reuse the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Official test scores (GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years; TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years)
• Letters of recommendation (we advise you to replace or update at least one letter of recommendation)

Harvard Kennedy School Alumni

If you previously earned a degree from HKS, you may apply to another program, provided the second degree you would earn differs from your first degree. For example, you could apply to the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) Program after earning a Master in Public Policy (MPP) or Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID), but you would not be eligible to apply to the MC/MPA Program after earning a Master in Public Administration (MPA).

You will need to submit a new online application, application fee, essays, and all other required supporting documentation. We advise you to explain in your application why returning to HKS will advance your academic and/or professional goals. Applicants who have previously earned an HKS degree will not be eligible for institutional financial assistance.

Extenuating Circumstances

We recognize that extreme, extenuating circumstances may impact an applicant's ability to complete an application and/or submit required documents by the application deadline. Examples of such circumstances may include the direct impact of war, prolonged natural disasters, or other extreme and life-altering events. Candidates who wish to request an exception must do so in writing  prior to the application deadline. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and a decision will be given to the applicant as quickly as possible.

Consent Regarding Sensitive Personal Data

During the application process, you and others, such as recommenders, may provide Harvard Kennedy School with certain kinds of personal data about you that some laws regard as sensitive and deserving of special protection (“Sensitive Personal Data”).  For example, in Europe, Sensitive Personal Data can include personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership; genetic or biometric data; data concerning health; data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation; and personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences. You can find further information about how Harvard Kennedy School uses personal data of individuals in Europe in the admissions process here .

By submitting an application, you consent to Harvard’s processing Sensitive Personal Data about you in order to evaluate your application for admission and your eligibility for financial aid, if applicable.  Sensitive Personal Data about you also may be processed for other purposes permitted by applicable law.

Get to Know the Harvard Kennedy School Community  

Master’s programs, student life, student stories.

If you are interested in applying to our doctoral programs, learn more here .