Do Special Students have access to Harvard-administered financial aid programs?

Financial Aid through Harvard (including scholarships, work-study, and loans) is not available to non-degree students.

The TERI Alternative Loan may be an option for some students. You may request an application directly from TERI (The Education Resources Institute) by calling 800-255-8374. The address is 330 Stuart Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02116-5237. TERI can also be reached on the web at www.teri.org .

CitiBank offers CitiAssist Loans for non-degree study level. Applications are available by calling 800-745-5473. The address is Citibank, PO Box 22945, Rochester, NY 14692-6805 or on the web at www.studentloan.com .

Key Educational Resources also offers several options. Loan applications may be requested by calling 800-225-6783 or on the web at www.keybank.com .

Remember that it takes several weeks to process a loan, and that students taking out such loans may not register until the funds are available.

Does the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office assist in locating housing in Cambridge?

It is the student's responsibility to find housing appropriate to his or her needs. Special Students are eligible to apply for dormitory housing at the Cronkhite Graduate Center or in the GSAS dormitories; however, please note that campus housing is very limited. Married couples cannot be accommodated in the Cronkhite Center nor in the GSAS residence halls. Housing applications may be submitted only after academic admission. Most Special Students seek off-campus, non-Harvard housing. Additional information is available on the GSAS Housing web site.

Does the Special Student/Visiting Fellow status offer a pre-med program?

Students seeking premedical courses should note that the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office is unable to provide its own premedical advising program. Premedical students must rely on their undergraduate schools for career counseling and placement services.

Do I need to take the GRE?

The GRE is not required for Special Student status. Please see Completing the Application for further details.

Does Harvard provide health insurance?

Special Students registering for more than one course are required to pay for the use of the Harvard University Health Services. Also, a fee is required for the Harvard Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance plan. Students may waive the Harvard Blue Cross Blue Shield plan only if they have other medical coverage that meets the minimum standards required by Massachusetts law.

Do I need immunizations?

By state law, students enrolling full-time in Massachusetts colleges and universities will ordinarily be required to provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, Hepatitis B, and ameningcococcal (or submit a waiver for the ameningcocccal). Proof of immunizations is compulsory prior to registration.

What is the best way to contact the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office?

The office is open from 9 am-5 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office

Holyoke Center, 3rd Floor
1350 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-495-5392
Fax: 617-495-2928
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