Visiting Fellows: International FAQ

International Visiting Fellows Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadlines?


Fall term and entire academic year: March 1

Spring term only: October 1

Do I need to take the TOEFL to be a Visiting Fellow?


Applicants for the Visiting Fellow status are required to submit a TOEFL score. Evidence of proficiency in English is required and should be submitted with the application. Students should plan to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and arrange to have their scores sent directly to the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office. The Special Student code number is 3478. Please take this number when you register for the exam. Applicants who have completed at least one year's worth of work in a regular academic program at an English-speaking college or university may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement. Please consult with the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office if this applies to your particular situation.

Does Harvard offer scholarships or financial aid to Visiting Fellows?


Harvard does not offer funding to Visiting Fellows. Most international fellows applying from abroad are sponsored by a foundation, government grant, or company. All international fellows should be certain they can provide evidence of sufficient funding. Visa authorization is contingent upon the financial certification of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Will Harvard sponsor my visa?


Students who are not United States citizens must be sponsored on a student visa. Visa arrangements cannot be made until the applicant has been admitted and the necessary financial certification has been provided to the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office by the applicant. Additional information about visa regulations can be obtained from the Harvard International Office .

How do I provide financial certification for the Harvard sponsored visa?


To certify grants from outside Harvard, the Special Students and Visiting Fellows Office must receive an official letter, in English, from the funding institution, giving the exact amount of the award in U.S. dollars, the date of the award, and any restrictions on the use of the money.


To certify personal funds, you must submit a letter from your bank certifying the amount of funds in your account. The amount of funds must be sufficient to cover tuition, fees and living expenses for the semester or academic year. The bank letter must be an original letter translated to English and the currency must be converted to US dollars.

Additional information regarding financial certification will be provided to International Visiting Fellows upon acceptance.

Does Harvard offer a host student program?


The GSAS Host Student Program pairs incoming students with advanced graduate students for informal advice about the Graduate School. Several Host Student events are planned at the beginning of each academic year.
 
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