Welcome!
The 2026-2027 academic year application to degree programs will be available in early fall 2025.
We’re delighted that you are interested in pursuing academic studies at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Whether you intend to study toward a master’s or PhD degree, join a visiting students program, or participate in one of our outreach programs, we are looking forward to reviewing your application. For information about tuition and fees, see the Cost of Attendance section.
Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, political beliefs, veteran status, disability or any other protected classification. We hope you’ll consider applying.
Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see Undocumented at Harvard.
Get Started
Step 1: Choose a program.
You have several options for study at Harvard Griffin GSAS.
Degree Programs
The school offers master’s and PhD degrees in programs based in the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Many programs also allow a student to conduct more focused research by choosing an area of study. Review the programs on offer to decide which program best meets your academic goals.
Are you a Harvard College student looking for information on the AB/AM and AB/SM programs? Visit the Harvard AB/AM and AB/SM programs page.
Non-Degree Programs
The Visiting Students Program offers you the opportunity to take classes and conduct research with faculty.
Outreach Programs
If you are looking for a short-term research experience, consider a paid summer internship organized by Harvard Griffin GSAS, Harvard departments, and Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals. The School also offers Research Scholar Initiative, a post-baccalaureate program that enables college graduates to take part in a long-term research experience.
Information for Exchange Scholars:
Step 2: Make a note of the application deadline and review admissions policies.
Application deadlines vary by program and are noted on the relevant program page. You should also review Applying to Degree Programs.
Step 3: Determine whether you need to take standardized tests and register early.
Degree programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or subject test scores. Applicants who are non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Review the admissions policy on English proficiency for more information.
Step 4: Complete your application by the deadline.
The degree program application becomes available in September. You should review Applying to Degree Programs before starting your application. All components of the application to a degree program are due by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the deadline date.
Applications for the Visiting Students Program are accepted twice a year.
For application information about our Outreach Programs, visit your program page of interest.
Who should I contact if I have a question about a specific program?
If you still have questions after carefully reviewing your degree program of interest, reach out to the contact noted on the program’s page.
Can I enroll in courses instead of applying to a degree program?
If you are interested in taking courses for academic credit outside of a formal degree program, you may apply for Visiting Student status by the appropriate deadline. Please visit the Visiting Students website or contact gsasvisitingstudent@fas.harvard.edu to learn more.
Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) Applicants
Please note this information has not yet been updated for the fall 2026 application cycle and is subject to change.
While prospective degree program applicants are encouraged to carefully choose the HILS program that best fits their academic goals, interested applicants may apply to up to three programs and pay only one application fee. If you elect to apply to three programs, only two may be programs in the Department of Medical Sciences (these programs are biomedical informatics, biological and biomedical sciences, immunology, neuroscience, speech and hearing bioscience and technology, and virology). The fee waiver for additional applications is ONLY available for those applying to multiple programs in the HILS federation. For more information, please consult the HILS page.