Students interested in borrowing educational loans or participating in the Federal Work-Study Program should contact the Office of Financial Aid to request a Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid application packet. The packet, which is sent to the student's Harvard email address, includes information about application requirements and the steps necessary to determine eligibility.
Eligibility for loans and Federal Work-Study is based on a variety of factors, including annual and aggregate borrowing limits, cost of attendance, enrollment status, and other financial aid resources. Educational loan options are generally available to both domestic and international students. Federal Work-Study, however, is available only to US citizens and eligible noncitizens. Fully funded PhD students are not typically eligible for loans or Federal Work-Study, as their funding often meets or exceeds the established cost of attendance.
Students are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the time they will need funding. Early planning is particularly important for students in Traveling Scholar status, as completing application requirements from outside the United States may involve additional time and logistical considerations.
Important Notice Regarding Federal Student Aid
Students should be aware that providing false or misleading information when applying for federal student aid can result in a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. If a student is suspected of misreporting information or altering documentation to obtain federal funds, the University is legally obligated to report the student to the Office of Inspector General at the US Department of Education.