Readmission
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Former Harvard Griffin GSAS students who withdrew or were withdrawn from their graduate studies may apply for readmission to their degree program or for the degree. Readmission cannot be completed until all fees, overdue loan payments, and other indebtedness to the University have been paid.
- Former students may submit up to three applications for readmission to Harvard Griffin GSAS.
- A student who was required to withdraw from Harvard Griffin GSAS (for any reason other than the G10 enrollment cap) may not apply for readmission until two academic terms have passed.
- Readmission is not automatic and requires the review and approval of the degree program and the Harvard Griffin GSAS dean for admissions and financial aid.
- Readmission may be conditional, requiring that the student meets specifically outlined requirements.
- Consideration is given to the record of each applicant, which may include the length of absence, the activities undertaken during the absences, and the number of student places available in the department.
- Applicants for readmission are not active Harvard Griffin GSAS students and therefore may be subject to delays in application feedback from the academic program. It is at the discretion of the program chair or director of graduate studies to set standards for communication and feedback frequency with applicants.
Readmission to a Degree Program
Former Harvard Griffin GSAS students who previously enrolled in a degree program may apply for readmission to the same program if they:
- paid at least one installment of tuition
- held a status of withdrawn for at least one term; if a student was required to withdraw then they must hold a status of withdrawn for at least two terms.
There are fees associated with readmission, which include:
- a $105 application fee
- ordinarily, PhD students must pay four terms of full tuition and reduced tuition; and the continuation fee beyond that
- any outstanding balance on the student account.
Charges will appear on the readmitted student’s account upon reactivation.
To Apply
Applicants for readmission should submit the materials listed below to the Office of Academic Programs. Applicants must submit their materials by January 31 of any given year to be considered for readmission for the following fall term.
Checklist and Application Materials
- Contact the degree program in which you were previously enrolled to:
- clarify courses and exams to be taken
- specify the time frame or duration to completion of the degree
- confirm consent of your faculty advisor and committee
- determine what, if any, additional supporting documentation you should submit with your application.
- Write a statement of purpose noting your reason for withdrawal, outlining your plans for further study, proposed coursework, and anticipated dissertation or research topic. Please include a timeline for dissertation completion.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor. Faculty should submit/email their letter directly to the Office of Academic Programs.
- Obtain an official current Harvard transcript.
- Obtain any official records or transcripts of academic work, including language training that you have done since leaving Harvard Griffin GSAS.
- Consult your programs' financial aid officer to determine whether they need to provide evidence of ability to pay tuition during the enrolled terms.
- Complete the Application for Readmission form.
Readmission for Degree
Former Harvard Griffin GSAS students who completed all degree requirements except the dissertation defense (if applicable) and submission of the dissertation prior to withdrawal may apply for readmission for a degree in one of the three existing degree periods: November, March, or May.
Readmitted students' registration status is “pending degree” and they are expected to meet the deadlines noted in the degree calendar. Students who fail to submit their dissertation prior to the deadline they were readmitted for will be withdrawn
There are fees associated with readmission for a degree:
- A $105 application fee.
- A facilities fee. Ordinarily, PhD candidates must pay four terms of full tuition, four terms of reduced tuition, and the applicable continuation fee for all subsequent terms of enrollment, unless the time from their initial registration to completion of the degree is less than four years. The FAS Registrar’s Office will confirm this requirement has been met.
- Students who have withdrawn from their PhD program and are seeking readmission for terminal masters only must have paid one year of full tuition.
- Any outstanding balance on the student account.
Charges will appear on the readmitted student’s account upon reactivation.
To Apply
Applicants for readmission for a degree should submit the materials listed below to the Office of Academic Programs. Submissions must arrive at least one month prior to the my.Harvard degree application deadline as noted in the degree calendar. Please note that students who have graduated and already had their PhD conferred cannot apply for readmission for a prior master's in passing/en route degree.
Checklist and Application Materials
- Contact the degree program in which you were previously enrolled to:
- specify the requirements for completion of the degree
- confirm consent of your faculty advisor and dissertation committee
- determine what, if any, additional supporting documentation you should submit with your application.
- Write a statement of purpose outlining your timeline of completion to degree, including the current status of your dissertation. You should only be applying for readmission for degree once you are prepared to submit your dissertation for final review and defense.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from your primary advisor. Your advisor may submit/email their letter directly to the Office of Academic Programs.
- Obtain an official current Harvard transcript.
- Obtain any official records or transcripts of academic work, including language training that you have done since leaving Harvard Griffin GSAS.
- Complete the Application Readmission for Degree Only form.