Traveling Scholars

Last Updated

February 04, 2023

Introduction
Academic Requirements
Admissions
Conduct and Safety
Financial Aid
Registration
GSAS students are classified as resident students (full time or part time) or non-resident students and must either check in and register through the FAS Registrar’s Office or apply for an alternate status through the Non-Residential Application Portal. The Registrar’s Office also tracks students’ year of graduate study (known as G year), which is calculated from the first date of registration in GSAS.

Students who are engaged in degree work full-time primarily with non-Harvard resources for the majority of the academic term, should apply for Traveling Scholar status. In preparation, students should discuss their plans with their advisor and with their financial aid officer.

Traveling scholars are expected to inform their advisors of their progress on a regular basis.
Before making a decision to apply for Traveling Scholar status, students are strongly advised to consult with their financial aid officer in order to understand the financial implications of status changes.
Students who travel to certain Harvard institutions (e.g. Dumbarton Oaks, Villa i Tatti, etc.) may apply for Traveling Scholar status.
Traveling scholars may request a formal letter of introduction, the “Dazzler,” from the Office of Student Affairs, which may help with access to libraries, archives, and other resources.

Health Insurance

Traveling scholars are automatically enrolled in HUSHP. If students have comparable health insurance coverage, they may qualify to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan and the Student Health Fee.

Traveling Scholar Financial Elections

Traveling scholars retain full Harvard Library access regardless of their financial election. See non-resident section for more details.

Traveling Scholar Elections 2021-2022
Full Tuition	$25,464 (per term)
Reduced Tuition	$6,620 (per term)
Facilities Fee	$1,685 (per term)
Active File Fee	$150 (per term)

Traveling scholars are not automatically members of the GSAS Student Council (GSC) but may petition for membership through the GSAS Student Center by the second Friday of the first term they are registered as a traveling scholar.