While on Leave of Absence

Last Updated

November 21, 2024

Introduction
Academic Requirements
Admissions
Conduct and Safety
Financial Aid
Non-Resident Students
Non-resident students fall into one of three categories:
-Students engaged in degree work full-time, not in Greater Boston/Cambridge, primarily with non-Harvard resources, for the majority of an academic term, are designated traveling scholars.
-Harvard Griffin GSAS degree candidates who are registered and studying at a Harvard faculty other than the FAS are designated as studying at another Harvard School.
-Students not engaged primarily in degree work may apply to take a leave of absence.
Registration
Residence Halls
Student Groups

On this page:

Calculation of Graduate Year
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
Housing
Educational Loans
International Students
Health Insurance and Optional Dental Plan
Presence on Campus and Participation in Campus Activities
Expectations for Conduct
Compliance with a Medical Treatment Plan
Application for a Terminal Master’s Degree

Calculation of Graduate Year

The Registrar’s Office calculation of graduate-year (G-Year) does not stop while the student is on a leave of absence. Students may be eligible to request a G-Year adjustment through their academic program administrator or graduate program coordinator. 

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Students who go on leave of absence during the academic year are charged tuition and any applicable fees, including rent, up to the effective date of their leave of absence. Students receiving scholarship or other financial aid should consult the Financial Aid Office concerning the financial implications of going on leave. 

Housing

Students on a leave of absence, whether voluntary or involuntary, may not reside in Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls or any other University residence hall. Students who have been instructed by the Harvard Griffin GSAS dean of students or their designee to remain away from campus while on leave also will not be eligible to reside in any Harvard University Housing.

Students on leave who are eligible to reside in Harvard University Housing must pay rent, and Harvard Griffin GSAS grants that otherwise would cover rent will not be available to them.

Educational Loans

Repayment of educational loans cannot be deferred while on leave unless the student is registered at another school. Students on a leave of absence may be responsible for paying existing student loans while they are on leave.

International Students

Immigration regulations require F-1 or J-1 visa holders to maintain full-time enrollment as a resident student while in the United States. International students who are considering applying for a voluntary leave of absence must speak to an advisor in the Harvard International Office to obtain approval of their application; international students who are placed on an involuntary leave should consult a Harvard International Office advisor concerning their status.

Health Insurance and Optional Dental Plan

The date a student goes on leave will affect the student's health insurance through Harvard. For details, students should review the Leave of Absence policy on the HUHSP website, or contact the Student Health Insurance Office, Member Services, at 617-495-2008 or mservices@huhs.harvard.edu.

The optional dental plan will not end automatically when a student goes on leave. Students should review the Student Health Program on dental plan cancellation. 

Presence on Campus and Participation in Campus Activities

Harvard libraries, facilities and other services normally may be used only by students who are currently registered. Students on leave may not participate in extracurricular activities. Exceptions to this rule must be specifically approved in advance by the School. If so instructed by the Dean of Students or their designee, a student on leave must remain away from the University campus.

Expectations for Conduct

Students going on leave are reminded that all degree candidates, whether currently registered or not, are expected to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct. A student’s conduct while on leave may result in disciplinary charges.

Compliance with a Medical Treatment Plan

Following an individualized assessment, the School may require students who are on leave for medical reasons to comply with a treatment plan during their time away. 

Application for a Terminal Master’s Degree

Students in a doctoral program who are in good standing and have completed all the requirements for a master’s degree may apply for and receive a terminal master’s degree while they are on leave. In doing so, students understand that they will not be eligible to return to their doctoral program.