What is Non-Resident Status?

Applying for Non-Resident Status

Library and Email Access

Non-resident students fall into one of three categories:

1. Students engaged in degree work full-time, primarily with non-Harvard resources, for the majority of an academic term, are designated traveling scholars.
2. GSAS degree candidates who are registered and studying at a Harvard faculty other than the FAS are designated as studying at another Harvard School.
3. Students not engaged primarily in degree work may apply to take a leave of absence.

Submit a Non-Resident Application

Applying for Non-Resident Status

See the Timeline of Non-Resident Process.

Before deciding to apply for non-resident status, students should discuss their plans with their advisors and with their financial aid officer. 

Students are strongly encouraged to submit their non-resident applications by July 1 for fall term only/full year, and December 1 for spring only. Please note, the date a student submits an application for leave will affect the student's health insurance coverage and charges through Harvard as outlined in the HUHS Leave of Absence/Withdrawal policy. 

• The application must be approved by:
  1. Two of the following: academic advisor, graduate program coordinator (or equivalent), director of graduate studies
     OR
     The department chair
  2. The GSAS Office of Student Affairs
  3. GSAS Financial Aid Officer acknowledgement 
  4. The Harvard International Office (international students only)
• A new application must be filed for each new academic year.
• Once an application has been accepted, a student does not need to complete the check-in process or registration.
• Applications will not be approved if a student has an outstanding student account balance or is delinquent in repayment of a Harvard loan. If the balance is paid and the application submitted after the deadline, late fees may be charged.
• If a student has non-resident status for more than two years, the Office of Student Affairs will contact the students' department for more information.
• The Registrar’s Office calculation of graduate-year (G-Year) does not stop while the student is on non-resident status.

Canceling or Changing a Submitted Application

Students who wish to change their non-resident status (update tuition) should email the request to the Office of Student Affairs. Students who wish to cancel their non-resident status must submit a signed Cancellation of Non-Resident Status form to the Office of Student Affairs. 

Returning to Campus

Students with non-resident status for the fall or spring term who are returning for the subsequent term must register and enroll online as a resident student by the deadlines indicated in the Academic Calendar.

Access to Harvard Library and Email for Non-Resident Students

Non-resident students retain access to their University email address, however, access to Harvard Library resources varies based on status and the tuition/fees paid.