Non-resident students fall into one of three categories:
- Students engaged in degree work outside the Cambridge/Boston area are designated traveling scholars.
- GSAS degree candidates who are registered and conducting study at a Harvard faculty other than the FAS are designated as studying at another Harvard School.
- Students not engaged primarily in degree work are considered on leave of absence.
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 advisor and with their financial aid officer.
Applications for non-resident status must be submitted online by July 1 for the fall term or academic year, and by December 1 for the spring term.
- The application must be approved by:
- two of the following: academic advisor, graduate program coordinator (or equivalent), director of graduate studies
- The GSAS Office of Student Affairs
- The Harvard International Office (international students only)
- Separate applications must be filed for each academic year.
- Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a late registration fee of $50 plus $5 for each week that the application is late.
- 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 program for more information.
- The Registrar’s Office calculation of graduate-year (G-Year) does not stop while the student is a non-resident.
Canceling or Changing a Submitted Application
Students who wish to change or cancel their non-resident status must submit the appropriate 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 vary based on status and the tuition or fees paid.
Status (Tuition Selection) |
Library Admittance |
Borrowing Privileges |
E-Resources |
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