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.

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. 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 vary based on status and the tuition/fees paid.