Traveling Scholars

Last Updated

August 05, 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

Students who are engaged in degree work full-time outside of the Boston/Cambridge area and engaging 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 financial aid officer.

Traveling scholar status is intended for students who are ready for independent research and need to utilize and connect with resources, facilities, and scholars located elsewhere. Traveling scholar status is ordinarily not appropriate for students in the early years of graduate study who are taking courses and preparing for general/qualifying exams in residence.
Students in lab-based programs not involving field work ordinarily will not be approved to be traveling scholars.
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 Success, 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 Obligations

Students on traveling scholar status will be charged a tuition rate according to the number of terms they've been enrolled in GSAS. Students are charged: four terms of full tuition, four terms of reduced tuition, and the continuation fee for all terms thereafter.

Traveling scholars retain full Harvard Library access.

Traveling scholars are automatically members of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Council (GSC). See details on the fee here.