FAQs
The majority of GSD financial aid funds are need-based awards, which means that funding is given based on the financial situation of the student. The only way to know if you will get financial aid is to apply. Since situations change from year to year and there are many variables involved, we cannot quote a specific level where students will or will not qualify for aid.
Yes, the Harvard Committee on General Scholarships offers a wide variety of awards for both US and international students. These scholarships require a separate application to apply. Some applicants need to submit additional materials to accompany the application. Please visit the Harvard Committee on General Scholarships for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Yes, the GSD has limited need-based grant funds available for international students who qualify. Not all international students who apply for aid will receive financial aid. International students are also eligible to be considered for merit-based aid.
Yes, do not wait until you receive your admissions decision to apply for aid.
As long as you apply for financial aid by the stated deadline and are admitted to the GSD, you should get your financial aid package at the same time as your admissions decision. Please keep in mind that this is dependent on the applicant filling out the financial aid application completely. An incomplete application can result in the financial aid package being delayed.
Late aid applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Since applying for financial aid has no bearing on your admission, all those interested in applying for aid should apply by the aid deadline.
Yes, prospective US students will need to submit both the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the GSD internal financial aid application. You will only be considered for a financial aid package after submitting both forms. The FAFSA can be found online. Information on how to complete the internal financial aid application will be made available once you have completed your admissions application. Both the FAFSA and the internal financial aid application will need to be submitted by February 5, 2023.
The correct federal school code for the GSD is E00212.
Please email the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] for further instructions.
Not usually, if it’s a federal loan. Because you will be in school, you should qualify for loan payment deferment. Harvard participates in a national clearinghouse program that updates lenders with student enrollment dates. However, if your lender requires it, you should contact your lender to obtain a deferment form which will be completed and mailed from our Registrar’s office after you have officially registered.
No. This year’s FAFSA will ask for an earlier year’s tax information, so you won’t need the most recent tax information for that application. The GSD internal aid application will ask for the more recent year income information, so we encourage you to complete that application in late January when you may have a better idea of your total income for the most recent year. You may also use estimates for the most recent year’s income information if necessary.
No. We cannot disburse aid until a student has officially registered for classes. If you have special circumstances, please contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].
Yes.
The Student Financial Services Office provides tax reporting documents and offers tax filing resources for students from all Harvard schools. The staff of the Financial Aid Office cannot give you individual tax advice, and we recommend seeking guidance from a qualified accountant or attorney for complicated situations.