Harvard Summer Study Abroad Programs

The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) offers funding for Harvard Summer School (HSS) Study Abroad Programs for a limited number of admitted and eligible Harvard College students.  If you are a Harvard College student, you will be asked on your Harvard Summer School study abroad application if you would like to be considered for funding.  If you opt in to be considered for funding, you agree to allow MCS to obtain your financial aid status from the Harvard College Griffin Financial Aid Office.

Other Harvard offices, departments, and centers may also offer funding to Harvard College students for Harvard Summer School Study Aboard Programs. Search CARAT for potential funding sources.  We encourage you to apply for all funding sources for which you are eligible.  If you receive funding from another source, you must notify us immediately.  Please note that Harvard College students can only accept one funded summer experience each summer. For the latest information, see Harvard College’s Summer Funding Policy.  

**Note:  Students may apply Harvard University funding to two different opportunities, given that one source of funding supports thesis research and that the two opportunities do not overlap in time.  If a student applies for multiple sources of funding under this exception, they should email all involved funding centers with the timing of their thesis research and other summer experience.**  

You can also review the Harvard College Griffin Financial Aid Office summer school page for information about loan assistance.

MCS awards are not transferable.  If your study abroad program or location changes, you need to seek our approval to be funded for your opportunity.  Similarly, funding for one type of opportunity (such Harvard Summer School study abroad) cannot be moved to another type of opportunity (such as an internship with a third-party internship provider or non-Harvard summer study abroad).  If there are any changes to your study abroad program (i.e. type, format, location, duration, etc.)  and you do not inform us, your award may be rescinded.

Important Dates: 

  1. Early December 2024 – HSS Study Abroad Programs applications open
  2. Thursday, January 30, 2025 – Deadline to apply to HSS Study Abroad Programs
  3. Friday, March 7, 2025 – Funding notifications go out
  4. Monday, March 10, 2025 (11:59pm ET) – Deadline to accept or decline MCS funding award
  5. Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Deadline to confirm acceptance in HSS program
  6. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – Deadline to submit pre-departure requirements to receive funding 

Who is Eligible for Funding? 

MCS can only fund students who: 

  • Have not previously received money for study abroad (Harvard or OIE-approved) 
  • Are in good standing at time of application through the duration of the summer study abroad program
    • Students not in good standing at the time of applying for MCS funding will only be considered if they have an endorsement from their Resident Dean (RD) stating that the RD supports the student’s application for MCS funding.  Emails must be sent to summerfunding@fas.harvard.edu by the application deadline.  
  • Are current Harvard College undergraduates, 1st-year through 1st semester senior during Spring 2025
  • Are enrolled full-time during Spring 2025
    • In accordance with the Student Handbook, students in good standing who are on a voluntary leave of absence may be permitted to apply for Harvard funding, including but not limited to summer grants, provided that they have obtained the Administrative Board’s prior approval.  In making this determination, the Administrative Board will consider the relevant circumstances, including, for example, the circumstances that led to the student’s leave of absence.  Students on leave should start this approval process as soon as possible by contacting their Resident Dean; if approved, students must submit all applications by their posted deadlines.

**Preference will be given to students who have NOT received prior funding and for whom this is their last summer of college** 

How to Apply 

  1. Apply directly to the HSS Study Abroad Program(s) by Thursday, January 30, 2025.
    1. IMPORTANT: On your HSS application, you will be asked if you are a Harvard College student, then you will be asked for your HUID, then there will be a checkbox question asking if you’d like to be included in the MCS funding lottery. Be careful not to overlook it!
  2. Enroll in direct deposit. See direct deposit instructions.

How Much is Awarded, and What is not Included? 

  • $1500 if student does not receive financial aid 
  • Cost of program and travel stipend for students receiving financial aid, as determined by MCS 
  • It is the student’s responsibility to cover any extra costs that are not included in the program fee (i.e. visas, personal expenses, health insurance, etc.).  See the “Costs & Expenses” section for each HSS program for an estimate of what you can expect in out-of-pocket costs 

How are Funding Decisions Made? 

  • Due to high demand, last year, MCS was only able to fund about 40% of eligible applications – funding decisions are made by lottery and not based on financial need 
  • Not all students on financial aid are funded, and program admission does not guarantee funding 

Questions?

Contact the Summer Opportunities Funding team at summerfunding@fas.harvard.edu.