OIE-Approved Summer Study Abroad Programs

The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) administers funding that can be used to support OIE-Approved Summer Study Abroad Programs. Visit the Office of International Education’s (OIE) website to learn more about eligible study abroad programs and to apply for transfer credit and funding.   

It is the responsibility of students to ensure their ability to complete the programs for which they are applying for funding. 

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.  

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 as study abroad) cannot be moved to another type of opportunity (such as an internship with a third-party internship provider).  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  and you do not inform us, your award may be rescinded.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 

NOTE: Students must apply directly to a study abroad program and request course approval and funding from OIE by their respective deadlines. 

  1. February 8, 2024 – Deadline to apply to OIE for course approval and funding
  2. March 1, 2024 – Funding notifications go out
  3. March 4, 2024 – Deadline to accept or decline funding award
  4. April 26, 2024 – Deadline to submit pre-departure requirements to receive funding 

Who Can Apply for Funding?: 

MCS can only fund students who: 

  • Are attending an eligible OIE-Approved Summer Study Abroad Program (see OIE’s Summer Funding Eligible list) 
  • Have not previously received money for summer study abroad (Harvard or OIE-approved)
  • Are approved for transfer credit through the Office of International Education
  • Are in good academic standing at time of application and departure
    • MCS funding is targeted to support students in good academic standing. Students not in good standing at the time of applying for MCS funding will only be considered for that funding if they have an endorsement from their Resident Dean prior to the application deadline.  An endorsement consists of an email from the student’s Resident Dean stating that the Resident Dean supports the application for MCS funding.  The endorsement email must be submitted to summerfunding@fas.harvard.edu.
  • Are current Harvard College undergraduates, 1st-year through 1st semester senior during spring 2024
  • Are enrolled full-time during Spring 2024; 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. Visit the Office of International Education’s website for application details.   

How Much is Awarded? 

  • $1500 if student does not receive financial aid
  • Cost of program (up to $13,000 for programs of 8 weeks or longer and up to $8,000 for programs of 6-7 weeks) and travel stipend for students receiving financial aid, as determined by OIE
  • It is the student’s responsibility to cover or supplement any extra costs that are not included in the program fee (i.e. visas, personal expenses, etc.) 

How are Funding Decisions Made? 

  • Due to high demand, last year, MCS was only able to fund about 50% of eligible students – funding decisions are made by a committee at the Office of International Education and are not based on financial need; the committee aims to fund a variety of programs and places
  • 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.