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.   

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. Harvard College students can only accept one funded summer experience each summer according to 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 in question 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.**

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  and you do not inform us, your award may be rescinded.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. Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Deadline to apply to OIE for course approval and funding
  2. Friday, March 7, 2025 – Funding notifications go out
  3. Monday, March 10, 2025 – Deadline to accept or decline funding award
  4. Friday, April 25, 2025 – 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 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. 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 36% of eligible applications – 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.