International Applicants

International Applicants

Diverse HDS students outside Swartz Hall

Admissions Information for International Applicants

English Language Proficiency

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who did not complete their baccalaureate degree at an institution where the sole language of instruction is English. If you are unsure whether you fall under these categories, email admissions@hds.harvard.edu as soon as possible to verify whether you will be required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS.

No test other than the TOEFL or IELTS will be acceptable as proof of English proficiency. An applicant’s TOEFL or IELTS must have been taken no earlier than February 1, 2023 for enrollment in the 2025-26 academic year.

The TOEFL ETS school code for HDS is 3433.

Please note that a major or concentration in English is not sufficient to waive the TOEFL or IELTS requirement. Additionally, completion of graduate-level degrees at an institution where the instruction is conducted in English does not exempt an applicant from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement. Transcripts and verification of language of instruction will be required to waive a non-native English speaker’s TOEFL or IELTS requirement.

The required minimum TOEFL / IELTS scores are listed below.

Special Students, MDiv, MTS, and MRPL applicants must receive a score of:

  • 100 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL test
  • 68 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL test
  • 7.5 or higher on the IELTS test

ThM applicants must receive a score of:

  • 105 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL test
  • 70 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL test
  • 8 or higher on the IELTS test

International Credentials

Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside of the United States must provide original language transcripts, as well as a notarized/certified translation of all materials that are not in English (if applicable). All other materials must be submitted in English. These materials will be uploaded into your online application.

Student Visas

Once students have been admitted as degree candidates, Harvard University requires international students who need a Harvard-sponsored student visa to submit financial certification that demonstrates adequate funding for one year of study. Detailed instructions regarding this process will be available upon admission to HDS. Please note that admitted international students requesting J-1 or F-1 visas are required to enroll full-time.

More information can be found on the Harvard International Office website.

Financial Aid Information for International Applicants

Financial Aid Eligibility

International students applying to the Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies programs are eligible for both need-based and merit-based institutional grants. Merit-based aid does not require an application and is based on the competitiveness of the individual’s application for admission. Need-based aid is awarded based on a student’s financial aid application, which is sent to all prospective students after they have completed their application for admission. Please note that most international students are ineligible for federal aid. 

While HDS offers generous financial support, we are unable to meet full student need or the full cost of the academic program. Since International Students are required to provide financial certification to obtain their student VISA, International students must plan to have significant guaranteed personal resources available to help meet the cost of an HDS program. If a student learns that their outside resources will no longer be available to them, HDS will not be able to make up that support.  

International MRPL and ThM students are not eligible for HDS institutional grant support or federal aid. 

International Student Private Loans 

Private Student Loans are available from numerous banks and lending institutions. They have different approval criteria, interest rates, repayment plans, terms, and conditions. Most private loans will require an international student to have a U.S.-based, credit-worthy co-signer for them to qualify. Therefore, it is important to carefully compare private supplemental student loan products.  More information about these loans can be found through the Harvard Private Loan website. 

For the 2026-27 Academic Year, Harvard University is providing a Preferred Lender List that includes a loan option for International Students that does not require a co-signer. College Ave Student loans are offering a product for HDS students. The maximum loan amount HDS will approve for international students is $15,000 for the academic year.