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Apply early. Space in the program is limited.
SSPeaking about
International Students
The Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) welcomes students from all over the world.
Key dates
- Wednesday, April 11: Last date for international students to complete the SSP application. All materials must be received by this date. See How to Apply.
- Thursday, March 1: Registration for summer courses begins if you have been admitted. See SSP Courses.
- Monday, May 7: Last date for all I-20 requirements to be met by admitted students (see below).
- See the SSP calendar for other important dates and deadlines.
I-20s and visas, and immunization
If your primary reason for coming to the United States is to study and you will be enrolled full time at Harvard Summer School, then the F-1 student visa is the appropriate visa for you.
I-20s and full-time student status
If you are an international student who will live on campus (and thus will enroll in 8 credits) or a Secondary School Intensive English Language Program student (considered full time), you must request an I-20 certificate from Harvard to obtain an F-1 student visa from a US embassy.
For Harvard to issue an I-20, all of the following requirements must be met no later than May 7:
- You have been admitted to the SSP or the Secondary School Intensive English Language Program (SIEL) and accepted your place in the program.
- All required documents have been received by the SSP office, including the I-20 certificate request form and a copy of the identification page of your passport. If you are transferring to Harvard Summer School from your current school, where you are attending on an F-1 student visa and where you will not be returning to in the fall, we need to receive your Transfer-Into-Harvard form and copies of pages 1 and 3 of your most recent I-20 as well.
- You have requested housing online.
- SSP: You have registered for 8 credits.
- SIEL: You are registered for the full-time English language program.
- A minimum payment of $1,500 has been received.
Please note that a Harvard I-20 processing fee of $150 will be charged to your account when your I-20 certificate is issued.
All students who attend the Summer School must comply with Massachusetts immunization regulations. Immunization information and forms will be available in January.
