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Last Updated: October 08, 10:48am
A Guide to Finding Funding
Overview
Funding to pursue your passions
We encourage you to explore the many funding resources that are available to you at Harvard in addition to need-based financial aid. The list that follows will give you a sense of the impressive possibilities and point you to resources and next steps. The resources below are grouped into four broad areas: public service, research and learning, international travel, and career opportunities. Dedicated staff members across the College are prepared to help you design your Harvard experience.
Public Service
Over the course of Harvard College’s history, graduates have upheld a commitment to making the world a better place for others. The decision to devote yourself to public interest or government work represents ideals fundamental to Harvard’s mission, and many grants and opportunities for funding can help to make this choice more accessible.
- Center for Public Interest Careers (CPIC) Internships: CPIC focuses on student development, alumni/ae engagement, and partnerships that serve community needs.
- IOP Director Positions: The Institute of Politics (IOP) partners with prominent organizations and elected officials worldwide to provide fully-funded, career-focused summer internships. Internships are available for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service.
- IOP Stipend Positions: The Institute of Politics (IOP) offers funding for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors to pursue non- or low-paying summer internships in government, public interest, non-governmental organizations, and political organizations and campaigns. International internships must have a government affiliation.
- CPIC: Arthur Liman Public Interest Law Fellowship: This fellowship provides a stipend to selected students working in public interest law positions during the summer.
- Harvard Club Summer Internships: Some Harvard Clubs and Shared Interest Groups raise funds to support student public service projects.
- PBHA Summer Urban Program (SUP): PBHA’s SUP is a network of 12 community-based summer camps across Boston and Cambridge.
- Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) Public Service Grants: MCS provides grants for students interested in pursuing a domestic public service opportunity.
- Harvard Public Service Network: The Public Service Network (PSN), affiliated with the Phillips Brooks House, encompasses over 45 programs. These programs offer opportunities for students to work alongside community organizations and schools that provide health, educational and advocacy services.
- Presidential Public Service Fellowship Program (PPSF): Harvard’s PPSF program supports a broad range of summer-long opportunities that serve the common good.
Research and Learning
At Harvard, you’ll have opportunities to conduct research alongside world-renowned faculty. Whether you choose to embark on your own research or assist with a faculty project, funding as available.
- The Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Office (URAF) is Harvard College’s hub for undergraduate research grants. URAF administers ten research programs of its own and hosts a comprehensive database of opportunities. The office also provides tips for finding opportunities, writing applications, and securing funding.
- The Faculty Aide Program is a good place to start. This program subsidizes up to $1,500 in student wages as a way to encourage professors to hire undergraduate research assistants.
The following list highlights some of the many research grants and opportunities available.
International Travel
International study is an enriching experience, but financing study abroad can seem daunting. Funding is available for many options, including study at a foreign university, participation in humanitarian relief efforts, and internships.
There are different ways to include an international experience into your Harvard career. Students who receive grant assistance from Harvard can transfer their financial aid to an approved term-time study abroad program. You'd prefer to do a summer program? The Harvard Summer School may be able to help. Or you could design your own travel experience during summer or winter break. However you choose to do it, funding can make international study experiences possible.
Start your search at the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) and the Office of International Education. Below you'll find a selection of offices and programs that offer grants for international travel, organized by location.
Career Opportunities
Whether you are looking for a term-time job, trying to secure a summer internship, or are exploring potential career paths, we’re here to help.
- Student Employment Office (SEO) Jobs Database: On- and off-campus employers list summer and term-time jobs on the SEO Jobs Database. You can use this database to browse opportunities and apply to full-time, part-time, and intermittent jobs.
- Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP): If you are eligible for FWSP (check your financial aid letter), this program can subsidize your wages for jobs, making you a better candidate.
- Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS): MCS is your hub for programs and resources to help you explore careers, find jobs, and investigate graduate school options.
- Crimson Careers Database: This database is available to current students and alumni who want to find opportunities or post available positions.
- Harvard Alumni Association (HAA): The HAA maintains and enhances an engaged, vibrant community of alumni and friends worldwide.
- Harvard Student Agencies (HSA): HSA provides Harvard students with meaningful opportunities for employment and hands-on business education.
- Global Networking Night: This biennial event brings alumni together for a fun networking event.
- January ‘Winternships': Many students use Wintersession (the week before spring term begins) to pursue an internship in a field that interests them.
Opportunities After Graduation
Seniors may consider applying for fellowships and scholarships to fund graduate study, travel, public service, research, and other experiences after graduation. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) administers both Harvard-specific and national opportunities and helps advise students exploring the wide of array of possibilities. Learn more about postgraduate funding opportunities on URAF’s website.