International Applicants

A language proficiency test is required for applicants for whom English was not the medium of instruction for their undergraduate or graduate degree. Harvard Medical School's master’s programs accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS Academic and Duolingo English Test. Please note, English language proficiency tests are only valid for two years after the test date. 

Minimum Test Score Requirements:

• TOEFL iBT: 103
• TOEFL Essentials: 11
• IELTS Academic: 7.5
• Duolingo English Test: 130

International applicants who have earned or are in the process of earning a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction do NOT need to submit a language proficiency test. 

These are the minimum language proficiency requirements that must be demonstrated at the time of application. Applicants who apply without meeting these requirements will not be considered for admission. 

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials:
Code 3151: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs.

IELTS Academic:
Contact the test center where you took the IELTS test to request that your scores be sent via E-Delivery to:  

Account Name: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master's Programs  

Address: Graduate Education Master's Programs
25 Shattuck Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States 

Duolingo English Test:
Search for “Harvard Medical School” and select the appropriate program.

All applicants must submit an unofficial transcript at the time of application for each degree program completed or in progress that meets the following requirements:

• Lists all courses completed and in progress. Completed courses must include a grade or other evaluation indication.
• All information is issued in English. 

If your institution does not provide a transcript in English, you must obtain a certified English translation through a credential evaluation organization. We will accept evaluations from any NACES member organization and recommend a “course by course” evaluation by World Education Services (WES.org), or a "course analysis" by The Evaluation Company. 

If your institution provides transcripts in English, but is outside of the United States or Canada, you are still strongly advised to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from an organization included on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services Members List or a "course analysis" by The Evaluation Company. A course-by-course credential evaluation better enables the admissions committee to evaluate and understand your academic preparation and accomplishments. 

The admissions committee strongly prefers WES or another course-by-course evaluation for review. International transcripts without a credential evaluation, even when issued in English, are difficult to assess. 

A copy of all transcripts and credential evaluations must be uploaded directly by the applicant to the application portal at the application stage. Materials sent directly to Harvard Medical School via mail or electronic service are not processed and reviewed at the time of application. 

Please visit the Harvard International Office website to learn about the student visa process. 

Harvard is required to certify that international students have funds to cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses for the first year of their program before issuing an I-20 or DS-2019.

If funding originates from multiple sources, documentation for each source is needed. All documentation must be submitted in English or accompanied with a certified translation.

• Fellowship/Grant/Scholarship: Official award letter that states the value of the award in the home currency and U.S. dollars, as well as the period for which it is valid.
• Employer or Agency Sponsor: Official letter from employer or agency on letterhead that states the amount of funding in the home currency and its U.S. dollar equivalent, as well as the period for which the funding is valid.
• Personal Savings - Bank statement:
  • No more than two personal savings accounts will be accepted.
  • Student's name must be listed as account holder or joint account holder.
  • Account must be in U.S. dollar currency; U.S. dollar equivalent is not acceptable.
  • Bank must have retail/consumer banking operations in U.S. (non-U.S. banks with branch in U.S. is acceptable).
  • Funds must be in cash accounts, available without restrictions. Stocks, mutual funds or other investment accounts do not meet these criteria.
  • Monthly bank statement is required. Bank letters and references are not sufficient.
  • Dated within the last three months.
• Loans
  • Loans must be conditionally approved by the loan servicer to satisfy the requirements for the financial certification process. In order for loan funds to be processed and disbursed to the student bill, loans must be certified by the HMS Financial Aid Office.