Harvard Medical School for International Students: What You Need to Know

Harvard Medical School (HMS), Harvard University’s renowned graduate medical school located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, offers a variety of pathways for those passionate about pursuing a career in medicine. For international students aiming to join HMS, it’s beneficial to become familiar with the range of programs available.

HMS provides both free and paid courses, attracting students from around the world who engage closely with faculty and peers, gaining knowledge and practical experience in a highly collaborative environment. For international applicants, specific requirements must be met to join this esteemed institution.

English Language Proficiency
Non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate proficiency in English if their previous degrees weren’t conducted in English. Harvard Medical School accepts the following tests, with minimum scores as follows:

TOEFL iBT: 103
TOEFL Essentials: 11
IELTS Academic: 7.5
Duolingo English Test: 125
Submission of Test Scores:

TOEFL iBT and Essentials: Use code 3151 for submission to HMS Graduate Education Master’s Programs.
IELTS Academic: Request E-Delivery to:
Account: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs
Address: Graduate Education Master’s Programs, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Duolingo: Select “Harvard Medical School” and the appropriate program when submitting.
Visa Information
For visa details, international students should visit the Harvard International Office website.

Financial Certification for International Students
Harvard requires international students to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the full tuition, fees, and living expenses for the first year before an I-20 or DS-2019 form is issued. This financial certification must include:

Fellowship, Grant, or Scholarship: An official award letter indicating the amount in both the home currency and U.S. dollars, along with the valid period.
Employer or Agency Sponsor: An official letter on letterhead specifying the funding amount and duration.
Personal Savings: Bank statements, with the student’s name as an account holder, in U.S. dollar currency, showing funds in cash accounts available without restrictions (monthly statements from the past three months required).
Loan Approval: Must be confirmed by the HMS Financial Aid Office.
Local Banking for International Students
Before arriving, international students may open accounts at:

Harvard University Credit Union (HUECU)
Cambridge Trust
The following documents are necessary:

A copy of your passport
Acceptance letter from HMS
Programs at Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School offers a variety of academic options:

Medical Degrees
Master’s Degree Programs
PhD Programs
Postgraduate Programs
Online and Executive Programs
To explore Harvard Medical School’s full offerings and detailed requirements, you can visit their official website.