Find answers to frequently asked questions, covering three key areas.

  • What prior degree(s) do I need to have to qualify for a program?

    To apply to any of our certificate programs, you should have already earned a graduate (terminal) degree. Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, MBBS, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DNP or equivalent.  The review committee will consider candidates with a master’s degree in a health care-related discipline. We encourage applications from a variety of health care settings.

  • How long are the programs?

    Our programs vary in duration. Our certificate and custom programs may run 6, 9 or 12 months.

  • Can I complete my program entirely online?

    We offer in-person and online certificate programs. Please visit your program page for specific information about format.  

  • What do I get after I complete a program?

    Students who successfully complete all requirements for and tuition account is in good standing will be awarded a Certificate from Harvard Medical School Postgraduate Medical Education. Some programs are eligible for associate membership in the Harvard Alumni Association. Check program pages for more details.

  • Can I apply credits from a certificate program to a degree program if I successfully complete requirements?

    We do not offer accreditation for most Postgraduate Medical Education certificate programs and therefore do not provide academic credits. For those programs that are accredited, you will earn continuing education credits upon completion.

    For non-accredited courses, we can provide documentation that states the approximate number of hours required to complete program requirements. 

  • Are the certificate programs available regardless of what country you reside in?

    Harvard Medical School Postgraduate Medical Education programs admit qualified applicants from all over the world. All students are encouraged to apply. Students are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents in order to attend the mandatory program workshops.

  • Do I need to speak English proficiently?

    Candidates who do not speak English as their primary language are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. You may be asked to participate in a brief interview with the Program Director (or a designee) who will assess your English proficiency.

  • When is the application deadline?

    For most programs, there is an early application deadline and final application deadline. The early application grants you a $1000 reduction in tuition. You must submit your deposit within 14 days of acceptance to receive this lower rate. Please see your program page for specific application and payment deadlines, along with early admissions deposit reduced tuition amount.

  • Can I apply to more than one program at a time?

    Although you may consider applying to more than one program, we encourage applicants to focus on applying to one program at a time.

  • When will I hear about an admissions decision?

    Applications are reviewed only after we have received all required documents. Most applicants will receive an admissions decision within 4 to 6 weeks depending on the volume of applications received to the program you have applied.

  • What is the deferral policy?

    There is no deferral policy at this time.

  • When should I book my travel for my program?

    Please do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets until you have received an email from our office confirming your paid registration and confirmation that the program schedule is final. Harvard Medical School is not responsible for losses due to cancellation of flights, non-issuance of visas, non-refundable accommodation charges or any other costs incurred by registrants.

  • Whom should I contact for help with my visa application?

    Students who travel internationally to meet program workshop requirements must secure their visas and related travel documents. We will be happy to issue you a letter of support to help with your travel arrangements. Please review the information at the webpages listed below. You will need to satisfy the requirements in the country in which your program hosts its workshops.

  • Are there tuition assistance options?

    There are several financial support options available. 

    Harvard Medical School will provide limited tuition support in the form of 25 percent to 50 percent reduced tuition rates to candidates of high merit who are citizens and current residents of low-to-middle income countries, as defined by the World Bank.

    No assistance is provided for educational materials, air or ground transportation, hotel accommodation and meals, insurance, visas, vaccinations or any other costs related to participation in the program.

  • When do I need to pay for my program?

    Payment schedules depend on the program you are admitted to. Once you are accepted to the program, payment is required either in full or through a payment schedule. Please check your program page for additional information. A 10 percent deposit secures your place to the program and should be received within 14 days of receipt of your acceptance email.

  • Is there a payment plan for tuition expenses?

    On a case-by-case basis, we may consider payment in installments. A request to make tuition payments in installments must be submitted to the Admissions team.

  • Can I use US federal student aid to pay for my program?

    Applicants who reside in the United States are not eligible for federal student aid for Harvard Medical School Postgraduate Medical Education programs.

  • Can I get a refund if I decide not to attend the program?

    Once you are accepted to a program and pay your tuition, there are no refunds unless the program is canceled.