Harvard Summer School

Harvard Summer School is a world-class academic destination for students who want to challenge themselves and grow beyond the traditional classroom.

It offers immersive summer programs for high school students, college learners, adult professionals, and international students seeking a rigorous yet inspiring learning experience.

With flexible on-campus and online options, students can earn academic credit while exploring new subjects and interests. Studying at Harvard Summer School means learning directly from Harvard faculty and visiting experts who are leaders in their fields.

As the oldest academic summer program in the United States, it brings together a diverse global community of curious and motivated learners. Students can choose from more than 300 courses designed for academic advancement, professional development, or personal enrichment.

Beyond academics, the program encourages collaboration, cultural exchange, and lifelong connections. Whether you attend for a few weeks or an entire summer, the experience is both intellectually rewarding and memorable.

A summer at Harvard Summer School is a powerful step toward academic excellence and personal confidence.

Program Overview

Harvard Summer School is designed to serve students at every stage of their academic and professional journey, offering flexible and enriching summer learning opportunities. Through its diverse Summer School Student Offerings, students can choose programs that align with their goals, interests, and experience level.

High School Students

High school students can explore college life through structured programs that build confidence, independence, and academic readiness. Options include:

2-week non-credit Pre-College Program
4-week and 7-week Secondary School Programs that offer college credit.
The 4-Week Secondary School Program offers an accelerated, residential learning experience with a focused selection of popular courses and close interaction with peers and instructors.
The 7-Week Secondary School Program provides an immersive experience with residential, online, or commuter formats, allowing students to explore academic subjects and possible career paths.

Adult Learners and Working Professionals

For adult learners and working professionals, Harvard Summer School offers a powerful platform for growth, reskilling, and personal enrichment.
Students can choose from accelerated 3-Week or 4-Week courses or full 7-Week programs, available both on campus and online. With synchronous and asynchronous options, learners can balance education with personal and professional commitments.
No matter the background or objective, Harvard Summer School creates a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment where students can learn, connect, and move confidently toward their future goals.

Academic Structure & Subjects Offered

Harvard Summer School offers a thoughtfully designed academic structure that allows high school students to experience real college-level learning in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Through its Summer College Programs for High School Students, learners can choose between non-credit and college-credit options while building academic confidence and college readiness.

Students are encouraged to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, explore potential majors, and strengthen their college applications.

Program lengths range from 2, 4, to 7 weeks, giving students the flexibility to select an experience that fits their academic goals and summer plans.

Secondary School Program.

The Secondary School Program provides an in-depth, for-credit academic experience through both 4-week and 7-week options, with courses available from the humanities to STEM and everything in between.

The 7-week program offers access to over 200 college courses, allowing students to take one or two 4-credit courses while learning alongside a diverse global student community.

The 4-week Secondary School Program is an accelerated option where students select one intensive 4-credit course from a curated list of 20 popular subjects, ensuring close interaction with faculty and peers.

Courses Offered to Secondary School Program Students

Pre-College Program

For students seeking an introduction to college life without the pressure of grades, the 2-week Pre-College Program offers a non-credit, residential experience on Harvard’s campus.

Participants take college-level courses, engage in co-curricular activities, and develop essential life skills while living in a vibrant academic community.

Courses Offered to Pre-College Program Students.

Overall, Harvard Summer School’s academic structure blends challenge, flexibility, and discovery, creating a transformative learning experience that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Eligibility Requirements for High School Students

To be eligible for the Pre-College Program and the Secondary School Program, you must meet both of the following criteria:

Will graduate from high school and enter college this year or next year.

Are at least 16 years old by June, and will not turn 19 years old before July this year.

Which Program Should You Choose and Why It Matters?

Choosing between the Pre-College Program and the Secondary School Program at Harvard Summer School depends on your academic goals, readiness and the time you can commit.
If you want to experience college life, explore a subject you’re curious about, and build confidence without the pressure of grades, the 2-week Pre-College Program is an excellent starting point. It allows you to test your intellectual interests, develop independence, and gain a realistic preview of college living in a supportive environment.
For students seeking a more rigorous academic challenge, the Secondary School Program is the ideal choice. With 4- and 7-week options offering college credit, this program is designed for those ready to handle a heavier course load and deeper academic engagement. The 7-week option, in particular, allows students to take up to two full-term courses and experience the pace and expectations of real college academics.
Both programs offer strong benefits, including improved time management, academic growth, global peer connections, and increased confidence. No matter which path you choose, you will gain valuable life skills, expand your comfort zone and take a meaningful step toward college success.

Academic Structure Summer College Programs for Adult and College Students

Harvard Summer School offers a dynamic and well-structured academic experience for adult learners and college students who want to make the most of their summer.
With more than 400 courses across over 60 subject areas, students can choose programs that match their academic goals, career plans, or personal interests.
Courses are offered in flexible 3-week, 4-week, and 7-week sessions, making it easier to balance learning with work or other commitments. Each course is an intensive 4- or 8-credit program, designed to deliver deep knowledge in a shorter time than a traditional semester.
Classes are taught by Harvard faculty and experienced industry experts who focus on skill development, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. Students learn in a rigorous yet inclusive environment that encourages discussion, collaboration, and diverse perspectives.
Alongside academics, participants gain access to Harvard’s world-class libraries and computer labs, enhancing both research and practical learning.
Many students leave the program with new skills they can immediately apply professionally, along with a renewed sense of achievement and direction.

Courses Offered to Adult and College Students

Program Costs at Harvard Summer School

Understanding the cost structure of Harvard Summer School programs helps students and families plan with confidence. Costs vary based on program type, duration and whether the course is residential, online, or commuting.

Below is a clear overview of the three main program categories.

Pre-College Program (High School Students)

Pre – College Program $6,100 for the ful 2 week session

This all-inclusive fee covers tuition, on-campus housing, a complete meal plan, co-curricular activities, and accident and sickness insurance. It is a comprehensive package that allows students to fully focus on learning and experiencing college life on Harvard’s campus.

Secondary School Summer Program (High School Students)

7 -Week Residential Program $15,735 for 8 credits
7 – Week Comuting Program $4,180 for 4 credits $8,160 for 8 credits
4 Week residential program $9,100 for 4 credits

Adult and College Student Courses

4- Credit score $3,980
8- Credit score $7,960 for both credit and non credit option

Enrollment Requirements for Harvard Summer School

While many Harvard courses offer open enrollment, students must meet certain requirements to ensure they are prepared for a rigorous and rewarding academic experience.
English Proficiency
Non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate strong English skills. This can be done by submitting official transcripts showing at least one year of study and graduation from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
Alternatively, students may submit recognized test scores such as IELTS Academic with an overall score of 7.0 or PTE Academic with a score of 70 to confirm readiness for college-level coursework.

Critical Reading and Writing Skills Test

Some courses require students to pass an online Critical Reading and Writing Skills (CRWS) test before registration. This ensures students can meet the reading, analysis and writing expectations of Harvard-level academics.

Math Placement Requirement

For subjects like mathematics and economics, prior knowledge is essential. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the math placement test before enrolling to select the course level best suited to their background and abilities.

Immunization Requirement

International students attending on-campus programs must submit proof of required immunizations. These typically include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B.

Housing at Harvard Summer School

Living on campus is a valuable and memorable part of the Harvard Summer School experience. On-campus housing allows students to fully immerse themselves in academic life while enjoying the vibrant campus community in Cambridge.
Students are housed in Harvard College dorms and undergraduate Houses, creating a safe and engaging environment that helps students build friendships, collaborate beyond the classroom and develop important life skills.
All on-campus housing includes a meal plan, making daily life convenient and well supported.

Housing Costs (Summer 2026)

3 week Program $3,700

4 Week program $4,920

7 Week Program $7,575

3 Week Session | and the 4 – week Session $8,620

Visa Requirements

For High School Programs
The Pre-College Program is non-credit and recreational, so it does not qualify for an F-1 student visa. International students may attend using a B1/B2 tourist visa or ESTA visa waiver.
For the Secondary School Program, international students must meet all Form I-20 requirements and must secure an F-1 student visa for on-campus study.
For Adult and College Students
Adult and college students must obtain a Form I-20 from Harvard Summer School and secure an F-1 student visa.
Meeting these enrollment requirements ensures students are academically prepared, legally eligible, and set up for success at Harvard Summer School.

Activities, Social Life, and Cultural Immersion at Harvard Summer School

Harvard Summer School offers far more than academic excellence. It creates a vibrant, immersive environment where learning continues through social engagement, cultural exploration and shared experiences.
Whether you are a pre-university student, a secondary school learner, or an adult student, the summer experience is designed to enrich your personal growth, global awareness, and sense of community.

A Dynamic Campus Life for All Students

Access to Harvard’s world-renowned facilities, including libraries, museums, laboratories, athletic centers, and common spaces
Opportunities to explore subjects not available at your home institution, earn credits, or strengthen academic and professional profiles
A lively summer atmosphere in Harvard Square, Cambridge, and nearby Boston, filled with culture, history, and student-friendly activities
On-campus housing options place students close to classrooms, dining halls, and local cafés, shops, and public transport
.

Athletics, Wellness, and Creative Expression

Fully equipped gyms, swimming pools, and courts for basketball, tennis, squash, and volleyball
Outdoor fields for soccer, softball, and touch football, along with rowing opportunities on the Charles River
Intramural sports, fitness classes, and free-play sessions that encourage balance and well-being
Music and performance opportunities through the Harvard Summer Chorus and the Harvard Summer Pops Band, open to students and community members

Cultural Discovery Through Museums and the Arts

Free access for students and a guest to major Harvard museums with a valid Harvard ID
Artistic exploration at the Harvard Art Museums, featuring global collections across mediums and cultures
Scientific and historical learning at institutions like the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Community engagement at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center, a central hub for student life

Exploring Boston and New England

Easy access to Boston’s cultural landmarks, parks, theatres and historic sites.
Opportunities to attend free Boston Pops concerts, explore the waterfronts and enjoy summer festivals.
Organised trips to iconic destinations such as Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Provincetown, and scenic hiking trails.
Recreational outings, including Red Sox games, amusement parks and guided city tours.
Exclusive Experiences for Secondary School and Pre-University Students.
Social events such as themed weekend socials, dances and talent shows.
Film nights, athletic tournaments and large-scale special events are held throughout the summer.
Diversity, inclusion and belonging sessions led by trained facilitators.
College counselling, Q&A sessions covering admissions, standardised tests, financial aid and campus life.
Visits to leading universities such as Yale, Brown, MIT and other nearby institutions.
Arts and culture excursions to museums, performances and major cultural attractions

Community Engagement and Volunteering

Participation in the Summer Servers program, offering structured volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits.
Meaningful service experiences such as food bank support, community events and outreach programs.
Flexible volunteer schedules are available for both high school and adult learners, coordinated through the Student Activities Office.
Together, these activities create a holistic Harvard Summer School experience, one that blends academic challenge with cultural immersion, global friendships and lasting memories. Students leave with extensive knowledge, confidence, perspective and a deeper connection to the world around them.

This summer, experience Harvard Summer School and discover how a summer program in the USA can reshape your perspective, confidence, and future direction. Book a Free Consultation with ScholarshipKart today to explore the top Summer Schools in the USA. Get expert support at every step—from course selection and applications to scholarships and visa assistance.
Start your global academic journey with confidence and let us help you secure the right programme, funding options, and a smooth transition to studying in the USA.

Harvard Summer School