Harvard Kennedy School Makes Contingency Plans with the University of Toronto: What International Students Need to Know

Welcome to the Harvard Family!

Congratulations to those admitted to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and to those working hard on your applications! Your achievement reflects immense dedication, resilience, and vision for a better future. At The Art of Applying, we deeply understand the commitment it takes to get here, especially for foreign students, and we’re here to support you through the next steps.

Given the recent political developments involving President Trump’s administration and the Department of Homeland Security, questions around visa security and access for international students have understandably created stress and uncertainty.

In order to address the uncertainty many students are facing, HKS is actively addressing this challenge by offering a well-structured plan b, which they refer to as contingency plans. These solutions ensure that students who are unable to come to the United States due to visa or entry restrictions can continue their Harvard education without disruption.

Understanding the Current Climate for International Students

We recognize the profound emotional toll of potentially having your hard-earned educational opportunities jeopardized by external political tensions. 

Dean Jeremy Weinstein and Harvard Kennedy School have recently announced contingency plans designed to ensure your studies can proceed without interruption.

⚠️ Important note: HKS has not yet put these contingency plans in place. Currently, they are exploring all students’ interest in the programs:

Quote from HKS website: “These contingency plans will be launched if there is sufficient demand from new and returning international students […].”

Quote from HKS website: “The launch of the HKS at Munk School is contingent upon approval of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).”

Harvard Kennedy School Contingency Options for International Students1. HKS Global (For New and Returning Students)

HKS Global is a blended learning model designed for HKS students impacted by U.S. visa restrictions.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Online Coursework: Nearly the entire regular HKS curriculum will be available online. The virtual experience has been redesigned to be significantly more interactive and immersive than the remote offerings during the COVID-19 period.In-Person Convenings: Students may participate in up to three intensive, credit-bearing in-person gatherings (referred to as convenings) in cities across different countries and continents. Each convening will last approximately 8–10 days, featuring faculty-led courses and co-curricular programming.

Quote from HKS website: “The program includes up to three in-person convenings in cities across the world during the academic year. These convenings will feature intensive, credit-bearing sessions taught by HKS faculty.”

Optional Attendance: Attending the convenings is encouraged but not mandatory. Students who opt out can take additional online courses to meet credit requirements.Time Zones Considered: Classes are generally scheduled for early morning Boston time to accommodate a range of time zones.Community Engagement: The program is designed to foster peer interaction, networking, and meaningful engagement with the HKS faculty and community, both online and in-person.

Quote from HKS website: “[…] students will have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities. […] No matter where you are studying, we will make as many HKS resources available to you as possible; this will include access to faculty, program support staff, events on campus, digital library collections, career coaches, our jobs database, and advisors. “

Important Details:

The program will run for the entire academic year, even if visa conditions improve partway through the year.Students do not need to prove visa issues to enroll; a simple written statement explaining the circumstance is sufficient.

Quote from HKS website: ” If there is another reason why you cannot make it to campus, please contact us directly and include a brief explanation for our review.”

Tuition rates will likely remain the same as on-campus programs.

Quote from HKS website: “[…] we are working to ensure that students will not pay more to participate in either of these programs than they would for the residential program at HKS.”

Costs for travel to convenings are the student’s responsibility, but housing and meals during convenings will most likely be covered by HKS.
2. HKS at the University of Toronto’s Munk School (For Returning Students Only)

This option offers a physical campus experience in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. This option is available to students who have completed at least one year of study at HKS.

Key Features:

Students enroll as full-time, non-degree special students at the Munk School while continuing their Harvard coursework.Learning combines online courses from HKS and in-person courses at the Munk School.Students retain access to co-curricular activities and the broader HKS network.A Canadian study permit is required for this option by mid-July.The current agreement is set for the 2025 academic year only, with discussions ongoing regarding future extensions.

Note: The Munk School option is not available to incoming (first-year) students, primarily due to logistical and academic alignment considerations.

Quote from HKS website: “To receive an HKS degree and fulfill accreditation requirements, incoming two-year students and MC/MPAs must take a certain percentage of their courses exclusively with HKS faculty—which they could not do as a part of this program.”

Financial Aid, Costs, and Deferrals—What You Need to KnowFinancial Aid: HKS financial aid and merit-based scholarships apply fully to both HKS Global and the Munk School program.

Quote from HKS website: “Those who have been awarded financial aid from the Kennedy School will be able to apply their award to either program.”

Deferral Policy: If you choose to defer, your current financial aid package does not carry over. You must reapply for financial aid, and future funding is not guaranteed.Health Insurance: Students based outside the U.S. may be eligible to waive Harvard’s health insurance plan with assistance from Harvard University Health Services (HUHS).Housing Costs: If you have an existing lease with Harvard University Housing (HUH), note that HKS cannot negotiate refunds on your behalf, as HUH operates separately.Travel Costs: Travel to convenings or to Toronto is the student’s responsibility. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Q: Will I still receive a Harvard degree if I participate in HKS Global or the Munk School program?

A: Yes. Both programs fully count toward your HKS degree. Your diploma will reflect the same credentials as any on-campus student.

Quote from HKS website: “For either of these programs, students […] will receive a degree from Harvard Kennedy School.”

Q: Is attendance at all three in-person convenings mandatory?

A: No. Convenings are optional. Students who do not attend will complete additional online coursework.

Q: Will HKS pay for travel to the in-person convenings?

A: No. Students are responsible for travel expenses. HKS will most likely provide housing and most meals during the convenings.

Q: What happens if HKS Global does not proceed?

A: If the program does not proceed and you are unable to travel to the U.S., you will be offered a deferral.

Quote from HKS website: “Another option is to request a deferral (for entering students) or leave of absence (for returning students).”

Q: Can I defer a second time due to visa issues?

A: This is generally not permitted. HKS aims to avoid holding seats for multiple years.

Q: How will this impact my career opportunities?

A: Career outcomes remain strong. Historically, 86% of graduates secure employment or fellowships by November of their graduation year, including during prior remote learning years (Source).

Q: Are joint or concurrent degrees affected?

A: No. As long as degree requirements are met, joint and concurrent degrees are unaffected. Please contact your program team for a case-by-case evaluation.

Q: Will students attending on-campus in Cambridge participate in the convenings?

A: No. Convenings are designed exclusively for students enrolled in HKS Global.

Quote from HKS website: “[…] these programs are not available to domestic students. If you are an international student who can make it to campus, we strongly encourage you to do so.”

Q: Can I switch from HKS Global to the regular on-campus program during the semester?

A: No. If you are able to arrive to the Harvard Kennedy School campus by September 11, 2025, you can participate in your regular program. Should you acquire a visa after that date, you must continue HKS Global. However, you can switch from HKS Global to the regular on-campus HKS program for the new semester.

Quote from HKS website: “You can pivot to attending classes on campus at HKS in Cambridge anytime up to September 11, 2025. […] If visa issues resolve during that semester, we would welcome those students back to campus at the beginning of the following semester.”

Next Steps for International StudentsSubmit your Program Interest Survey by July 1 to indicate your interest in HKS Global or the Munk School program.
Proceed with your U.S. visa application process as usual, regardless of current uncertainties.
If considering the Munk School University of Toronto option, start your Canadian study permit application promptly.
Plan financially for potential travel and healthcare adjustments.
Stay updated via the Harvard Kennedy School’s Contingency Plans page and official communications from HKS.Final Thoughts

Your journey to HKS demonstrates tremendous resilience, determination, and potential. While political and logistical challenges may feel overwhelming, know that Harvard Kennedy School is doing everything they can to ensure that international students are able to move forward with their plans to study at HKS. 

At The Art of Applying, we are ready to support you through every step of the application process—from navigating these challenges to achieving your educational and career aspirations.

For continuous updates, visit Harvard Kennedy School’s Contingency Plans page.