Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. However, you cannot receive SFO funding for summer study abroad more than once. Also, SFO prioritizes applicants that have not been previously funded.

Funding is not guaranteed. In 2025, 34% of international internship applicants and 32% of study abroad applicants received funding.

Unfortunately, term-time financial aid does not carry over to summer. 

No. SFO funding may not cover all costs. Costs may include but are not limited to program fees, visas, immunizations, insurance, meals, and incidental expenses. For programs that have fees, be sure to find out what is and is not included so you can budget accordingly. 

Yes. Students are encouraged to explore additional funding opportunities through the SFO opportunities directory, CARAT, and outside of Harvard. 

Yes. CARAT and the SFO opportunities directory are useful tools to find and navigate other Harvard funding options. 

Yes. However, co-funding between multiple sources of funding is discouraged and only permitted if the funding jointly supports the same summer experience and if all offices agree to it.

Please note that you can only be funded for one Harvard-funded experience per summer per the Harvard College Summer Funding Policy. An exception is made for students pursuing senior thesis research and another opportunity so long as the dates of each opportunity do not overlap. 

SFO funding mainly supports international experiences outside the U.S. Domestic funding is limited and usually designated for public service programs in partnership with Harvard. However, this year, SFO, in collaboration with the Mignone Center for Career Success, is piloting funding internships that are located in New York City (the five boroughs). 

Funding for fully remote internships or internships in a student’s home country is limited. More funding is available for in-person or hybrid international experiences outside of a student’s home country. 

No, funding is non-transferable. You cannot move your funding award from one category to another or switch internships, programs, locations, or formats without SFO approval. Awards are specific to your application. 

SFO has extremely limited funding for original research. Students interested in funding for research should contact the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. 

Financial aid status does not impact funding amounts. However, only students on financial aid are eligible for SFO-funded Harvard Summer School Study Abroad programs and OIE-approved summer study abroad programs.

Funding is contingent upon completing pre-departure requirements, and awards are typically released between late April and June. Failure to meet pre-departure requirements may result in the rescinding of funding. 

Your summer opportunity must be at least six weeks long (apart from some Harvard Summer School study abroad programs) and typically requires you to be in one location in one country. 

No. You must have a confirmed internship at the time of application to apply and be considered for funding.  

If you commit to an internship through a placement company, and pay a non-refundable deposit, then later decide not to participate, you will be responsible for any money you already paid.

If your participation in an internship through a placement company is dependent on receiving SFO funding, we encourage you to explain to the company that you are applying for funding through Harvard and request a payment extension until SFO funding decisions are released. It is at the company’s discretion whether or not they will grant an extension or save a seat for you in their program. If an extension is granted and you are offered funding, the earliest you might receive funding and be able to pay the deposit is late April 2026.