Harvard Extension School January Session: Online
Imagine a world-class education that’s accessible, flexible, affordable, and designed for impact. That’s Harvard Extension School, a 3-week intensive program. Experience courses taught by Harvard professors and visiting scholars during the winter months in Boston, Massachusetts.
Our courses are taught by world-class academics and experts, many of whom teach across Harvard University and at nationally ranked universities. They are industry leaders who specialise in fields as diverse as biotechnology, finance, international relations, psychology, literature, and cybersecurity. You’ll be learning alongside high-achieving peers who, like you, are invested in gaining the knowledge and skills they need to change their lives.
Harvard Extension School students are typically mid-career professionals and lifelong learners. They come from all over the world and span many industries. They are business leaders, teachers, engineers, parents, baristas, and entrepreneurs. They are project managers, investment professionals, scientists, writers, and artists. Harvard Extension School is designed for everyone.
Courses are taught online synchronously (Eastern Time), held live over Zoom so you can see, hear and speak with your classmates.
Fields of study
- AI
- Anthropology
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Creative Writing
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Humanities
- Management
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
More information about specific available courses can be found on the host university's website. (This link is filtered as 'Extension January & Spring 2027 > January Session and then 'Additional Filter' > 'Participation Option' to Online Synchronous).
Applicants are advised to submit 2-3 courses on their application for credit form for faculty assessment credit in case of course cancellation or courses meeting enrolment capacity.
Postgraduate students should be aware that if you want to take the course for credit, you will need to ensure you have registered for the appropriate 'Credit Status' with Harvard Extension School.
Credit equivalent
4 Credits = 2 UQ Units. Maximum of 2 UQ units after successful completion of experience (pending UQ faculty approval).
Eligibility and application
All applicants must meet the standard Short-term Global Experiences Student Eligibility Criteria and the Harvard entry requirements. Non-native speakers of English should note the additional English language proficiency requirements prior to applying.
*Please note that Harvard Extension School registration. Register early for the best choice of courses as courses fill up quickly.
See the key dates below to ensure your program at Harvard is successful.
If you intend to undertake your experience for credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to Global Experiences at least 4 weeks before course registration opens to allow sufficient time for faculty to complete the credit assessment. Please note, however, that it is your responsibility to meet the host registration deadlines.
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Pre-registration opens Confirm your personal information in your MyDCE account before registration opens. Carts open in the DCE Course Search and Registration platform. | Monday, October 26, at 9 a.m. |
| Course registration opens for degree candidates and Premedical Program admitted candidates Register early for best choice of courses. You must pay your balance in full by the payment deadline. If you do not, you risk being dropped from all courses and waitlists. | Monday, November 2, at 9 a.m. |
| Course registration opens for all students Register early for the best choice of courses. You must pay your balance in full by the payment deadline. If you do not, you risk being dropped from all courses and waitlists. | Thursday, November 5, at 9 a.m. |
| Full payment deadline Pay your balance in full by this date. If you are not paid in full, or enrolled in an active payment plan by this date, you risk being dropped from all courses and waitlists. Registration with immediate full payment remains open through January 4. | Thursday, December 3 |
| English proficiency requirement deadline | Thursday, December 14 |
| Course registration deadline Last day to register for January courses. Late registration is not permitted after this date. | Monday, December 21 |
| Course change period For registered students only. | Tuesday, December 22–Monday, January 4 |
| Course change deadline For registered students only. Last day to change credit status, and add or drop from January session courses. | Monday, January 4 |
| Classes begin There will be no classes on University Holidays. | Monday, January 4 |
| Course drop and withdrawal deadlines: | |
| Last day to drop courses for 100% tuition refund | Monday, January 4 |
| Last day to withdraw from courses for no tuition refund Course on record with WD (withdrawal) grade | Friday, January 15 |
| Final exams and last class meetings | Thursday, January 21 |
| Session ends | Saturday, January 23 |
| Grades available online | Tuesday, February 2 |
| Request period for certificates and microcertificates completed in January | Tuesday, February 2–Friday, February 19, 2027 |
Cost
The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad.
The program fee is approximately $3,252 (undergraduate) - $5,152 AUD (graduate) per 4 Harvard credit courses. Detailed information regarding program fees can be found on the host program website. Host transcript will need to be ordered by Parchment, and an admin fee of $ 3.00 USD is incurred.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2026
Host: Refer to the 'Important Dates' tab
Note: It is recommended to complete your registration early when pre-registration opens on 26 October 2026.
Program Dates
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Study abroad
Location: Boston, USA (Virtual)
Credit: For-credit, not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.