Registration

Evaluate Your Course

We depend on your feedback. Log in now to evaluate your fall course.

English Proficiency

English proficiency is required for enrollment in courses and degree programs.

Requirement for admission to degree programs

If your primary language is not English you must earn a minimum required score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for admission to degree programs. If you are considering a program, you should earn the required TOEFL score before taking courses that count toward a degree. This admission requirement is explained in the admission section for each degree program.

Requirement for enrollment in courses

If your primary language is not English and you register for courses in the following subjects, you must submit proof of English proficiency by the registration deadline (August 30 for fall, January 24 for spring, January 3 for the January session).

If you do not meet the requirement by the deadline, you will be withdrawn from courses in the above subjects and issued a full-tuition refund. Registration fees are nonrefundable.

You may be withdrawn from other courses if instructors determine before the full-tuition refund withdrawal deadline that you lack the English proficiency required for those courses.

How to meet the requirement

There are 2 ways to meet the requirement for enrollment in courses.

1. Earn a minimum required score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

The Extension School institution code is 3458; the department code is 02. Official score reports must be received in the Registrar’s Office by the registration deadline.

2. Earn a minimum score of 70 on the Harvard English language placement test.

The test is offered on campus during each registration period; see test schedule.  Advance reservations are required.

Appeals to submit alternate proof of English proficiency

Appeals are only considered for students who:

  1. Are unable to take the TOEFL or the Harvard English language placement test due to extenuating circumstances
  2. Have successfully completed at least 1 semester of courses in subjects other than English language at a school or university at which English is the language of instruction

How to appeal

Submit official transcripts and a brief letter of appeal to the Registrar’s Office by the registration deadline (August 30 for fall, January 24 for spring, January 3 for January session).

Appeals received after the deadline will not be considered, nor will appeals be considered if you are not registered for courses that require proof of English proficiency. Letters of reference, résumés, and certificates of English language study also will not be considered. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval. Most appeals are approved for 1 semester only. Minimum test scores are required for future enrollment. Appeals approved for course enrollment do not affect English proficiency requirements for degree program admission.

Submit materials for appeal

By e-mail:
proficiency@dcemail.harvard.edu

By fax:
Registrar’s Office, Harvard Extension School (617) 496-4181

By mail:
Registrar’s Office
Harvard Extension School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge MA 02138