Harvard Kennedy School Plans Alternatives for International Students Facing Entry Restrictions

In response to ongoing visa and entry restrictions affecting international students, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) has announced two contingency pathways for those unable to travel to the United States: HKS Global and HKS at Munk School in Toronto, Canada.

HKS Global: A Hybrid Global Learning Model
Available to both new and returning international students, HKS Global will combine online coursework led by HKS faculty with up to three in-person convenings in international cities throughout the academic year. These sessions will be credit-bearing and designed to foster co-curricular engagement and peer connection.

Students across all HKS master’s degree programs—including the Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration, and Master in Public Administration in International Development—are eligible to participate in this global learning track.

HKS at Munk School: A Canada-Based Alternative for Returning Students
In collaboration with the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, returning HKS international students may complete their degrees while based in Canada.

Participants will engage in a blend of online and in-person courses taught by both HKS and Munk School faculty. While students will be enrolled as full-time, non-degree special students at the Munk School, they will maintain full access to student life and graduate with their Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree.

Importantly, this arrangement will not impact space availability for University of Toronto students, nor will it affect university housing. Students will pay tuition to HKS, which will in turn cover the associated costs for the Munk School.

Contingent on Demand and Regulatory Approval
These plans are contingent upon sufficient demand from students and approval by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). International students were asked to complete a survey by July 1 to express interest.

If implemented, the programs aim to ensure continuity for international students whose educational journeys have been disrupted by U.S. immigration and travel policies.

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