#  Auditing 

 



## Auditing Policy

Auditors are permitted at the instructor’s discretion for in-person courses only. Auditing is ordinarily limited to currently enrolled Harvard students, Harvard employees, and Harvard fellows. Individuals outside Harvard University, including HGSE alumni, may be permitted to audit courses with the instructor's permission and the Registrar's approval.

Faculty also have a responsibility to protect student information that Canvas may provide. All auditors—both Harvard degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking—must submit an Auditor Request Form to the Office of the Registrar in order to audit a course. Auditors are limited to a maximum of two courses per semester (Fall and Spring). Please note that J-term courses count toward the spring semester limit. Appointed Harvard Fellows may audit more than two courses per semester.

There is no fee for auditing courses for currently enrolled Harvard degree-seeking students, Harvard Fellows, and Harvard employees. All other non-degree-seeking auditors must pay the standard fee of $650 per course.

For Harvard degree-seeking students who begin auditing a course but are unable to continue, they must notify the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of classes so the course can be removed from their record. In addition, faculty have the discretion to determine whether an auditor has met the standard required to retain the course on their record.

Audited courses may not be taken for credit and may not be converted into credit for use toward a degree at a future point. Auditors are never permitted to take final exams and do not receive grades. HGSE residential students are not eligible to audit online courses designated for Online Education (OEL) students. Similarly, HGSE OEL students may not audit HGSE residential courses.

*View HGSE* [*Courses*](https://portal.my.harvard.edu/psp/hrvihprd/EMPLOYEE/EMPL/h/?tab=HU_CLASS_SEARCH)*.*



 

##  Auditing Instructions 

#### Non-Degree Seeking Auditors

  
Non-degree seeking auditors (such as Harvard employees, fellows, alumni, etc.) should follow these steps:

1. Contact the HGSE instructor to obtain verbal approval.
2. Complete and submit the [Non-Degree Seeking Auditors Form](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9CL6b2hFBUGtQy461HJpVyYkjzZHt6VAuPQOnjbhlQtUOTlMTEQ3QUFIQ1pHQ0RYMlJONUdHMk80VyQlQCN0PWcu). **The form for Fall 2026 will open on August 10, 2026.**
3. Once submitted you will receive an email within 3-5 business days with instructions on how to complete your enrollment and course audit registration. You can view dates on the [Academic Calendar. ](https://www.gse.harvard.edu/community/students/academic-calendar)

#### Degree-Seeking Auditors

  
Degree-seeking auditors should follow these steps:

1. Contact the HGSE instructor for verbal approval.
2. Complete and submit the [Degree Seeking Auditors Form](https://admin.my.harvard.edu/psc/hrvcsprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/G3FRAME.G3SEARCH_FL.GBL?&G3SEARCHGRP=STUDENT_SELF_SERVICE&G3FORM_TYPE=BAUDREQT&G3FORM_CONDITION=Default&G3FORM_TASK=ADD). **The form for Fall 2026 will open on August 10, 2026.** Once submitted you will receive an email within 3-5 business days with instructions on how to complete your enrollment and course audit registration. You can view dates on the [Academic Calendar.](https://www.gse.harvard.edu/community/students/academic-calendar)
3. Once the instructor officially approves your request in my.Harvard, you will be automatically enrolled in the course.