Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School empowers leaders to sharpen their skills and create real-world impact. Explore programs led by Harvard faculty and join a global network of professionals driving meaningful change. Below, you’ll find quick, clear answers to the questions we hear most often.
On Campus Programs
What is the admissions process?
At Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, we believe that diverse global cohorts create a richer learning experience for every participant. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, professional roles, and regions.
To apply for a specific program, simply begin the application on that program’s webpage. You’ll be guided through the required materials and steps. For additional details or step-by-step instructions, please visit the admissions information page.
Where can I find tuition and payment information?
Please visit this page for more information on tuition and payments.
Do you offer group discounts?
Organizations who send five or more participants are eligible for a 10% discount. For group sales contact: eegroupsales@hks.harvard.edu.
Are your programs eligible for GI Bill/VA benefits?
Select on-campus programs are eligible for VA Education Benefits. Online programs are ineligible for VA Education Benefit use. If you are eligible for VA Education Benefits, in the financial section of the application, please check the VA Education Benefit box. Upon receipt of your certificate of eligibility, the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Finance Office will determine whether your benefits may be applied to our programs.
Please note: Veteran Affairs (VA) educational benefits may only be applied to tuition and curricular materials. You are responsible for all remaining program fees, which include housing and meals. Please see this page for more information.
What is the refund/withdrawal/cancellation policy?
- Withdrawal and Refund Policy
- If you can no longer able to attend a program, please email a withdrawal request to the program director. You will be eligible for a refund if you submit the request at least 30 days before the program start date. If you do not meet this deadline, you will forfeit any paid tuition.
- Cancellation Policy
- Program dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. If a program is cancelled, Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education will refund the program tuition in full but is not responsible for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses that you incur.
What is the attendance policy?
Participants are admitted with the understanding that they will be free from work responsibilities and able to devote their full attention to the program throughout its duration. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, you must attend all class sessions and participate in all group work and events.
Where will I be housed during my program?
Starting January 2026, for most programs, your accommodations will be at The Charles Hotel, where windows open to views of Harvard Square, the Charles River, Cambridge, or Boston. At The Charles, you’ll enjoy a deluxe guestroom along with many shared spaces for socializing, studying, group project time, and dining.
To see if housing is included in your program fee, please visit the program's webpage.
Why is housing provided?
Executive Education is an intense, immersive learning experience. You will learn from your peers in class, as well as in study groups, during breaks and meals, and at other social activities. The Charles Hotel’s public spaces promote informal gatherings in a comfortable and collaborative setting. In order to maximize the benefit of peer networking, it is important for the whole class cohort to be housed together.
What do the accommodations include?
You will stay in a deluxe guest room with either a king or two double beds. Each room includes a spacious bathroom with complimentary bath products, along with a hair dryer, robe, and slippers for use during your stay. In addition, each room has an oversized desk, a 55-inch TV, along with a coffee/tea maker, small refrigerator, and complimentary wireless internet. Microwave ovens are available upon request. You will also be provided a RESiD code allowing you to book additional nights at the hotel pre- and/or post-program at the best available rate at your time of booking, based on space availability.
Can my family stay with me in the hotel?
We strongly recommend that participants schedule any family visit after the completion of their program.
How will I get to class?
The Charles Hotel is located adjacent to our campus, so it is less than a 5-minute walk.
Are meals provided?
Most meals are served buffet-style and include options for diverse dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets. The program fee covers most meals; please refer to your program schedule for specific details.
Are gym/fitness facilities available?
The Charles Hotel offers a state-of-the-art Fitness Center complimentary for all guests. It is open from 5 am to 11 pm. The facility provides a wide range of equipment and wellness amenities.
What is the program attire?
Dress is informal for classes. Casual attire is acceptable, except for the final dinner/other special events when participants in some programs may wish to wear business attire/national dress.
Please note that New England weather is highly unpredictable. We recommend dressing in layers, as you never know what the day’s weather will be. The temperature in the classroom fluctuates, so we recommend bringing a sweater to class. Also, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.
Do I need to bring a computer or tablet?
We ask that you bring your personal laptop or tablet to campus to access course readings and materials, which are provided only in a digital format. Should you wish to have hard copies of the materials, please print them before you arrive. You will have access to a business center at the hotel.
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education is committed to ensuring access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all our programs and activities. Please note that accommodations cannot fundamentally alter the nature of the program and are not retroactive.
To help us best meet your needs, we encourage you to request any necessary accommodations at least three weeks before your program begins, as some services may take time to arrange. We will make every effort to fulfill accommodation requests, although the availability of services may vary.
To request accommodations, please contact the program director, who will follow up with you directly for further information.
What kind of visa do I need?
Our programs are executive training programs; therefore a B-1 non-immigrant visa or business/travel visa, not a student or scholar visa, should be obtained. Admitted participants may request an admission letter and visa support letter from Harvard Kennedy School to be used as part of the visa application process. Each participant is responsible for obtaining their own appropriate visa. Obtaining a visa can be a time-consuming process, taking up to several months. Please take this into account when applying. Please note that HKS is unable to contact embassies on behalf of program participants.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of the program?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion upon successfully completing the entirety of the program, including all assignments.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive your digital credential via email within ten days. Michael Sutter Company will send a notification to the email address you provided on your application, along with detailed instructions on how to access your credential.
Your digital credential offers the following benefits:
- An official, secure, and verifiable PDF version of your certificate.
- Unlimited lifetime sharing with family, friends, employers, social media.
- Clear and straightforward proof of education, easily recognized by employers.
- Enhanced security with digital signatures and encryption.
- Independent verification available to employers, universities, agencies, and other organizations.
How do I earn an Executive Certificate?
You can earn an Executive Certificate by completing three Executive Education programs in six years within one of these four concentration areas:
Each of these concentrations offers multiple program options that allow you to create a truly personalized learning experience. You will need to apply for each program separately and will receive a $500 discount on the final program.
Alternatively, our newest pathway offers an Executive Certificate in Technology and Public Leadership. It requires completing three programs within two years from a selected list of technology and leadership programs. You will receive a $1,500 discount on the final program.
You can find more information on Executive Certificates here.
What are the alumni benefits?
When your Harvard Kennedy School executive program is completed, it doesn't mean your connection to the school is over. Your HKS Executive Education experience will continue to resonate in every aspect of your professional life and stay with you on your journey to being a better leader.
During each premier program, you and your peers will be challenged to think critically to generate and identify practical solutions to the world’s most complex and pressing problems. Hands-on learning with faculty, colleagues, and visiting policy experts provide new perspectives on the challenges you face every day.
Based on the feedback from our alumni, we are confident that you will gain a renewed sense of passion for your work, a fortified commitment to the public interest, and the skills and tools to transform ideas into positive change and measurable results beyond just executive education training.
To learn more about the specific benefits, please visit this page.
Online Programs
What is the admission process?
At Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, we believe that diverse global cohorts create a richer learning experience for every participant. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, professional roles, and regions.
To apply for a specific program, simply begin the application on that program’s webpage. You’ll be guided through the required materials and steps. For additional details or step-by-step instructions, please visit our admissions information page.
What is the refund/withdrawal/cancellation policy?
- Withdrawal and Refund Policy
- If you can no longer attend a program, please email a withdrawal request to the program director. You will be eligible for a refund if you submit the request at least 30 days before the program start date. If you do not meet this deadline, you will forfeit any paid tuition.
- Cancellation Policy
- Program dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. If a program is cancelled, Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education will refund the program tuition in full but is not responsible for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses that you incur.
What is the attendance policy?
Participants are admitted with the understanding that they will be free from work responsibilities and able to devote their full attention to the program throughout its duration. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, you must attend all class sessions and participate in all group work and events.
Do you offer group discounts?
Organizations who send five or more participants are eligible for a 10% discount. For group sales contact: eegroupsales@hks.harvard.edu.
Are online programs eligible for GI Bill/VA benefits?
Online programs are not eligible for GI Bill/VA benefits. To learn more about which programs are eligible, please visit this site.
What technology is required?
Our courses work best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox or Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above. You will also need:
- Computer with Internet connection
- Webcam for live faculty sessions as well as group meetings
- Access to Zoom
All synchronous (live, real-time sessions) content will be conducted on *Zoom, and all asynchronous (pre-recorded lectures/videos, assignments, discussion boards, etc.) will be conducted on Canvas or LXP. You DO NOT need accounts for these resources (Zoom Canvas or LXP) prior to participation in the program. Zoom login information will be shared with you prior to the start of the program, and a Canvas account will be created for you once you are enrolled in the program.
*If you are using an employer provided computer please make sure that your employer’s security features and protocols allow for access to Zoom.
All features work on most smart phones and tablets.
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education is committed to ensuring access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all our online programs and activities. Please note that accommodations cannot fundamentally alter the nature of the program and are not retroactive.
To help us best meet your needs, we encourage you to request any necessary accommodations at least three weeks before your program begins, as some services may take time to arrange. We will make every effort to fulfill accommodation requests, although the availability of services may vary.
To request accommodations, please contact the program director, who will follow up with you directly for further information.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of program?
To receive a certificate of completion, you must successfully complete the entirety of the program, including all assignments.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive your digital credential via email within ten days. Michael Sutter Company will send a notification to the email address you provided on your application, along with detailed instructions on how to access your credential.
Your digital credential offers the following benefits:
- An official, secure, and verifiable PDF version of your certificate.
- Unlimited lifetime sharing with family, friends, employers, social media.
- Clear and straightforward proof of education, easily recognized by employers.
- Enhanced security with digital signatures and encryption.
- Independent verification available to employers, universities, agencies, and other organizations.
- Enhanced security with digital signatures and encryption.
- Independent verification is available to employers, universities, agencies, and other organizations.
How do I earn an Executive Certificate?
You can earn an Executive Certificate by completing three Executive Education programs in six years within one of these four concentration areas:
Each of these concentrations offers multiple program options that allow you to create a truly personalized learning experience. You will need to apply for each program separately and will receive a $500 discount on the final program.
Alternatively, our newest pathway offers an Executive Certificate in Technology and Public Leadership. It requires completing three programs within two years from a selected list of technology and leadership programs. You will receive a $1,500 discount on the final program.
You can find more information on Executive Certificates here.
What are the alumni benefits?
When your Harvard Kennedy School executive program is completed, it doesn't mean your connection to the school is over. Your HKS Executive Education experience will continue to resonate in every aspect of your professional life and stay with you on your journey to being a better leader.
During each premier program, you and your peers will be challenged to think critically to generate and identify practical solutions to the world’s most complex and pressing problems. Hands-on learning with faculty, colleagues, and visiting policy experts provide new perspectives on the challenges you face every day.
Based on the feedback from our alumni, we are confident that you will gain a renewed sense of passion for your work, a fortified commitment to the public interest, and the skills and tools to transform ideas into positive change and measurable results beyond just executive education training.
To learn more about the specific benefits, please visit this page.
HKS Access Programs
What is HKS Access?
HKS Access offers self-paced, online, registration-based programs designed to maximize both flexibility and engagement for professionals at any stage of their career. Alongside a global cohort, participants will experience the world-class faculty and rigorous curriculum of Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education at a lower cost and pace that works for their schedule.
What is the admission process?
There is no application or admissions process. Registration-based executive programs offer a certificate of completion but do not qualify toward Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
Are HKS Access programs eligible for GI Bill/VA benefits?
HKS Access programs are not eligible for GI Bill/VA benefits. To learn more about which programs are eligible, please visit this site.
What is the payment process?
All individual registrants are required to pay by credit card at the time of registration.
Do you offer group discounts?
Organizations who send five or more participants are eligible for a 10% discount. For group sales contact: eegroupsales@hks.harvard.edu.
What is the refund/withdrawal policy?
To be eligible for a full refund, you must notify the program director within 24 hours of the program materials being posted to your program course page.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the program?
Registration-based executive programs offer a certificate of completion but do not qualify toward Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
What are the alumni benefits?
Registration programs do not qualify for Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education is committed to ensuring access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all our online programs and activities. Please note that accommodations cannot fundamentally alter the nature of the program and are not retroactive.
To help us best meet your needs, we encourage you to request any necessary accommodations at least three weeks before your program begins, as some services may take time to arrange. We will make every effort to fulfill accommodation requests, although the availability of services may vary.
To request accommodations, please contact the program director, who will follow up with you directly for further information.