Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery

Apply to the MMSc-GHD program

We invite you to apply and join our community of global health practitioners who are transforming health care across the world. You may apply though the Online application before the January 16, 2024 deadline. You can alsolearn more about the application below. 

Attend an information session

Join us for an information session to learn more about the MMSc-GHD program. See the sessions available and register here.

If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to contact us. If you wish to receive updates about the MMSc-GHD program, please sign up for our email list.

Materials required as part of the MMSc-GHD application

• Online application: The application will request information on the applicant's contact information, education, professional experience, and unofficial transcripts. The online application will also include essay questions and a place for recommenders to upload recommendation letters.
  • Please note: you will create a username and password for your online application (your username defaults to your email) please be sure that you select an email that you will keep and check often.
  • We are now accepting applications for the MMSc-GHD Class of 2026: https://apply.masters.hms.harvard.edu/apply/. To apply, go to the link and select the MMSc-GHD program.
  • The deadline to apply is January 16, 2024.
• College/University (school) information: You will enter the names of all college- and university-level schools you have attended and what year you completed your studies at that institution.
• Transcripts: Applicants will upload unofficial transcripts to the online application. Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. The MMSc-GHD program will request official transcripts from students who are admitted into the program.
• Recommendations: Applicants must request letters of recommendation from three referees. You will email your referee directly from the online application to request these letters. The referee will complete their letter on the letterhead of the referee's organization and sign the letter. The referee will then upload the completed letter into the application system.
• Personal statement and resume/CV: Applicants will upload a resume/CV and a personal statement (500 words max). The personal statement introduces you as an applicant and states your interest in the program. These statements are uploaded into the online application systems as PDF files. Generally, these personal statements are one to two pages in length.
• Additional essay questions: Applicants will upload answers to the following prompts:
  • Please describe any experience you have had working in a resource-poor setting including the length of stay, name of the organization, and description of the work completed. (500 words max)
  • Why are you interested in the Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery program? (500 words max)
  • Thinking 10 to 15 years into the future, what kind of career do you hope to have? (500 words max)
  • Each participant in MMSc-GHD must complete a 5 month on-site mentored project. Please write about no more than 3 potential topics that you might be interested in working on for this project. (500 words max)
• Test scores: The MMSc-GHD program will accept scores from the MCAT, GRE, and LSAT. You may upload a copy of these into the online system. More on standardized test scores below.
• Application fee: All Harvard Medical School master's programs require a $100 application fee.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are recommended but not required for admission with one exception: to ensure an applicant has the necessary English language skills for success in the program, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. 

Applicants demonstrate proficiency in English in one or more of these three ways:

• Submit a transcript for a four year undergraduate college/university degree where the language of instruction is English.
• Or submit a transcript for a two year graduate university degree where the language of instruction is English.
• Or submit test scores for one of the English tests below. 

Harvard Medical School's master’s programs accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS Academic and Duolingo English Test. 

Minimum Test Score Requirements:

• TOEFL iBT: 103
• TOEFL Essentials: 11
• IELTS Academic: 7.5
• Duolingo English Test: 130

Submitting Official Test Scores:

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials:
Code 3151: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs.

IELTS Academic:
Contact the test center where you took the IELTS test to request that your scores be sent via E-Delivery to:  

Account Name: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master's Programs  

Address: Graduate Education Master's Programs
25 Shattuck Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States 

Duolingo English Test:
Search for “Harvard Medical School” and select the appropriate program.

We invite you to learn more about the MMSc-GHD program on this website. Many answers to questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have additional questions, please email the MMSc-GHD Program.

Program costs

Program costs for each HMS Master’s program are found on the HMS Masters Programs Cost of Attendance page.

Financial Aid

Please review the HMS Financial Aid office website for details on Financial aid options beyond those listed below.

Master’s Program Tuition Discount for Faculty and Staff at HMS and Affiliated Institutions

Beginning for the entering class of AY20 (Fall 2019), full-time, benefits eligible faculty and staff at HMS and the affiliated institutions/hospitals are eligible for a scholarship equivalent to 10% of the full time tuition rate for any of the HMS Master’s Degree Programs (tuition only).  Please notify the program if you think you are eligible for this scholarship.  Students who are also considering applying for financial assistance should notify the HMS Financial Aid office of this scholarship opportunity.

Scholarships available: Funding through MMSc-GHD internal scholarships

The information on the MMSc-GHD scholarships is not included on the HMS Financial Aid Office website because it is only available to students admitted to the MMSc-GHD program.

The Department of Global Health and Social Medicine (DGHSM) has limited scholarship funding. Students admitted to the MMSc-GHD program are eligible to apply for that scholarship funding. In addition, eligible students may apply for Federal Loans and private loans through the Harvard Medical School Financial Aid Office website for masters programs. 

Due to limited resources, the DGHSM cannot guarantee that an applicant or admitted student will receive any funding. We strongly urge applicants and admitted students to pursue scholarship and loan opportunities beyond those available through our department to ensure they secure enough funding for the program.

Below are some funding ideas you may consider as you conduct your own research:

• The HMS Financial Aid office offers loan options for U.S. citizens and international students. 
• The Fulbright Program offers funding for students from abroad seeking to pursue a master's degree in the U.S.

Program Timeline for Students Entering in 2024

Below please find an overview of the calendar for the next cohort. The official calendar is available via the Master's Degree Programs Student Resources page.

We invite you to learn more about the MMSc-GHD program on this website and to join the MMSc-GHD newsletter for updates on the program. Many answers to questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have additional questions, please email the MMSc-GHD Program.