Admissions

Application Process

Applying to a Harvard Business School Executive Education program involves the following steps and considerations:

Select the Appropriate Program

Use the Program Finder to identify the program that interests you. Application forms and sponsoring statements are available on the individual program pages. You also may request application forms by mail, or contact our client service specialists to request application forms by email.

For further assistance, contact our client service specialists at: 1-800-HBS-5577 (outside the U.S., dial +1-617-495-6555).

Complete Your Application

Please answer all questions thoroughly—the Admissions Committee will only consider completed applications. After reviewing your application and making the necessary edits or corrections, print or copy the application for your records.

Program participants must be nominated and sponsored by their current employer. The application, a separate sponsoring statement (if required—see below), and all required documents must be received in order to complete and prepare the application for review by the Admissions Committee.

Only the following programs require the submission of a separate Sponsoring Statement:

  • Advanced Management Program
  • General Management Program
  • Program for Leadership Development
  • High Potential Leadership Program
  • Leadership Reflections and Insights

If you are submitting your application online, we will acknowledge your submission promptly via email upon receipt. In the unlikely event that an email acknowledgment is not received, please contact the admissions committee by email: exed_admissions@hbs.edu, phone: +1-617-495-6226, or fax: +1-617-496-1731.

If you choose to submit a printed application, be sure to type or print your work legibly, and to sign your application. Send the application to the address or fax number listed on the form. Mailed or faxed applications are processed and acknowledged promptly upon receipt via email.

Meet the Deadlines

We request applications at least four weeks in advance of the program start date. Early application does not guarantee admission. Programs often fill to capacity, so early application is recommended.

Notification of Acceptance

We acknowledge receipt of all applications and maintain all application information in strict confidentiality.

In order to optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, the Admissions Committee selects a class that balances each participant's experience, the scope of his or her current responsibilities, and the type of organization.

For most programs, the Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications four months prior to the start date, and qualified candidates are admitted on a rolling, space-available basis. Once the review process has begun, applicants are notified within three weeks via email regarding Admissions Committee decisions.