Requirements
We look for experienced professionals with demonstrated business expertise and leadership potential. To ensure a high-impact learning experience for all program participants, we select candidates from a strong pool of diverse industries, countries, and backgrounds.
Applicant Qualifications
Each Executive Education program has its own admissions requirements. In general, you must have at least 10 years of work experience and be referred by a senior executive within your organization, a board member of your company, or a Harvard Business School graduate who is familiar with your role and responsibilities and can provide a detailed firsthand account. Although there are no formal education requirements, admissions is a selective process based on professional achievement and organizational responsibility. Visit the specific program pages for additional details and application forms. (You may apply online from the program page, or email or fax your application.)
HBS Executive Education programs enrich both participants and their organizations, and require a full commitment.
Language Proficiency
We design our programs to encourage individual growth and to foster productive interaction among participants. For that reason, proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. However, please note that some China-focused programs are offered in both English and Chinese.
If English is your second language, or if you have less than one year of experience working in an English-speaking environment, we require a brief statement documenting your conversational and written proficiency. This statement should list the English-language certification programs, degrees from English-speaking colleges and universities, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam results that you have earned. The Admissions Committee also may request an interview.
Letter of Reference
Harvard Business School Executive Education requires that a letter of reference be completed by a senior executive within the applicant's organization, a board member of the applicant's company, or a Harvard Business School graduate familiar with the applicant's role and responsibilities who can provide a detailed firsthand account. This letter of reference provides the Admissions Committee with a better understanding of your background and your potential as a leader. The letter of reference is required only for the following programs:
- Advanced Management Program
- General Management Program
- High Potentials Leadership Program
- Program for Leadership Development
- Senior Executive Leadership Program—India
- Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
- Senior Executive Program—Africa
Team Attendance
Many programs are appropriate not just for individuals, but also for teams of executives from the same organization. Team participation enhances participants' ability to develop business goals as a group, create strategies for implementing change, and transfer knowledge across the organization—while pursuing a shared corporate vision.
Individual program descriptions state whether the program is particularly suited for teams. The HBS Program Advising team is available to advise on optimal team composition. The application for each team member must be received before the Admissions Committee reviews your team's qualifications.
Admissions Procedure
Admissions Procedure
- How do I apply to a program?
Each HBS Executive Education program has its own set of admissions criteria. A general overview of the application and admission procedure is available. We offer three simple ways to apply:
- Complete the online application available on each specific program page of the Executive Education website.
- Download a printable PDF application from the specific program page. Submit the completed application by mail or fax as instructed on the application.
- Request a printed application via email by contacting our Program Advising team. Submit the completed application by mail or fax as instructed on the application.
To learn more, contact our Program Advising team at:
- HBS Campus: 1-800-427-5577 (outside the U.S.: +1-617-495-6555)
- Harvard Center Shanghai: +86-21-3852-3888
- India Research Center: +91-22-2493-4510
- Is there an application fee?
There is no fee for applying to an HBS Executive Education program.
- What are your admissions requirements?
To ensure a rich learning experience for all participants, admission to Executive Education programs is selective and based on professional achievement and organizational responsibility. For most programs, proficiency in written English is required, and participants must be fluent in the English language to take an active part in fast-moving discussions. (However, please note that some programs are offered in both English and Chinese.)
For each program, we carefully select a cross-section of high-potential leaders from around the globe who have different backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enables participants to enhance their management effectiveness by leveraging the experience of their peers and acquiring a new level of cultural sensitivity.
In addition, some programs require a letter of reference.
- Which programs require a letter of reference?
The following programs require a letter of reference as part of the application process:
- Advanced Management Program
- General Management Program
- High Potentials Leadership Program
- Program for Leadership Development
- Senior Executive Leadership Program—India
- Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
- Senior Executive Program—Africa
The letter of reference must be completed by a senior executive within your organization, a board member of your company, or a Harvard Business School graduate familiar with your role and responsibilities who can provide a detailed firsthand account. This letter of reference provides the Admissions Committee with a better understanding of your background and your potential as a leader. The Admissions Committee will begin its review upon receipt of both the application and the letter of reference.
- Are the programs open to participants from outside North America?
Yes. Executives attend from around the globe. Approximately 52 percent of Executive Education participants represent countries outside North America.
- How long does it take to process my application?
The Admissions Committee meets monthly, and admits qualified candidates on a rolling, space-available basis. Early application is strongly encouraged.
- How do I check the status of my application?
To check the status of a current application, please contact us by email: exed_admissions@hbs.edu, phone: +1-617-495-6226, or fax: +1-617-496-1731.
- When will I receive the program schedule?
Approximately three weeks prior to the start of the program, you will receive a packet of preliminary information, including a detailed schedule, case readings, and assignments for the first few days of the program.
- If I am not accepted into a program, can I apply again for a future session?
Yes. Admission to HBS Executive Education programs is highly competitive, as class size is tightly controlled. In addition, we work to ensure that the class roster includes participants from a variety of industries, countries, and backgrounds. For those reasons, we encourage you to reapply in the future or to consider other HBS Executive Education programs that may be of interest.
- If I do not live in the United States, will I need a visa to attend HBS Executive Education programs?
HBS campus programs – Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries must apply for an authorization to travel to the United States using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant visa. For more information about visa and passport requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State.
India programs – All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. The Indian visa is issued under the Government of India's Foreigners Act. For more information about visa and passport requirements, visit http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.
China, Middle East, and Europe programs – Please check with your local consulate for visa requirements.
Payments & Cancellations
Payments & Cancellations
- What is included in the program fee?
The program fee includes tuition, single-occupancy accommodations, most meals, and all program materials. Incidentals such as dry cleaning, entertainment, phone bills, and the like are not included in the program fee.
- When is payment due?
Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date, or upon receipt of the invoice if admission is within 30 days prior to the start of the program.
- What types of payment are accepted?
Payment can be made by company check, electronic bank wire transfer, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). Detailed information regarding payment will be included with your invoice.
- What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations or deferrals must be submitted in writing more than 30 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Due to program demand and the volume of preprogram preparation, cancellations or deferrals received 15 to 30 days before the program start date are subject to a fee of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests for cancellation or deferral received within 14 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.
- Is financial aid available?
No. Financial assistance is not available for HBS Executive Education programs.
- Do you support the GI Bill?
Yes. HBS Executive Education supports the GI Bill and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. For questions, please contact our Finance Department by email: exed_finance@hbs.edu; phone: +1-617-495-5581; or fax: +1-617-496-7311.
