With the January 24 financial aid application deadline approaching, we’d like to address several frequently asked questions about applying for financial aid. If you are an applicant intending to enroll at HKS for the 2022-2023 academic year if you are admitted – or you are a previously admitted applicant who deferred your admission – we hope you have started the process of applying for financial assistance. Be sure to review these FAQs for some insight on submitting a successful application.  

Can I upload additional essays after I submit my financial aid application?

No. Once essays are uploaded and your application is submitted, you will not have an opportunity to upload additional or revised essays. You should not upload fellowship essays until they are finalized.

Is there a limit to the number of scholarships or fellowships I can apply for?

You are welcome to apply for as many scholarships or fellowships as you are eligible. Please keep in mind that you may be required to write individual essays for each scholarship, so it’s important to get started on your financial aid application ASAP—particularly if you plan to apply for multiple scholarships.  

Will the scholarship committees have access to my application for admission?

In general, specific research centers and selection committees will not have access to your full application for admission. It is possible, however, that components of your application, such as your resume, may be provided to the selection committee. In general, application materials such as your test scores, academic record, essays, and recommendation letters will not be provided.  

I talked about a particular topic in my application for admission. Can I write about the same topic for my scholarship/fellowship essay?

It is okay to repeat information from your admission application, but keep your audience in mind. The fellowship committees are trying to determine if you are a good fit for that particular fellowship and the cohort of fellows they are building, whereas the admissions committee is more focused on determining your fit for the Kennedy School more broadly. We advise you to emphasize why you are a good fit for that particular fellowship in your fellowship application essays.  

If there is not a specific scholarship or fellowship for applicants from my region, will I be considered for aid?

Absolutely. You may see that there are fellowships or scholarships for people from a specific geographic region. If you are not from one of those particular areas, you will still be considered for financial assistance for other fellowships or scholarships that do not have geographic constraints.  

Should I also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who wish to be considered for all available funding should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in addition to submitting the HKS financial aid application. We ask that you please submit the FAFSA by January 15, 2022.  

I am not a U.S. citizen and cannot submit a FAFSA. How can I demonstrate my financial need?

The financial aid application is dynamic, which means the questions that appear vary based on an applicant’s personal information. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will see questions on the application that allow you to share information about your income, assets, and financial circumstances.