Graduate Program FAQs

December 15, 2026

Applications are found on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website (https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply). 

Transcripts should be uploaded directly to your online application. Test scores must be sent directly to the Admissions Office of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and should not be sent to the department. All supporting documents must be uploaded to the application prior to its being submitted. Official test scores must be ordered directly from ETS and sent to code 3451.

Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold the equivalent of a US Bachelor's degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction are required to submit TOEFL scores.

The General GRE exam is optional, NOT required.

Please see the Application Instructions and Information page on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for information regarding taking the GRE exam, as well as the current test code.

There is no minimum grade point average. A candidate's complete background is taken into account in the admissions evaluation.

Yes. Please see information on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website - https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply/applying-degree-programs/english-proficiency for more information on English proficiency and required exams for admissions.

Please see the Application Instructions and Information page on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for information regarding taking the TOEFL exam, as well as the current test code.

Candidates should submit only one 15–20 page paper, in 12-point type, double-spaced throughout, and with normal margins. The writing sample must be an example of critical writing (rather than creative writing) on a subject directly related to film, performance and/or visual studies. Applicants should not send longer papers with instructions to read an excerpt or excerpts, but should themselves edit the sample so that they submit only up to 20 pages.

The statement of purpose should be no longer than 1,000 words.

Three letters of recommendation are required.

No. The department does not have a terminal Masters Degree program.

Yes. You can take courses under the special student status. For more information on this status and how to apply for it, please visit https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/non-degree-programs on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website (be sure to scroll down to the section labeled Special Student Status).

Students entering the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences who have done graduate work elsewhere may apply for transfer of credit at the end of one full term of satisfactory work.

The amount and kind of credit shall be decided by the DGS with the advice and consent of the FVS Graduate Committee, but in no case will it exceed four courses (16 credits). The decision will be partially based on the nature of students' work done elsewhere and on their record in their first year at Harvard.

Please see https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/non-degree-programs  on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website describing the application process for visiting fellows.

Please refer to https://gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website regarding financial aid opportunities.

Most faculty keep their own appointment schedules so you should contact the faculty member directly. Contact information for faculty is available in the Faculty section of the website.

The PhD program in Film and Visual Studies receives between 120 and 170 applications per year and admits 3 students each year.