Family Leave of Absence

Students enrolled in any one of the HBS doctoral programs may take a Family Leave of Absence (FLA) for the birth or adoption of a child, child care, or care of an immediate family member with a serious health condition. Students may take a Family Leave of Absence for one or two semesters. The timeline for students' program requirements will be adjusted by one year, whether the Family Leave of Absence is for one or two semesters. Academic requirements (such as postponement of exams and course requirements) will be adjusted for the duration of the Family Leave of Absence.

Students are expected to notify their faculty advisor(s) and the HBS Doctoral Programs Office as early as possible about their plans to take a Family Leave of Absence so that appropriate arrangements can be made to cover any coursework, teaching, and research responsibilities.

Students are eligible for six months of health coverage through the Student Health Insurance Plan and the Student Health Fee (see HUHS website) from the point at which they take a leave. HBS will cover the health coverage premiums for a period of up to six months. Additional leave taken beyond one semester will require the student to pay the health premiums directly. Students taking a leave of absence for reasons not related to the birth or adoption of a child, child care, or care of an immediate family member will not be eligible for the student health insurance benefit.

Funding commitments, such as stipend payments, housing benefits, etc. from Harvard are deferred until the student's return from the Family Leave of Absence. International students should contact Harvard International Office (HIO) regarding any impact on Visa status while on leave. Students receiving funding from external sources are subject to the conditions established by the funding source and should check with the funding agency on their policies.