PhD Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University

Programme overview

This program encompasses the study of ancient and modern peoples, languages, literatures, cultures, and societies of the Near and Middle East. Languages include Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Iranian, Persian, Sumerian, Turkish, and Yiddish.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Harvard Griffin GSAS admission (programme-specific) - Writing Sample: A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be a term paper, senior thesis, master’s essay. There is not a specified length for the writing sample, however, keep in mind that the admissions committee may not have time to examine a large writing sample in its entirety. Personal Statement: Not Accepted. Standardized Tests: GRE General: Optional; GRE Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology Subject Tests: Optional.

USD 59,048 a year (2026-2027). Full tuition rate for the first two years of study (reduced in years 3-4); PhD students typically receive grants covering tuition. Source

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply

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