HOME / FINANCIAL AID & BENEFITS /

Third-Party Billing

If a qualified third party is paying your tuition and fees, your third-party payer must submit a billing authorization form and letter in order to receive a bill from the University. Additionally, you must complete the Third-Party Contract Release Form.

For guidelines on the authorization letter, see Third-Party Billing Letter Guidelines. 

Having a sponsor does not relieve the student of their financial obligations to the University. If your sponsor fails to pay any amount for any reason, the student will remain responsible for paying their financial obligations to the University.

Qualifications for Third-Party Billing

Outside organizations can qualify for third-party billing if:

  • They will cover all or most of your tuition and fees

  • They will send payments directly to Harvard

  • They require an itemized invoice to be addressed in their name

Outside organizations can't qualify for third-party billing if:

  • Payments will be sent directly to you

  • Only proof of registration or a copy of your bill is required

  • The third party is a department within Harvard University

Important Information for Students Using Third-Party Billing

  • You will continue to receive a monthly bill. Do not set up your third party as a Delegate on your student account. This will result in duplicate billing.
  • Third-party payments are not subject to the same deadlines as student payments, nor are third-party bills sent at the same time as student bills. You are responsible for ensuring that payments made on your behalf are received in a timely manner. We generally expect payment within two months of the start of semester.
  • If your third-party payer fails to pay, you are responsible for paying all charges due on your account.
  • Third-party payers cannot be billed for past terms or for any items that are not posted to your student account.