I would like to stay at YDS longer than two years (MAR) or three years (MDiv). Can I remain enrolled and continue to receive financial aid?
Once you have completed the requirements for your degree program, you are not eligible for further financial aid. If you would like to attend part-time, and extend your enrollment in this way, your tuition scholarship can be extended over a longer period of time. However, students enrolled in fewer than 9 credits in any semester are ineligible for merit scholarships and for stipends. Please see the Affording YDS webpage for more information.
Please keep in mind that each degree has a time limit. As the Bulletin states, “the total program of study for the MDiv shall not be expanded beyond six years”, for the MAR, four years, and for the STM, four years.
Can I remain in Graduate Housing if I attend YDS part time?
Residence in Graduate Housing requires full-time enrollment.
Can I retain coverage through Yale Health if I attend YDS part time?
Eligibility for Yale Health benefits requires enrollment at half-time (6 credits) or greater.
How is financial aid affected by part-time enrollment?
Eligibility for federal loans requires a minimum of half-time enrollment (6 credits or greater). In addition, in-school loan deferments require enrollment at half time (6 credits) or greater.
Can I complete my degree in a shorter period of time than designated for my degree program by enrolling in excess credits?
It is expected that students in the M.Div. program will pay tuition for twenty-four courses in order to receive their degree; students in the M.A.R. program will pay tuition for sixteen courses to receive their degree; students in the S.T.M. program will pay tuition for eight courses to receive their degree. Except in cases of students who are in a joint-degree program, or whose credits have been accepted for transfer, each student must pay at least the full tuition for a degree regardless of the number of terms in which the student is enrolled.” (Bulletin, Tuition and Fees chapter)
I am an international students sponsored by Yale on an F-1 or J-1 visa. May I attend YDS part-time?
Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must be enrolled full time every semester in order to maintain their immigration status. Students with further questions can contact OISS.
I understand that there is an extended-year MAR program, which allows students to remain for an additional year. Is financial aid available for that program?
Students accepted into the extended-year MAR program are eligible for the same level of aid need-based aid in their third year as they were in their first two years.
Merit scholarships cannot be extended for a third year for students in the extended-year MAR program. Students who received a merit scholarship in their first two years may apply for a need-based scholarship for the extended year.
Can I plan now to take advantage of the extended-year MAR program?
Admission into the extended-year MAR is competitive, so it is never something that a student can take for granted. It is designed for students who are very strong candidates for admission into top doctoral programs, but for whom an additional year of study will be critical for their success. https://divinity.yale.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-requirements/extended-master-arts-religion-mar
I am currently an MAR student—can I transfer into the MDiv degree program?
Students may apply to transfer into another degree program: https://divinity.yale.edu/directory/offices/registrars-office/downloadab…. However, it only makes sense to transfer into the MDiv degree program if this fits your vocational objectives, not in order to extend your time at YDS. The MDiv degree is a highly structured degree program, with many requirements suited to preparation for pastoral and other forms of ministry.