The University of Chicago Harris Employer Match Scholarship helps working professionals reduce the cost of the part-time Evening Master’s Program in Public Policy.
The scholarship matches eligible employer tuition contributions dollar-for-dollar, with the Harris scholarship capped at 50% of the total program tuition. It is designed for professionals who receive formal tuition support from their employers while pursuing an MA in Public Policy at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
The scholarship is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and international students. However, international students should note that the part-time Evening Master’s Program does not qualify for student visa sponsorship.
University of Chicago Employer Match Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Harris Employer Match Scholarship |
| University | University of Chicago |
| School | Harris School of Public Policy |
| Program | Evening Master’s Program |
| Degree | MA in Public Policy |
| Study format | Part-time, in person |
| Program duration | Four quarters / 15 months |
| Scholarship type | Employer tuition match |
| Award | Dollar-for-dollar employer tuition match |
| Maximum Harris match | 50% of total program tuition |
| Eligible applicants | Admitted part-time Evening Master’s students with employer tuition support |
| International students | Eligible to apply |
| Student visa sponsorship | Not available for this part-time program |
| Application | Completed through the Evening Master’s Program application |
| Current interim target deadline | December 3, 2026 |
| Current application deadline | June 17, 2027 |
What Is the Harris Employer Match Scholarship?
The Harris Employer Match Scholarship is a tuition-matching scholarship for students in the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy’s part-time Evening Master’s Program.
Under the program, Harris matches an eligible employer’s tuition contribution dollar-for-dollar, subject to the scholarship’s maximum of 50% of total program tuition.
For example, if an employer provides $10,000 toward an eligible student’s tuition, Harris may provide a matching scholarship of $10,000, provided that the amount does not exceed the program’s 50% tuition cap.
The scholarship is intended to encourage employer investment in professional education while helping working professionals pursue graduate-level public policy training.
Who Is Eligible for the Employer Match Scholarship?
To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements set by Harris.
You must:
- Be admitted to the Harris School Evening Master’s Program.
- Enroll in the program on a part-time basis.
- Receive formal tuition support from your employer.
- Provide documentation showing the amount of employer tuition support.
- Complete the scholarship information as part of the financial section of the Evening Master’s Program application.
Harris states that eligible applicants can receive either the Public Sector Scholarship or the Harris Employer Match Scholarship, but not both.
Are International Students Eligible?
Yes. International students are eligible to apply for the Harris Employer Match Scholarship.
However, there is an important distinction for international applicants.
The Evening Master’s Program is part-time and does not qualify for student visa sponsorship. Harris states that the University can sponsor eligible full-time students for F-1 or J-1 status, but the part-time Evening Master’s Program itself does not qualify for student visas.
Therefore, international applicants should carefully review their immigration circumstances before applying.
How Much Is the Employer Match Scholarship Worth?
The scholarship matches eligible employer tuition contributions dollar-for-dollar.
However, the Harris match cannot exceed 50% of the total program tuition.
The amount of the Harris award is determined when the student applies based on the employer contribution documented in the admissions materials.
Once the student matriculates, the Harris award amount is fixed. It will not change if the employer later increases or decreases its tuition contribution.
Example of How the Match Works
Suppose a student’s total program tuition is $50,000.
If the student’s employer contributes $15,000 toward tuition, Harris may match that $15,000, assuming the student meets all eligibility requirements.
If an employer contributes an amount greater than 50% of the total tuition, the Harris scholarship cannot exceed the 50% maximum.
The exact tuition amount should be confirmed using the University’s current tuition information because Harris states that tuition is subject to annual increases.
What Program Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Employer Match Scholarship is specifically connected to the Part-Time Evening Master’s Program at Harris.
The program allows working professionals to earn a Master of Arts in Public Policy while continuing their professional careers. Harris describes the program as being designed for mid-career professionals from areas including nonprofits, law, education, consulting and healthcare.
The program takes four quarters, or approximately 15 months, to complete. Students attend classes two evenings per week and one Saturday session per quarter.
What Degree Will Students Earn?
Students who complete the Evening Master’s Program earn a:
Master of Arts (MA) in Public Policy
Harris says the program provides foundations in areas including data analytics, economic analysis, leadership and strategic public policy.
The Evening Master’s Program is different from Harris’s Master of Public Policy (MPP), which is a longer program with additional coursework and specialization options.
Is the Evening Master’s Program Online?
No.
The current Harris FAQ describes the Evening Master’s Program as a fully in-person degree program.
Classes meet at the University’s Hyde Park campus two evenings each week, with one Saturday session per quarter.
This is important for applicants who are looking specifically for an online master’s scholarship.
Is the GRE Required?
No. The current Harris FAQ states that the GRE is not required for the Evening Master’s Program.
However, an interview is required as part of the admission process for qualified applicants who are selected for an interview.
What Documents Are Required for the Scholarship?
The Employer Match Scholarship application is completed within the financial section of the Evening Master’s Program application.
Applicants need to provide:
- The amount of employer funding.
- Documentation confirming the employer’s tuition support.
The employer documentation should clearly establish the amount of financial support being provided.
How to Apply for the Harris Employer Match Scholarship
You do not submit a separate scholarship application outside the Evening Master’s Program application.
Instead, the Employer Match Scholarship information is completed as part of the financial section of the Evening Master’s Program application.
1: Apply to the Evening Master’s Program: Complete the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy’s online graduate application.
2: Provide Your Employer Funding Information: In the financial section, provide the amount your employer will contribute toward your tuition.
3: Submit Employer Documentation: Provide documentation confirming the employer’s tuition contribution.
4: Complete the Admission Process: You must be admitted to the part-time Evening Master’s Program and enroll on a part-time basis to qualify for the scholarship.
5: Review Your Award: The Harris scholarship amount is determined using the employer contribution documented during the application process. The award is fixed once you matriculate.
Official scholarship page: University of Chicago Harris Employer Match Scholarship
Official application: Harris School of Public Policy application
University of Chicago Harris Evening Master’s Application Deadlines
For the current admissions cycle, Harris lists two application deadlines for the Part-Time Evening Master’s Program.
| Deadline | Notification | Deposit Due |
|---|---|---|
| December 3, 2026 | Early February 2027 | June 1, 2027 |
| June 17, 2027 | Late July 2027 | Late July 2027 |
Harris describes December 3, 2026 as an interim target application deadline and June 17, 2027 as the application deadline. Applications submitted after a deadline may be reviewed if space remains available.
Applicants should check the official Harris admissions page for any subsequent changes before submitting an application.
Who Is the Evening Master’s Program Designed For?
The Evening Master’s Program is designed primarily for mid-career professionals who want to strengthen their analytical and public policy skills while continuing to work.
Harris says the program is designed for professionals from a range of industries, including:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Law
- Education
- Consulting
- Healthcare
- Public policy
- Other professional sectors
The program is structured around the needs of working professionals.
Can I Work While Studying?
Yes. The program is specifically designed as a part-time degree for working professionals.
However, students should plan carefully for the workload. Harris currently recommends allowing approximately 15–20 hours per week outside class for study, meetings and other academic activities.
Important Information for International Students
International applicants should pay particular attention to the visa requirements.
Although international students are eligible to apply for the Employer Match Scholarship, the part-time Evening Master’s Program does not qualify for student visa sponsorship.
This means that being eligible for the scholarship does not mean that an international student will receive an F-1 or J-1 student visa through this program.
If you require a U.S. student visa to participate, contact Harris Admissions before applying to confirm whether the program is appropriate for your circumstances.
Employer Match Scholarship vs Public Sector Scholarship
The Harris Employer Match Scholarship should not be confused with the Public Sector Scholarship.
The current Employer Match Scholarship page states that eligible applicants may receive either the Public Sector Scholarship or the Harris Employer Match Scholarship, but not both.
Applicants should therefore review their eligibility carefully before deciding which scholarship applies to their circumstances.
FAQs
What is the University of Chicago Employer Match Scholarship?
It is a scholarship for eligible students in the Harris School of Public Policy’s part-time Evening Master’s Program that matches qualifying employer tuition contributions dollar-for-dollar.
How much does the Harris Employer Match Scholarship cover?
The Harris match cannot exceed 50% of the total program tuition. The award is based on the employer tuition contribution documented during the application process.
Can international students apply for the Employer Match Scholarship?
Yes. International students are eligible to apply. However, the Evening Master’s Program does not qualify for U.S. student visa sponsorship.
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