Glossary.
The application and US study terms you’ll meet on this site, explained as the guides use them. For degree names such as LLM, MPP or MBA, see the degree glossary.
Applying for the Menzies
- Conditions of Award
- The award’s rulesThe ANU document (currently 131/2025) that sets out eligibility, selection and what scholars agree to. It is the authority. See Selection criteria.
- Applicant Information Document
- What the form asks forThe ANU’s guide to what the application form asks for: supporting details, statement of purpose, financial details and referees. See the application checklist.
- Statement of purpose
- Your main written pieceYour background, personal philosophy, aspirations and career plans, and how you believe you can contribute to the future interests of Australia. See the application checklist.
- Honours or equivalent
- The academic barThe criteria ask for a bachelor’s degree with Honours or an equivalent demonstration of academic excellence. The ANU judges what counts as equivalent. See the eligibility check.
- Shortlisting
- The first cutThe ANU tells shortlisted candidates by early March. Only they ask their referees for reports and go on to interview. See For referees and supervisors.
- Letter of offer
- The award’s terms for youStates the value of your award, which depends on any financial aid you receive from Harvard (clause 2). See After the offer.
Applying to Harvard and Going to the US
- Fall intake
- Starting in the US autumnHarvard intakes are named by the US season they start in. The planner lists “Fall 2027” as the 2027–28 academic year. See the application planner.
- Rounds
- Application deadlinesSome schools, such as Harvard Business School, take applications in rounds, each with its own deadline and decision date. See Planning ahead.
- Financial certification
- Showing your fundingAfter you accept your Harvard place, your school’s admissions or financial aid office asks for evidence of your funding. See After the offer.
- I-20 and DS-2019
- Your visa documentsThe forms the Harvard International Office issues once your school has certified your funding. You need one to apply for your student visa. See After the offer.
- F-1 and J-1
- Student visasThe two student visa categories. Most admitted full-time international students at Harvard are eligible for the F-1; only some for the J-1. See After the offer.
- SEVIS and the I-901 fee
- A US government feeYou pay the I-901 SEVIS fee after you have your I-20 or DS-2019, using the SEVIS number on it. Keep the receipt: you need it at your visa interview. See After the offer.
- DS-160
- The visa application formThe online form on the US Department of State’s website that you complete before your visa interview. See After the offer.
- Cost of attendance
- Harvard’s funding limitsBefore the interview, shortlisted candidates check with Harvard the maximum and minimum funding they may be eligible to receive, in line with Harvard’s cost-of-attendance rules. See the application checklist.
- HUSHP
- Harvard’s student health programThe Harvard University Student Health Program, which all registered Harvard students are enrolled in automatically. See After the offer.