Registration and Add/Drop Periods
Students at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are required to register every term, including when they are working on their dissertation.
Registration entitles students to attend classes, receive financial aid, and use the libraries, laboratories, and other facilities of the university.
Graduate students register for classes on Yale Hub in the Registration Resources module.
Where and When to Register for Classes
Registration typically opens in mid-April for the fall term and in mid-November for the spring term. Students new to Yale register shortly before the start of the fall term.
There is opportunity to fine-tune/revise class schedules during the Add/drop period that usually opens a few days before classes start and typically remains open for about 7 days after the start of classes.
Key Registration Dates (Yale College & GSAS)
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 14 | F | Spring term registration opens for GSAS students, 8:00 a.m. |
| Nov. 17 | M | Spring term registration opens for Class of 2026, 8:00 a.m. |
| Nov. 18 | T | Spring term registration opens for Class of 2027, 8:00 a.m. |
| Nov. 19 | W | Spring term registration opens for Class of 2028, 8:00 a.m. |
| Nov. 20 | Th | Spring term registration opens for Class of 2029, 8:00 a.m. |
| Nov. 20 | Th | Spring term registration office hours over Zoom, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 18 | Th | Spring term registration (and waitlists) close for all GSAS & YC students, 5:00 p.m. |
| Jan. 5 | M | Add/drop period opens for all GSAS & YC students, 8:00 a.m. |
| Jan. 12 | M | Spring-term classes begin. |
| Jan. 21 | W | Add/drop period closes for all GSAS & YC students, 5:00 p.m. |
Before Registration Opens
Before registering, students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the GSAS. This includes being enrolled in an approved graduate program and maintaining good academic standing. Students should also be aware of any specific departmental requirements that may affect their registration status.
The GSAS has designated registration periods each semester. Students must register during these times to secure their enrollment for courses, research, or other academic activities. Before the registration period opens, students can browse available courses through Yale Course Search. It is crucial for students to consult with their academic advisers or faculty members to ensure that they are selecting appropriate courses that align with their degree requirements and research interests.
Some programs may require additional approvals for course selections or independent study projects. Students should be proactive in obtaining necessary permissions from faculty or department heads as needed.
Prior to the opening of the registration period, students must ensure that all tuition and fees are paid by the deadlines established by the university’s financial office to avoid any holds on their accounts. See also resolve your holds.
After Add/Drop Closes
After completing all steps, students receive confirmation of their registration status via email or through the online portal. It is advisable for students to keep this confirmation for their records.
If a student misses the regular registration period, there may be options for late registration; however, this often involves additional fees and requires approval from both the department and GSAS administration.
Graduate students are generally required to maintain continuous enrollment throughout their studies unless they have formally applied for a leave of absence or have completed all degree requirements.
After registering, it is important for students to monitor their academic progress regularly through meetings with advisors and reviewing degree audit reports. See About Degree Audit.
Graduate School Systems Related to Course Registration
Forms
Changes of plans and academic pursuits often accompany changes to the academic record and may require permission and timely notice before the change may occur.
DGS & Registrars Directory
The Directors of Graduate Studies (DGSs) and Department Registrars are critical to the success of Yale’s graduate programs.