About

University Type

Private

University Type

US News National rank

3

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$84,950

Average Living Expenses

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and among the most prestigious in the world. Harvard University has an enrollment of 23,000+ students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1. Harvard's four-year graduation rate is 87%, and its first-year retention rate is 96%.

What is the Acceptance Rate of Harvard University?

Harvard University's acceptance rate is just 4%, making it one of the most selective universities in the world.

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Harvard University has a large, highly residential campus, and offers 500+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of fields. Harvard University is also a research powerhouse, with a faculty of Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Guggenheim Fellows. 

What is the Annual Tuition fee at Harvard University?

The annual tuition fee at Harvard University is $56,550 (INR 47,23,539) for international students. This does not include room and board, books, supplies, and other personal expenses. The estimated total cost of attendance for graduate students living on campus for the 2023-2024 academic year varies depending on the school or program. For example, the estimated total cost of attendance for full-time MBA students is $107,500 (INR 89,53,460).

Harvard is known for its world-class faculty, groundbreaking research, and commitment to diversity. The university has produced many notable alumni, including 16 US presidents, 188 Nobel laureates, and many other leaders in business, government, academia, and the arts.

What is the Harvard University GPA Requirement?

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.8 and 4.2. To be competitive, you should aim for a GPA of 4.2 or higher.

Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard University offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key scholarship opportunities available at Harvard, along with the application process and important deadlines.

1. Harvard University Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Award Amount

Application Process

Deadline

Harvard College Financial Aid

Undergraduate international students based on financial need

Full or partial tuition coverage

Apply through the Harvard Financial Aid Office; submit financial documents

Early Decision: Nov 1, 2024, Regular Decision: Jan 1, 2025

Harvard Graduate School Scholarships

International graduate students (varies by program)

Varies by program

Check with individual Harvard Graduate Schools for details

Varies (check school deadlines)

Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships

Students pursuing public policy/administration degrees

Partial to full tuition funding

Apply with the admissions application

January 2025 (Exact date TBA)

Harvard Law School Scholarships

International law students

Need-based scholarships available

Submit financial documents with the application

February 2025 (Exact date TBA)

2. Harvard University Scholarship Deadlines

Scholarship/Fellowship

Application Deadline

Harvard College Financial Aid

Early Decision: Nov 1, 2024, Regular Decision: Jan 1, 2025

Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships

January 2025 (Exact date TBA)

Harvard Law School Scholarships

February 2025 (Exact date TBA)

Graduate School Program-specific

Varies by program

3. Harvard University Scholarship Application Process

To apply for scholarships at Harvard University, follow these steps:

  1. Apply for Admission: First, you must apply and be accepted to a program at Harvard University.

  2. Submit Financial Aid Forms: For need-based scholarships, complete the necessary financial aid forms, including the CSS Profile and Harvard Financial Aid Application. International students must also submit income documentation.

  3. Program-specific Scholarships: If applying to graduate schools like Harvard Kennedy or Harvard Law, check for specific scholarships or fellowships on their respective websites and submit any required essays or recommendations.

4. Harvard University External Scholarships for International Students

Aside from internal scholarships, international students may also explore external funding opportunities. Here are some notable external scholarships that are often awarded to Harvard students:

External Scholarship

Eligibility

Award Amount

Application Process

Deadline

Fulbright Program

International graduate students in any field

Full tuition and stipend

Apply through Fulbright Commission in your home country

Varies by country

Rhodes Scholarship

International students from eligible countries pursuing graduate degrees

Full tuition and living expenses

Apply via Rhodes Trust

October 2024 (Exact dates vary)

Chevening Scholarship

International students from Chevening-eligible countries

Full tuition, airfare, and living stipend

Apply via the Chevening website

November 7, 2024

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship

Students from World Bank member countries pursuing graduate studies in development

Full tuition and living expenses

Apply via World Bank portal

March 2025 (Exact date TBA)

5. Harvard University Student Loans for International Students

Harvard offers limited loan options for international students, which are primarily need-based and vary depending on the student's financial situation and program. The Harvard University Employees Credit Union (HUECU) offers student loans to international students who have a U.S.-based co-signer. Other external loan options include:

Loan Provider

Eligibility

Interest Rate

Application Process

Repayment Terms

Harvard University Loans (Need-based)

International students with financial need

Variable

Apply through the Harvard Financial Aid Office

Begins 6 months after graduation

HUECU Student Loans

Requires U.S.-based co-signer

Variable (based on credit)

Apply via HUECU website

Begins 6-9 months after graduation

Prodigy Finance

Graduate students (no co-signer needed)

Variable (depends on loan type)

Apply via Prodigy Finance website

Begins 6 months after graduation

Note: Student loans typically cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses, but students should explore scholarship opportunities before considering loans.

By leveraging these scholarships, fellowships, and loans, international students at Harvard University can receive substantial financial support to cover their academic expenses. It's important to apply early and meet all deadlines for a better chance of securing funding.

Top Reasons to Study in the Harvard University

Several reasons add to the popularity and international students' demand to study at Harvard University. Here are some of the top reasons:

  • World-class faculty

Harvard has over 2,700 faculty members, including many Nobel laureates and other distinguished scholars.

  • Groundbreaking research

Harvard University's faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields. The university has over 100 research centres and institutes.

  • Diversity

Harvard's student body is made up of students from all over the world and from all walks of life.

  • Harvard University courses

Harvard offers 100+ undergraduate and graduate degree courses, which are full-fledged, preparing individuals to thrive professionally and intellectually.

  • Leadership opportunities

Harvard University provides students with many opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Students can participate in student government, clubs and organizations, and internships.

  • Harvard University scholarships

Harvard is a close-knit community where students can find support from their peers, professors, and staff. The university also offers financial aid through various scholarships and grants to make studying at Harvard affordable for international students.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will get to learn and explore at Harvard University. To know more, click here.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Harvard University

Average tuition fee

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3000+ Cr

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$84,950

Average living expenses (Masters)

$84,950

Admissions at The Harvard University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

4%

Application Fee

$25 - $250

How to Apply at Harvard University

Harvard University admissions are an extensive process and their undergraduate program focuses on liberal arts and sciences. Students are required to take courses in a variety of subjects. The graduate program offers over 500-degree programs in a wide range of fields. Here are the steps on how to apply to Harvard University as an international student:

  • Be an early bird: The application deadline varies for various Harvard University courses. However, international students must begin as soon as possible. Missing the admission deadlines can severely affect your chances of getting into Harvard University.

Early Action

November 1, 2024

Regular Decision

January 1, 2024

Transfer Application

March 1, 2024

Financial Aid Application

February 1, 2024

Meet the eligibility requirements: Harvard has several eligibility requirements for international students.

  • You must have completed a rigorous secondary school education.
  • You must have a GPA of 4.2 or above.
  • You must have taken the SAT or ACT standardised tests.
  • You must also submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Gather the required materials: The required materials for the Harvard application include:

  • An application form.
  • Official transcripts from your secondary school, and school report.
  • Harvard College questions for the Common Application or Coalition Application Harvard supplement.
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Teacher reports.
  • English proficiency test scores.
  • Submit your application: Harvard University uses the Common Application or the Universal College Application for undergraduate admissions and the respective departmental websites for graduate programs.
  • Submit the application fee: The Harvard application fee is $85 - $105 (INR 7,068 - 8,731). An application fee waiver is available for eligible students. Moreover, there are many Harvard University scholarships available for international students, so check before applying.
  • Attend an interview, and wait for a decision.

Documents Required to Apply to Harvard University

There are many documents that international students need to submit to study at documents at Harvard University, such as

Undergraduate Programs:

Document

Description

High School Transcripts

Official transcripts from all high schools attended.

Standardised Test Scores

SAT or ACT scores and/or TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for non-native English speakers.

Letter of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers.

Statement of purpose

Essay explaining the student's interest in the program and how it aligns with their academic and career goals.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of $85 (INR 7,068)

Graduate Programs:

Document

Description

Bachelor's Degree Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

Standardised Scores.

GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT scores depending on the program. Submit TOEFL and IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

Letters of Recommendation

Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

Resume or CV

Detailed resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic and work experience.

Statement of Purpose

Essay outlining the student's academic and professional goals and how the program aligns with them.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee.

PhD Programs:

Document

Description

Master's Degree Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

Graduate Entrance Exam Scores

GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT scores depending on the program.

Letters of Recommendation

Three to four letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

Research Statement

Detailed essay outlining the student's research interests, experience, and proposed research topic.

Resume or CV

Detailed resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic and work experience.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee.

Exams Accepted By Harvard University

Harvard University accepts the following English proficiency and standardised test scores from international applicants:

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • SAT
  • ACT
  • GRE
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Rankings for The Harvard University

US News Ranking

#3

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#4

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#4

QS World University Rankings

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Students Harvard University

195

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45

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International Students

% of international students in the university

13.6

Total International Students in the university

4818

Alumni at Harvard University

Harvard University has a long and distinguished history of alumni, who excel in all walks of life. Some of the most famous alumni of Harvard University are:

  • John Adams: US President.
  • Natalie Portman: Actress, filmmaker, and activist.
  • Oprah Winfrey: Billionaire.
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson: Astrophysicist, author, and science communicator.
  • Margaret Atwood: Author, poet, literary critic, environmental activist, and inventor.
  • Conan O'Brien: Comedian, writer, producer, and television host.
  • Shonda Rhimes: Television producer, screenwriter, and author.
  • W. E. B. Du Bois: Sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and Pan-Africanist.
  • J. K. Rowling: Author of the Harry Potter fantasy series.
  • Mark Zuckerberg: Co-founder and CEO of Facebook.

Just like these exceptional people, you can too become part of Harvard University’s alumni association, by fulfilling your dream of studying there through Yocket’s assistance!

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Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

Sargun Malhi
Sargun Malhi

3 months ago

I want to get into Harvard and currently I am in 9th grade. What things should I start preparing for?
#IVYLEAGUE #Harvard #9thgrader
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Harini
Harini

3 months ago

Which English exams are much more effective in getting into universities like Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley etc?
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Night Owl
Night Owl

5 months ago

Harvard University
Doctorate in Business Administration (MBA)
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Amrutha Kommidi
Amrutha Kommidi

9 months ago

Harvard model united nation conference
Is anyone of you participated earlier or participating this year in harvard model united nations conference ? #hmun #applicants #2024august #India #bengaluru
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Faogia Islam Tanha
Faogia Islam Tanha

10 months ago

Harvard University
Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering
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Reviews for Harvard University

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
3

Campus locations
Massachusetts

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

Cambridge has a good public transportation system, making it easy to get around without a car. The main public transportation providers are:

  • Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA operates the subway, buses, and commuter rail in the Boston area. The Red Line subway runs through Cambridge, and many bus lines serve the city. The MBTA also operates the Commuter Rail, providing service to Boston and other parts of the region.
  • Blue Bikes: Blue Bikes is a bike share system in Cambridge and other parts of the Boston area. There are over 3,000 bikes available at over 300 stations.

EZRide: EZRide is a door-to-door shuttle service in Cambridge and other parts of the Boston area. It is available to people with disabilities and seniors.

Services offered by the university

Harvard University offers various services to its students, faculty, and staff, including

  • Academic advising

Harvard University advisors can help students choose courses, develop a major, and plan their careers.

  • Financial aid

Harvard University scholarships provide generous financial aid to students who need it. The university meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.

  • Health services

Harvard University has a state-of-the-art health centre that provides comprehensive medical care to students, faculty, and staff; alongside offering mental health services, counselling, and other support services.

  • Technology

Harvard University provides students with access to technology resources, including computers, software, and printing services. The university also offers IT support to students and staff.

  • Career services

Harvard's career services office helps students find jobs and internships, offering resume writing, interview skills, and other career development services.

  • International students services

Harvard's international students office helps international students with immigration paperwork, cultural adjustment, and other services.

All these are some basic services provided by Harvard University. But there are also some special services offered for the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, amongst others.

Student life at Harvard University

With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by Boston, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at Harvard University:

  • Academics

Harvard is a world-renowned academic institution, and its students have the opportunity to take courses from some of the leading scholars in the world. Students can also participate in research projects, conduct independent studies, and collaborate with faculty on creative projects.

  • Extracurricular activities

Harvard students have over 400 student organisations to choose from, including sports teams, clubs, and student government. There are also many opportunities to get involved in the arts, community service, and activism.

  • Social life

Harvard students live in residential houses, which are small communities within the larger university. Houses offer social activities, including dining halls, libraries, and meeting spaces. Students also have the opportunity to socialise in other parts of campus, such as the Harvard Yard and the Cambridge Common.

These are just a few factors that make Harvard University’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.

On campus accomodation at Harvard University

Harvard University offers several on-campus housing options for all students.

Undergraduate Students

  • Freshman dorms: All first-year students are guaranteed housing and live in one of the all-freshman dorms that are either in Harvard Yard or very near it. These dorms have various rooming arrangements, from doubles to larger suites. Some have their bathrooms, but most students share a bathroom with other suites. There are very few singles available.
  • Upperclassmen dorms: Upperclassmen have options like traditional dorms which offer various rooming arrangements; apartment-style living offers more privacy and space; and special interest housing is available for students with specific interests, such as the arts, athletics, or community service.

Graduate Students

  • Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls: Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls are located in Harvard Yard and offer several rooming arrangements, from doubles to apartments. These halls are usually reserved for graduate students in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
  • Harvard University Housing apartments: Harvard University Housing (HUH) offers apartments to all full-time Harvard graduate students, faculty, and staff. These apartments are located throughout Cambridge and are available in various sizes and configurations.

Housing costs: The cost of a double room in a traditional dorm at Harvard University is usually around $10,000 (INR 8,31,545) per year, while the cost of an apartment is around $15,000 (INR 12,47,317) per year.

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FAQ

1. What is the Harvard University acceptance rate?

The Harvard University acceptance rate is 4%.

2. Are there any application fees for admission to Harvard University?

Harvard University charges an application fee of $85, which is Rs 7,006.

3. Does Harvard University provide a campus living facility?

Yes, Harvard University provides various options for students who wish to avail the on-campus accommodation facility at Harvard Medical University, Harvard Law University, or more. 

4. Does Harvard University provide any financial aid?

The students falling under the financial aid criteria can apply for various scholarships at Harvard University, like need-based, merit-based, etc. 

5. What is the ranking of Harvard University?

Harvard University is one of the oldest and best Ivy League universities in Massachusetts, USA. It ranks 5th as per the QS WUR 2023.

6. How to get admission to Harvard University?

To gain admission to Harvard University, applicants must have a strong GPA and extracurricular activities, alongside the required documents that vary program-wise. Indian students must provide the English language test scores, to portray English proficiency.

7. Does Harvard accept Indian students?

Yes, an analysis of student visa data suggests that in 2020 as many as 213,062 Indian students came to the U.S. to study at American colleges and universities. From this pool of 213,062, Harvard was home to approximately 505 Indian students.

8. How much percentage is required for Harvard?

To get into Harvard University, all students need to score a high GPA of 4.2, which is roughly 95-98%.

9. Can I apply for Harvard after the 12th?

Yes, you can apply to Harvard after the 12th. In fact, Harvard accepts applications from international students who have completed their secondary education in their home country. The application requirements are the same for all applicants, regardless of their nationality. To apply to Harvard after the 12th, you will need to complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with the Harvard-specific supplements. You will also need to submit your high school transcript, teacher recommendations, and standardised test scores (SAT or ACT).

10. Which famous Indians went to Harvard University?

Some famous Indians who went to Harvard University include Ratan Tata, Rahul Bajaj, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Naina Lal Kidwai, and Sudha Murthy.

11. How can I join Harvard in India?

To join Harvard from India, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Academic excellence: Harvard University has very high academic standards, so you will need to have a strong academic record. This includes having high grades in your high school classes, as well as on standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT.
English proficiency: English is the language of instruction at Harvard University, so you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency. You can do this by taking an English language test such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Extracurricular activities: Harvard University is looking for well-rounded students who have excelled in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. This could include sports, music, arts, community service, or leadership roles.
Strong essays and recommendations: Your application essays and letters of recommendation are important opportunities to tell your story and show the admissions committee why you are a good fit for Harvard University.