Harvard University Scholarships for International Students (2025/2026)
Getting into Harvard University is a dream for many students around the world. For international students, this dream often comes with a significant financial burden. However, Harvard offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options to ensure that admitted students, regardless of nationality or financial status, can afford to attend.
This guide explores Harvard University scholarships available for international students in the 2025/2026 academic year and provides you with actionable tips to navigate the process successfully.
Overview of Harvard University
Harvard University, founded in 1636 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United States. Harvard comprises multiple schools including Harvard College, Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, and others.
With a diverse student body and world-renowned faculty, Harvard maintains a global reputation for academic excellence, research, and leadership development.
Why Choose Harvard as an International Student?
Global Prestige: Ranked among the top universities worldwide.
Diverse Community: Students come from over 150 countries.
World-Class Faculty: Learn from Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leading academics.
Career Opportunities: Strong alumni network and career services.
Generous Financial Aid: Need-blind admission and robust scholarship opportunities for international students.
Financial Aid Philosophy at Harvard
Harvard follows a need-blind admissions policy, meaning that students are admitted based on merit without regard to their financial situation. Once admitted, Harvard commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, including international students.
This financial aid model is designed to ensure that financial limitations do not hinder talented students from attending.
Harvard’s Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
Harvard offers only need-based financial aid—not merit-based scholarships—for undergraduate students. This means your family’s income and assets are evaluated to determine the amount of aid you receive.
Key features
Aid is not a loan—no repayment required.
Typically includes a mix of scholarship funds, job opportunities, and student contributions.
International students have equal access to financial aid as U.S. students.
Eligibility
Demonstrated financial need.
Admitted to a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.
Submission of all required financial documentation.
Harvard Scholarship Types
Harvard College Financial Aid
For undergraduate students, Harvard provides generous aid packages:
Average annual scholarship: Over $50,000 per student.
Students from families earning under $85,000/year usually pay nothing.
Families earning up to $150,000/year may pay significantly reduced tuition.
Graduate Scholarships
Graduate financial aid varies by program. Some notable ones include:
Harvard Business School (HBS) Fellowships
Harvard Kennedy School Financial Aid and Fellowships
Harvard Law School Financial Aid (HL Central)
Harvard Graduate School of Design Financial Assistance
External Scholarships Accepted by Harvard
International students can also bring scholarships from external sources, such as:
Fulbright Program
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship
Chevening Scholarships
DAAD Scholarships (for German students)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for scholarships or financial aid at Harvard, international students must:
Be admitted into a Harvard undergraduate or graduate program.
Demonstrate financial need through provided documentation.
Submit relevant application forms and tax documents (translated if not in English).
Maintain academic progress and meet institutional requirements.
Note: Eligibility for graduate programs may depend on specific departmental policies.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Undergraduate (Harvard College) Students
Apply for Admission: Common Application or Coalition Application + Harvard supplement.
Submit Financial Aid Documents:
CSS Profile (College Board)
Tax returns or Income documentation (translated)
Harvard’s own Financial Aid Application (optional for some)
Review and Notification: Financial aid decisions are shared with admission offers.
Graduate Students
Each graduate school has its own process. Generally
1. Apply to the program of choice.
2. Review available fellowships or assistantships on the school’s financial aid page.
3. Submit program-specific financial aid forms and documentation.
4. Apply for external funding where applicable.
Required Documents
Typical documents required for scholarship or financial aid application include:
CSS Profile (for undergraduate applicants)
Parent and student income statements
Tax returns or employer statements
Asset documentation (savings, properties)
Letters of recommendation (graduate scholarships)
Bank statements
Proof of international status (passport, visa)
Important Deadlines
Here are general deadlines, though they may vary slightly each year:
It is crucial to check the official Harvard website and your program’s financial aid office for updated deadlines.
Scholarships by School/Program
Harvard Business School (HBS)
HBS Fellowships: Based on financial need.
Boustany MBA Scholarship: For international MBA students.
Robert S. Kaplan Fellowship: For exceptional MBA applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
Harvard Law School (HLS)
Offers need-based grants, loans, and Low Income Protection Plan (LIPP).
International students eligible for full financial aid.
Harvard Medical School (HMS)
Offers institutional scholarships, grants, and loan options.
Financial aid based on demonstrated need.
Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)
Provides fellowships like Public Service Fellowships, Kuwait Program Fellowship, JFK Fellowship.
Special fellowships for students from developing countries.
Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE)
Merit-based scholarships like the Urban Scholars Award, Dean’s Scholarship, and fellowships for international educators.
Tips for Securing a Harvard Scholarship
Apply Early: Submitting applications early ensures full consideration.
Be Thorough: Include accurate, translated documents. Don’t leave anything out.
Tell Your Story: Especially for graduate scholarships, your personal statement matters.
Apply for External Funding: Don’t rely solely on Harvard; broaden your search.
Stay Informed: Subscribe to your program’s updates and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does Harvard offer full scholarships for international students?
Yes. If you demonstrate financial need, Harvard may cover the full cost through need-based aid.
Q2: Can I get a scholarship for graduate studies at Harvard?
Yes, but aid varies by school. Many offer fellowships, grants, and assistantships.
Q3: Is Harvard need-blind for international students?
Yes, for undergraduates. Graduate programs may consider financial need differently.
Q4: How competitive are Harvard scholarships for international students?
Very competitive, but if you demonstrate need and academic merit, you have a strong chance.
Q5: Are there external scholarships I can use at Harvard?
Yes, including Fulbright, DAAD, Chevening, and others. Ensure they align with Harvard’s funding policies.
Conclusion
Harvard University remains committed to making education accessible to talented students from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re an aspiring undergraduate or a seasoned professional seeking graduate education, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available to help you achieve your academic dreams at Harvard.
By understanding the scholarship types, eligibility, and application process, international students can confidently pursue their journey at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Start early, stay informed, and take the leap—Harvard could be within your reach.