Harvard University Admission

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

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Harvard University comes with a selective admission process. The acceptance rate at Harvard University is just 4%. For international students a solid academic background and competitive GPAs—typically 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale is a must. Graduate programs usually require GRE scores, though certain departments may have particular requirements. International students whose native language is not English are required to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores for assessment of language proficiency. IELTS scores should be at least 7.0, but TOEFL scores typically range from 100 to 109. It's crucial to remember that different departments might have more stringent requirements.

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Harvard University Admission - Application Timeline

Harvard University offers various intakes for different programs, with the primary intake for most programs being the fall intake. For undergraduate programs, Harvard has two main application options: Early Action and Regular Decision. Both Early Action and Regular Decision applicants begin their studies in the fall.

Timeline  Deadline

Early Action

1 November

Regular Decision 

1 January

 

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Harvard University Admission - Top Graduate Courses 

These programs are offered under Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), which follow a single intake per year, beginning in the fall. 

Program  Application Deadline  Application Fee Tuition Fee / Yearly

Master of Science in Computational Science & Engineering

1 December 2024

USD 105

USD 63,624

Master of Science in Data Science

1 December 2024

USD 105

USD 63,624

Master of Engineering in Computational Science & Engineering

1 December 2024

USD 105

USD 63,624

Master of Public Health

1 December 2024

USD 75

USD 66,960

Master in Design Engineering

5 January 2024

USD 85

USD 57,836

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

1 December 2024

USD 105

USD 63,624

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

1 December 2024

USD 105

USD 63,624

Master of Biotechnology

1 December 2024

USD 75

USD 66,960

Master of Biomedical Informatics 

1 December 2024

USD 105

USD 63,624

Master in Architecture

4 January 2024

USD 85

USD 57,836

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Harvard University Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (Graduate)

Eligibility Criteria  Description 

GPA

3.7 on a scale of 4.0

TOEFL iBT

104+

GMAT

720

GRE

300

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Harvard University Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (MBA)

To pursue an MBA degree at Harvard University, students must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria  Description 

GPA

3.5 on a scale of 4.0

IELTS

7.5

TOEFL iBT

109

GMAT

730

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Harvard University Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (Undergraduate Program)

To pursue a Bachelor’s program at Harvard University international students must fulfill the following eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria  Description 

GPA

3.5 on a scale of 4.0

IELTS

7.5

TOEFL iBT

104

SAT

1580

ACT

36

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Harvard University - Application Process

To apply for admission at Harvard University as an international student, follow the steps mentioned below -

 

Step 1: Go to the Harvard website to learn about the programs available. Apply via Common Application or Coalition Application. Select the platform through which you will submit your application.

 

Step 2: Create an account on the platform of your choice.

 

Step 3: Upload official transcripts or have them sent directly by your school.

 

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    Letters of Recommendation:
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      Two teacher recommendations.
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      One recommendation from your school counselor.
     
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    If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, arrange for the official test reports to be sent to Harvard.
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    If your first language is not English, you need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
 

Step 4: Submit your financial aid application if needed. Harvard is need-blind, meaning applying for aid will not affect your admissions decision.

 

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    Complete the CSS Profile (for international students).
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    Submit any necessary financial documentation (income tax returns, etc.).
 

Step 5: Pay the application fee of USD 85 to USD 105.

 

Step 6: After submitting your application,appear for the interview.

 

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Harvard University Admissions - Hostel Application Process

All first-year students, including international students, must live on campus in one of the dormitories located in or around Harvard Yard. Students are assigned to rooms based on a housing questionnaire that asks about roommate preferences and living styles. Harvard focuses on providing diverse living environments in which students can interact with peers from various backgrounds. After their first year, students are assigned to one of Harvard's 12 residential houses. These Houses provide a vibrant community life while also housing students for the remainder of their undergraduate years.

Room Type Rate (per academic year)

Single Room

USD 11,364

Double Room

USD 10,109

Triple Room

USD 9,897

Quad Room

USD 9,897

Suite (2 people)

USD 12,194

Suite (3 people)

USD 11,364

Suite (4 people)

USD 10,537

Apartments

Varies

How to Apply for Housing at Harvard University?

To apply for hostel facilities at Harvard University, international students must follow the steps mentioned below -

 

Step 1- After accepting the admission offer, students gain access to Harvard’s housing portal.

Step 2 - Through the housing portal, students complete a questionnaire that helps in assigning roommates and selecting preferences.

Step 3 - Harvard uses the questionnaire responses to match students with roommates.

Step 4 - Students are notified of their housing assignment before arriving on campus.

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Harvard University Admissions - Scholarship Application Process

Harvard provides 100% need-based financial assistance to international students. There are no merit-based scholarships; all financial aid is awarded solely on the basis of demonstrated financial need. To apply for financial aid, international students must complete the CSS Profile and, depending on their family's financial situation, submit additional documents.

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria Amount

Harvard Undergraduate Scholarship

Admitted undergraduates with demonstrated financial need

Varies based on need

John Harvard Scholarship

Incoming freshmen with outstanding academic achievement

Full tuition

Harvard Presidential Scholarship

Outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement

USD 10,000 per year

 

Importantly, financial aid is reevaluated annually based on your family's current financial situation. Harvard's financial aid will cover all demonstrated needs, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and even travel allowances for international students receiving assistance.

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Harvard University - Acceptance Rate

Harvard University is one of the world's most selective institutions, with an overall acceptance rate for the class of 2028 of only 3.58%, indicating a high level of competition for admission. The rate has remained low for years, ranging from 3.43% to 5.2% depending on the year.

 

Harvard typically receives more than 50,000 undergraduate applications each year and admits approximately 2,000 students. The class of 2028 had over 54,000 applicants, but only 1,937 were admitted. At the graduate level, acceptance rates differ by program. Harvard Business School has a higher acceptance rate of 12-15%, while engineering, science, and other graduate programs are highly competitive, with rates often below 10%.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate for international students at Harvard?
 

With an overall acceptance rate for the class of 2028 of only 3.58%, Harvard University is among the most selective universities in the world, indicating fierce competition for admission. With an annual range of 3.43% to 5.2%, the rate has stayed low for many years.

How can international students apply for financial aid at Harvard?
 

The admissions and financial aid application processes are combined. Both the CSS Profile and FAFSA forms must be filled out.

Is financial aid available for international students at Harvard University?
 

Yes, need-based financial aid is available to all students at Harvard, including those studying abroad. Undergraduate admissions are need-blind, which means that an international student's financial status has no bearing on the admissions process.

Can international students work while studying at Harvard University?
 

Yes, during the academic year, international students holding an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week, and during breaks, they are permitted to work full-time. Following program completion, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an additional option.

Are there specific scholarships for international students at Harvard?
 

International students are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid, even though Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships. In addition, international applicants to Harvard may be eligible for a few external scholarships.

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