Harvard University offers a diverse range of over 50 undergraduate and 134 graduate programs with an acceptance rate of ~3.4%. The university welcomes students from over 150 countries, with international students making up 23% of its 23000+ student population. The application process is straightforward, requiring an online application through the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with a $85 application fee.
International applicants must submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, a resume, proof of financial support, and GRE/GMAT scores. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the application deadlines for international students are November 1st for Restrictive Early Action and January 1st for Regular Decision.
Also Check: Harvard University Courses and Fees
- Harvard University Application Deadlines for International Students
- Harvard University Acceptance Rate
- Harvard University Admissions Requirements: Graduate
- Harvard University Admissions Requirements: MBA
- Harvard University Admissions Requirements: Undergraduate
- Harvard University Top Programs
- Harvard University Admission Requirements
- Harvard University Admissions Decision Dates
- Harvard University Students Review
- Harvard University Admissions FAQs
Harvard University Application Deadlines for International Students
The application deadline for international students to Harvard University depends on the quarter and whether the student is applying for undergraduate or graduate admission.
Admission Type | Application Deadline | Notification Date |
---|---|---|
Restrictive Early Action | November 1 | Mid-December |
Regular Decision | January 1 | End of March |
Transfer Application | March 1 | Varies (Typically by May) |
MBA Program:
Round 1 Deadline: Early September (Results in December) Round 2 Deadline: Early January (Results in March) Round 3 Deadline: Early April (Results in May) |
To allow enough time for application review, visa processing, and travel arrangements, Indian students should apply at least six months in advance of their intended intake. Late applications are reviewed based on availability.
Also check: Popular scholarships to study in USA
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
Harvard's admissions process is highly selective, choosing only a few students from the vast number of applicants. The Harvard University acceptance rate is 3.64% for the 2024 admissions. The total 54,009 applicants applied for UG admission in 2024, out of which 1,970 students were admitted. Among the accepted applications, only 1,647 students took enrollment at Harvard University. Other 41 students were admitted to Harvard from the waiting list.
Also Check: Acceptance Rate for US Colleges
Harvard University Admissions Requirements: Graduate
Graduate students seeking admission can start their application for Harvard University in September. International students need the following documents for Harvard University admissions for graduate programs:
Application Fee: Non-refundable $105 (₹8,907)
Required Documents:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- GPA or aggregate- 3.0/4.0 (85%)
- GRE Scores between 260-340
- Personal essay
- TOEFL-iBT Score of 100
- 2 Recommendation Letters
- Resume
- Writing Sample (if required)
- Work Experience (if required)
Note: Harvard College and some grad schools allow applicant interviews. Not all Harvard schools recommend interviews as a part of the admission process.
Also Check: Requirements to Study in USA in 2025
Harvard University Admissions Requirements: MBA
MBA at Harvard is a 2-year full-time program offered by Harvard Business School. One can apply for Harvard MBA in Early September (1st round) or Early January (2nd round) of the following year.
The application requirements for the Harvard MBA program are as follows:
- MBA Application Portal: HBS Application Portal
- Application Fee: $250 (₹21,804)
Required Documents: International students need the following documents for admission to the MBA at Harvard University:
- Minimum 3.5 in Undergraduate degree
- GMAT score of 730
- Personal essay
- 2 recommendation letters
- Resume
- Work Experience above 3 years
- Interview (on invite only)
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL iBT- 109
- IELTS- 7.5
Students from all academic backgrounds are eligible to apply for the MBA program at Harvard University. More than 60% of MBA admits belong to non-business academic backgrounds. If students have strong academic grades and fulfil MBA selection criteria, they can apply for the program.
Class Profile 2026
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
MBA Class of 2026 Enrollments | 930 |
International Students | 35% |
Women | 45% |
Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.69 |
Median GMAT Score | 740 |
Percentage of students who submitted GMAT scores | 63% |
Median GRE Scores | 163 (Q) | 163 (V) |
Percentage of students who submitted GRE scores | 41% |
Average Work Experience | 5 years |
Harvard University Admissions Requirements: Undergraduate
Here is an overview of the eligibility criteria for international students seeking admission to undergraduate courses:
Application Portal: Common Application or Coalition Application
Application Fee: $85 (₹7,412)
Admission Requirements:
- School report and high school transcript
- Teacher report (2)
- Midyear school report (after the first semester grades)
- Final school report
- SAT or ACT (optional for 2022-2026 applicants, but recommended)
- English Proficiency Test- Not Required for First-year Undergraduate Students
Note: If your college does not issue mark sheets or transcripts, submit an official letter from them listing courses and examinations taken, grades, and degrees and dates of degrees received.
Harvard University Top Programs
Harvard University offers a variety of top graduate programs designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills. Below is a list of key programs, including their tuition fees and important deadlines for international students.
Program | Estimated Tuition Fees/year | Important Dates |
---|---|---|
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | $76,410 (~₹66.6 Lakhs) |
Round 1 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake: Sep 4, 2025 Round 1 Application Decision for Fall 2026 Intake: Dec 10, 2025 Round 2 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake: Jan 6, 2026 Round 2 Application Decision for Fall 2026 Intake: Mar 26, 2026 |
Master of Public Policy [M.P.P] | $59,316 (~₹51.7 Lakhs) |
Application deadline for 2026 Intake: Dec 3, 2025 Financial Aid Application Deadline for 2026 Intake: Jan 15, 2026 |
Master of Science [M.S] Data Science | $55,656 (~₹48.5 Lakhs) |
Application deadline for 2026 Fall Intake: Dec 1, 2025 |
Master of Public Health [M.P.H] Environmental Health | $74,340 (~₹64.8 Lakhs) |
Application deadline for 2026 Intake: Dec 1, 2025 |
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Business Administration | $54,750 (~₹47.7 Lakhs) |
Application deadline for 2026 Intake: Dec 1, 2025 |
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Computer Science | $55,656 (~₹48.5 Lakhs) |
Application deadline for Fall 2026 Intake: Dec 15, 2025 |
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) | $73,874 (~₹64.4 Lakhs) |
Deadline to submit AMCAS application for 2026 Intake: Oct 15, 2025 Deadline to submit HMS supplemental application for 2026 Intake: Oct 22, 2025 Document submission deadline for 2026 intake: Oct 30, 2025 |
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Computer Science | $56,550 (~₹49.3 Lakhs) |
2026 Intake (Early Action): Nov 1, 2025| 2025 Intake (Regular Decision): Jan 1, 2026 |
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Bioengineering | ||
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Mechanical Engineering | ||
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Philosophy |
*To know more about other courses, click here.
Harvard University Admission Requirements
Applying to Harvard as an Indian student, involves a few essential steps. Here are some general admission requirements you need to know to make your application process smooth:
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
For Undergraduate Programs | Completion of Class 12 from CBSE, ICSE, or State Board with strong academic performance. Harvard values a rigorous academic curriculum with challenging coursework. |
For Graduate Programs | A four-year equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant field. |
GPA Requirement | Harvard does not specify a minimum GPA, but successful applicants typically have a 3.5+ GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Strong performance in core subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English is recommended. |
Standardized Test Scores | Applicants must submit either: SAT: Recommended score 1500+ (out of 1600) ACT: Recommended score 33+ (out of 36) |
English Proficiency Test | Required unless you studied at an English-medium institution. Accepted tests include: TOEFL iBT: Recommended score 100+ IELTS: Recommended score 7.5+ Duolingo English Test: Score of 130+ |
Application Process | International students must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with required Harvard-specific supplements. Both are equally accepted. Additionally, UG: college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply PG: Course-wise applicant portal MBA: apply.hbs.edu/apply |
Application Timelines | Common Application Opens: August 1 Coalition Application Opens: August 15 Restrictive Early Action Deadline: November 1 Regular Decision Deadline: January 1 |
Transcripts & Degree Certificates | Official high school transcripts (Class 9–12) required. Must be submitted in original language + translated copies (if applicable). Harvard may evaluate foreign transcripts to assess U.S. equivalency. |
Letters of Recommendation | Two teacher evaluations plus one school counselor recommendation required. Harvard advises recommendations from core subject teachers. |
Personal Statement (Essays) | Required. Must reflect your background, achievements, goals, and personality. Harvard supplements require short essay responses. |
Extracurricular Activities | Harvard values leadership, initiative, and deep involvement in extracurriculars. Achievements in academics, sports, arts, social service, or research are highly valued. |
Interview (If Offered) | Conducted by Harvard alumni if available in your area. While optional, it’s highly encouraged. |
Financial Aid | Harvard follows need-blind admissions for all applicants, including international students. The Financial Aid Application is due by February 14 (post-admission). |
I-20 & Visa Process | Students will receive their I-20 Form only after being registered in an I-20 eligible course load. The International Student Questionnaire can be requested from Visas@Summer.Harvard.edu to begin the process early. |
Application Fee | UG: $85 or INR 7,411 PG: $105 or INR 9,155 MBA: USD 250 or INR 21,799 |
- Standardized Tests Now Mandatory: Unlike previous years, test scores are now required.
- Deadlines Remain the Same: Early Action by Nov 1 and Regular Decision by Jan 1.
- Financial Aid Timeline: Available by the end of January, with a submission deadline of Feb 14.
For detailed instructions, students can also visit Harvard College Admissions.
Harvard University Admissions Decision Dates
Harvard provides notification for restrictive early action by mid-December. Regular decision applicants hear the decision by the end of March. Students can watch their application decisions on the application portal.
Once the decision is released, students get a notification email as a reminder to check their application status. Students can check the applications after 15 minutes of the decision release. If the students stay logged in while the decisions are released, they might not receive the reminder email.
Harvard University Students Review
Here’s what students say about their experience at the Harvard University:
Aadithya Ganeshram (Batch 2024) says "Harvard brings together some of the smartest people in the world, making the experience truly enriching. The research environment is highly collaborative, and you constantly get new ideas from brilliant minds. However, the academic requirements can be strict and sometimes inflexible, leaving little room for personal preferences. Overall, being surrounded by such excellence makes the journey worthwhile."
Course: PhD in Chemical Physics
Rating: 6.5/10
Preeti (Batch 2017) says “Getting into Harvard is tough, with a low acceptance rate, but the academic experience is worth it. A high GPA, strong TOEFL/SAT scores, and a solid application are essential. The coursework is demanding, but the faculty and extracurriculars make it a fulfilling experience. The competitive environment pushes you to excel, but it can also be stressful at times.”
Course: B.A Computer Science
Rating: 7.5/10
Krish Sreedevi says “Harvard offers an incredible academic environment with top-notch faculty, career opportunities, and entrepreneurial resources. The flexibility in courses and cross-registration with other institutions is a plus. The workload is intense, but the exposure and opportunities make up for it. If you can handle the pressure, Harvard is an academic utopia.”
Course: Ed.M. in Technology Innovation and Education
Rating: 8.3/10
*To read full review on Harvard, including college life, placements, and admissions: Click Here
Harvard University offers 50+ UG, 134 graduate & over 9 doctorate programs with a ~3.4% acceptance rate, demanding strong academics and impactful extracurriculars. Standardized test scores are mandatory for Fall 2025. While tuition is high, generous need-based aid makes it accessible. Students praise Harvard’s faculty, research, and career opportunities, though the environment can be highly competitive. Harvard remains a top choice for ambitious, high-achieving students.
Harvard University Admissions FAQs
Ques. What does a realistic accepted Harvard applicant look like?
Ans. A typical Harvard admit has exceptional academic records, often scoring in the top 1-2% in standardized tests like the SAT (1500+) or ACT (33+). Beyond grades, Harvard values students with strong leadership, impactful extracurricular involvement, and essays that showcase personal growth, curiosity, and community impact. Genuine passion and resilience often stand out.
Ques. What does Harvard require for admission?
Ans. Harvard requires a complete application via the Common Application or Coalition Application, including transcripts, standardized test scores (now mandatory for Fall 2025), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Strong extracurricular achievements, leadership, and community impact are key. For international students, English proficiency scores like TOEFL or IELTS are also required.
Ques. How many times can you apply to Harvard?
Ans. You can apply to Harvard once per admission cycle. However, if you’re unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply again in future years for undergraduate or graduate programs. There's no limit to reapplying across different admission cycles.
Ques. Can I apply to Harvard after a gap year?
Ans. Yes, Harvard supports students taking a gap year. If you’re admitted, you can request a deferral to spend a year pursuing personal growth, travel, volunteering, or other experiences. If you haven’t yet applied, presenting meaningful use of your gap year can strengthen your application.
College Student Profiles
Harvard University Program Fees & Deadlines
Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 2 years | Round 1 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (3rd Sep 2025) Round 1 Application Decision for Fall 2026 Intake (10th Dec 2025) Round 2 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (5th Jan 2026) Round 2 Application Decision for Fall 2026 Intake (25th Mar 2026) | USD 78,700 /Yr | 250 | GPA: 3.73, Toefl: 109, Ielts:7.5, GMAT: 740, Duolingo-145 | |
M.L.A Biology 2 years | USD 20,640 /Yr | 105 | GPA: 3, Toefl: 100, Ielts:7.5 | ||
M.A Liberal Arts - Finance 2 years | Application deadline for 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025) | USD 55,656 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 70, Duolingo: 125 | - |
Application deadline for 2025 Intake (1st Dec 2025) | USD 55,656 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 70, Duolingo: 125 | - | |
Ph.D Business Administration 5 years | Application deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025) | USD 57,328 /Yr | 105 | GPA: 3.00, Toefl: 100, Ielts:7.5, GRE: 320, Duolingo-145 | |
Ph.D Computer Science 5 years | Application deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 57,328 /Yr | 105 | GPA: 3.6, Toefl: 100, Ielts:7.5, GRE: 306 | |
Ph.D Electrical Engineering 5 years | Application deadline for 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 55,656 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80 | - |
Application deadline for 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025) | USD 57,328 /Yr | 105 | GPA: 3, Toefl: 100, Ielts:7 | ||
Ph.D Neuroscience 5 years | Application deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2025) | USD 55,656 /Yr | 105 | GPA-3, IELTS-7.5 or Toefl 100 | |
Round 1 application deadline for 2026 Intake (4th Sep 2025) Round 2 application deadline for 2026 Intake (6th Jan 2026) | USD 87,872 /Yr | 250 | IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 109, PTE: 75, Duolingo: 145 | - |
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Reviews
5 Reviews Found
Likes
- The people are what make it. The university inherently attracts the smartest people in the world and this is what makes your experience. I personally have a great number of smart and kind friends which have made my experience.
Dislikes
- The requirements of the university can be stringent and inflexible at times, but the aim is to become a better researcher. However, it’s an all encompassing requirement and I think each person should choose individually how they wish to spend their time.
Overview
The experience so far has been great. Being surrounded by such excellent people is really where the benefit comes from. This enables one to fuel their research in a collaborative environment getting ideas from many people and making progress all the time.
Scholarship
None.
Overview
Getting into Harvard is somewhat difficult because of its low admission rate of 3.44%. You need to have a GPA of above 4.22 and a TOEFL score of above 90 to have a fair chance of admission. You should get an SAT score of above 1500 to enhance your chances of admission.
Overview
It's the best like no other University as good as Harvard in the world rankings. The computer was chosen by me because I found its content interesting.
Scholarship
NA
Overview
Brand name, Course structure, Location, Academic excellence, Entrepreneurial opportunities, Cross registration opportunities, Faculty, Career opportunities
Scholarship
I had a graduate scholarship at NYU and Harvard.
Overview
I decided to attend Harvard because I saw it as an opportunity for a new experience. I wanted to go abroad, and I wanted to attend a university with some renown and where I was sure I would be supported. Harvard does not require that you apply to a specific major: they let you in based on potential and then you choose what you want to do in your second year, and that appealed to me.
Scholarship
I did not get a scholarship to Harvard, they base scholarships off of financial need or athletic ability.
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