Harvard University is committed to ensuring education is accessible by covering 100% of demonstrated financial need for students. International students can benefit from various scholarships, including grants and partial or full fee waivers. In the previous academic year alone, Harvard awarded 712 million USD in financial aid.
Popular scholarships include the Boustany Scholarship, Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship, Harvard Extension School Grant, and HGSE Financial Aid. External options like the Aga Khan Scholarship and Bergmeyer Scholarship are also available. Common application requirements include bank statements, SOP, LOR, and English proficiency test scores.
Approximately 55% of Harvard College students receive need-based aid, and nearly 20% study with fully-funded support. While individual schools manage their own aid, General Scholarships are administered centrally by the university.
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How to Apply to Harvard University Scholarships
Follow these steps for a successful Harvard University scholarship application:
- Go to the official Harvard University website to explore available scholarships.
- Review the various scholarships offered by the university and select the one you wish to apply for.
- Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the chosen scholarship before proceeding.
- Some scholarships require a separate application or additional documents. Make sure to verify if the scholarship you're applying for has this requirement.
- If applicable, submit details about your family's income, bank statements, assets, and any other required financial documents.
- Once all criteria are met and documents are ready, submit your scholarship application.
- The university will inform you of the outcome via email once the decision has been made.
Harvard University Scholarships for International Students
Harvard University scholarships for Indian students in USA are listed below along with their respective eligibility criteria.
Scholarships | Eligibility Criteria | Award | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarships | MBA applicant | Excellent academic background | Satisfactory GMAT score | CV | Photograph | Acceptance letter from Harvard University | 75% tuition waiver + accommodation and travel expenses for internship | May 31, 2025 |
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship | Full time leadership roles in non-profit or public sector before enrolling to Harvard Business School,Offered to first-year students only | 10,000 USD (INR 8,35,441) | January 3, 2025 (Closed) |
The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship | Students planning for careers across -related businesses or organizations are prioritized,Academic and professional achievements along with recognition from outside organizations are required | 20,000 USD (INR 16,70,882.) in total, 10,000 USD (INR 8,35,441) each ear | January 3, 2025 (Closed) |
HGSE Financial Aid | Admission Application to the Harvard Graduate School of Education or Financial Aid application or both | B- | 50% pf the cumulative course attempted | Tuition and cost, student loans, work while studying | February 16, 2025 (Closed) |
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Financial Support |
All PhD students Independent grants and fellowships for master’s students |
Full financial support for PhD students including tuition, fees, and a monthly cost of living stipend of 3,655 USD + 1,000 transportation expenses | N/A |
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Funding | All PhD students | Full financial support for all years Living expense during year 1 and 2 Assimilated teaching fellowship, stipend, and research assistantship | N/A |
International Graduate Student Scholarships and Fellowships | Master’s students | Tuition and Fees, Housing, Health Insurance | Varies according to the scholarship |
Harvard Extension School Grant | Completed financial aid application | Demonstrated financial need | Satisfactory academic achievement | 2.0 GPA for UG and 3.0 GPA for PG | Completed 67% of the course | Partial tuition charges | June 1 and November 1, 2024 |
Harvard School of Dental Medicine Advanced Graduate Education (Postdoctoral) Funds | Dental public health students with competitive academic scores | Support for direct or indirect expenses | N/A |
Harvard School of Dental Medicine Predoctoral Funds | All the enrolled students are automatically considered based on their financial aid application details | A variety of need-based scholarships | Varies |
Harvard University External Scholarships
Apart from the above-mentioned scholarship, you can also apply to external scholarships to cover the expenses. Harvard University scholarship cost varies according to its type for study in USA. Given below are the external Harvard University scholarships available:
Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount (1$ = 87.24) |
---|---|---|
Aga Khan Scholarship | Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programAwarded on merit basis | 50% grant: 50% loan |
Arab Student Aid International | Must be enrolled in a graduate program | Varies |
Bergmeyer Scholarship | Should be enrolled in a design based program | 2,500 USD (INR 2,18,097) per year |
Diversity Advancement Scholarship | Awarded to student from minority backgroundsMust be enrolled in a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture | Varies |
Goldie Initiative Scholarship Program | Awarded to female students pursuing graduate level studies | 7,500 USD (INR 6,54,082) per year |
Harvard University Student Loans
There are two types of Harvard University loans that students can avail. Given below are its details:
Type of Loan | Eligibility | Amount |
---|---|---|
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan | Must complete the FAFSA application | Up to 5,500 USD (INR 4,79,492) |
Harvard Loan | Must demonstrate proper financial need | Up to 1,000 USD (INR 87,245) monthly |
The application requirements for each Harvard University scholarship may vary, but the common eligibility criteria for applying to most scholarships are as follows:
- Completed Scholarship Application Form
A fully completed application form specific to the scholarship you're applying for. - Application Fees
Payment of any required application fees as specified by the scholarship. - Statement of Purpose (SOP)
A well-written SOP that outlines your academic and career goals, why you're applying for the scholarship, and how it aligns with your future aspirations. - Academic Transcripts with Competitive GPA
Official academic transcripts demonstrating your academic history and a competitive GPA. - English Proficiency Test Scores
Valid English proficiency test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable. - Letter(s) of Recommendation (LOR for USA)
One or more letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your qualifications and character. - Portfolio (if applicable)
A portfolio showcasing your work, required for specific programs (such as art or design-related scholarships). - Resume
An up-to-date resume highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience.
Being the oldest and most prestigious Ivy League institute, Harvard University is committed to fulfilling the 100% financial needs of its students. Along with program-specific financial aid from each of its several schools, the university also nurses a dedicated committee on General Scholarships. The university assists its students through all possible means like scholarships, fellowships, fee waivers, grants, loans, work-study programs, and even external funds.
FAQs
Ques. Does Harvard give 100% scholarship to Indian students?
Ans. Harvard University offers full scholarships to applicants whose family income is less than 75,000 USD per year. Indian applicants seeking 100% scholarship at Harvard University must demonstrate strong financial need along with documents proving their family income is below 75,000 USD annually.
Ques. What is the application period for the Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship?
Ans. The application period for the Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is from January to May.
Ques. Do Harvard University students need to work while studying?
Ans. Harvard University encourages all students to work during academic sessions. Currently, around 70% of enrolled students work for 10-12 hours per week during semesters.
Ques. Does Harvard University offer scholarships to international students?
Ans. Yes, Harvard University offers scholarships to international students. Harvard provides need-based financial aid to all students, regardless of nationality. The process for determining financial aid for international students is the same as for U.S. students, meaning that the university considers a family's financial circumstances and meets 100% of demonstrated need.
Ques. Does Harvard give 100% scholarship to Indian students?
Ans. Harvard University offers full scholarships to applicants whose family income is less than 75,000 USD per year. Indian applicants seeking 100% scholarship at Harvard University must demonstrate strong financial need along with documents proving their family income is below 75,000 USD annually.
Ques. Who is eligible for the Harvard scholarship?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for Harvard University scholarship varies depending on the type of funding. The need-based scholarships are offered on the basis of applicant's family income, assets and demonstrated financial need. Meanwhile, merit based scholarships are offered to applicants with strong academic standings.
Ques. Can I study for free at Harvard?
Ans. Students meeting all the requirements for need based scholarships at Harvard can pursue their studies with no cost. Apart from this, the university also offers some free courses for students in a range of disciplines. However, such courses must be completed within a given timeframe.
Ques. How much does Harvard cost for international students?
Ans. The overall cost of graduate study at Harvard University starts from 82,866 USD (69.09 lakhs INR). For undergraduate courses, the cost of study ranges somewhere between 86,366 to 91,166 USD (72 lakhs to 76 lakhs INR).
Ques. How does Harvard University support students financially besides scholarships and grants?
Ans. Besides scholarships and grants, Harvard University supports students through fellowships, fee waivers, loans, work-study programs, and external funds.
Ques. What are the common eligibility criteria for applying to Harvard University scholarships?
Ans. The common eligibility criteria include a completed application form for admission, application fees, a statement of purpose (SOP), academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, letters of recommendation (LOR), a portfolio, an interview, and a resume.
Scholarships offered
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $100,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Doctorate
- Number of Scholarships: 480
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $10,000
- Type: College-Specific
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: 10
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: 53
QS Connect Master’s Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $5,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: 1
Ellis R. Ott Scholarship for Applied Statistics and Quality Management
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $7,500
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Doctorate
- Number of Scholarships: 2
Comindware Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $4,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Apprenticeship
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
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.
Scholarship
None.
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.
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.
Scholarship
NA
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
I had a graduate scholarship at NYU and Harvard.
Brand name, Course structure, Location, Academic excellence, Entrepreneurial opportunities, Cross registration opportunities, Faculty, Career opportunities
Scholarship
I did not get a scholarship to Harvard, they base scholarships off of financial need or athletic ability.
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.
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