Which Program Level Fits You?
Harvard offers programmes across undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Use this section to decide which level matches your profile before you check requirements and deadlines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Four-year degrees through Harvard College across arts, sciences, engineering, economics, social sciences, and humanities. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Specialised master's degrees across Harvard's graduate schools in business, education, public health, design, law, and more. |
| MBA | The Harvard Business School MBA - one of the world's most competitive full-time management programmes. |
| PhD (Research) | Doctoral research across sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, business, and social sciences with access to world-leading faculty and labs. |
Admission Requirements
Harvard admissions are highly selective and vary by school and programme. Most applicants need a strong academic record, proof of English proficiency (where required), and programme-specific documents such as essays and recommendations.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic qualifications | Outstanding academic record for the target programme level |
| GPA / grades | Highly competitive; thresholds vary by school and intake |
| SAT / ACT | May be considered for undergraduate applicants where required or recommended |
| GMAT / GRE | Required for selected graduate programmes (confirm on the school page) |
| English proficiency | TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted tests where proof is required |
| Supporting documents | Essays / SOP, recommendation letters, transcripts, CV, and any portfolio requirements |
Cost of Attendance
Harvard tuition and living costs are among the highest in the U.S., but need-based financial aid can substantially reduce what eligible students pay. Budget for tuition, housing, food, health insurance, books, and personal expenses in the Cambridge / Boston area.
| Expense | Approximate annual cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (approx.) | $59,000+ |
| Graduate / professional tuition | Varies widely by school - often $50,000–$80,000+ |
| Housing, food & personal expenses | $25,000+ |
| Health insurance & fees | Budget several thousand USD depending on plan and school |
Figures are approximate for planning only. Always confirm the latest 2026–27 fee schedule on the official Harvard school pages. Aid awards can change the net cost significantly.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Harvard focuses on need-based financial aid rather than large merit scholarships. Eligible international undergraduates can receive aid that covers tuition and living costs based on demonstrated need.
- Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) - need-based undergraduate support
- Need-based aid for international undergraduates (no citizenship requirement for eligibility assessment)
- Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences funding
- Harvard Business School fellowships and need-based awards
- Research / teaching assistantships for eligible graduate students
- External and government scholarships (e.g. Fulbright and home-country awards)
- Doctoral and professional school fellowships
For many undergraduate families below published income thresholds, Harvard may meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. Graduate funding is school-specific - check each programme early.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Harvard combines a historic campus in Cambridge with direct access to Boston's career, research, and cultural ecosystem. Student life is built around houses/residential communities, clubs, and research opportunities.
- 450+ student organizations and clubs
- World-class libraries, museums, and research centres
- Labs and innovation spaces across science and engineering
- NCAA Division I athletics and recreation facilities
- Entrepreneurship and startup support through campus networks
- Global exchange, research, and fellowship opportunities
- Career services, employer events, and alumni mentoring
Located just minutes from Boston, students also have access to one of the world's leading centres for healthcare, technology, finance, education, and innovation.
Research & Global Reputation
Harvard's reputation is driven by research intensity, faculty quality, and alumni outcomes. International students often shortlist it for strength across business, law, medicine, public policy, computer science, and the life sciences.
- Consistently ranked among the world's top universities
- 13 schools and institutes spanning undergraduate and professional education
- 160+ Nobel Prize laureates affiliated with Harvard
- Major research strengths in medicine, AI, computer science, economics, law, engineering, and public health
- One of the world's largest academic library systems (20M+ volumes)
- Deep industry, hospital, lab, and global university partnerships
Harvard continues to lead groundbreaking research that shapes science, technology, healthcare, business, and public policy worldwide.
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to Harvard generally need an F-1 Student Visa. After graduation, many students use Optional Practical Training (OPT); eligible STEM graduates may qualify for an extended OPT period, subject to current U.S. immigration rules.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student visa | Most international students need an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. |
| OPT | Eligible graduates may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after their degree. |
| STEM OPT | Students in qualifying STEM programmes may be eligible for an extended OPT period under current rules. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary by programme.
- Undergraduate - choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme and apply through the Common Application or other accepted application platform.
- Undergraduate - submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents, and meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate - accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate - apply online — Apply through the relevant Harvard graduate school's online application portal and upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Postgraduate - meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements, receive your admission decision, and accept your offer.
- Begin your U.S. student visa process — After accepting your offer, begin your U.S. student visa process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Harvard University good for international students?
Yes. Harvard offers globally recognised degrees, a large international community from 140+ countries, strong research opportunities, and need-based financial aid that is open to eligible international undergraduates.
Does Harvard University offer scholarships for international students?
Harvard primarily offers need-based financial aid, not traditional merit scholarships. Eligible international students can receive aid covering tuition and living costs based on demonstrated financial need.
What English language tests does Harvard University accept?
Where required, Harvard commonly considers TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognised English tests. Exact score requirements depend on the school and programme.
How do I apply to Harvard University?
Undergraduate applicants usually apply through the Common Application. Postgraduate applicants apply directly through the relevant Harvard graduate or professional school portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Harvard University?
Yes. Eligible graduates may apply for OPT, and STEM graduates may qualify for an extended STEM OPT period under current U.S. regulations.
Does Harvard University provide career support?
Yes. Students can access career counselling, internships, employer events, entrepreneurship support, alumni mentoring, and research opportunities across Harvard's schools.
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