Harvard University, one of the world’s leading institutions in education and research, has long recognized that talent and potential are not limited by geography or financial background. To ensure access for outstanding students worldwide, Harvard has developed robust financial aid and scholarship systems that help remove financial barriers. These programs are designed to support students from diverse economic backgrounds, ensuring that cost does not stand in the way of academic excellence.
Whether you plan to pursue undergraduate studies, graduate degrees, or professional programs, Harvard offers multiple funding options to reduce or fully cover tuition and living expenses. Financial support may be provided through need-based aid, merit-based awards, or program-specific fellowships, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. In recent years, Harvard has expanded its policies further, allowing students from lower- and middle-income families to benefit from free tuition and comprehensive aid packages.
International students are assessed under the same need-based financial aid principles as U.S. citizens across many Harvard colleges and graduate schools. While eligibility and coverage vary by program such as Harvard College, Harvard Business School, or the Graduate School of Education citizenship alone does not disqualify applicants from receiving aid. Additionally, some scholarships are offered by individual departments or external organizations, making it essential for applicants to explore both Harvard-wide financial aid opportunities and external funding options related to their field, country, or level of study.
Scholarships Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarships / Aid Type | Harvard University need-based Financial Aid, Fellowships, Scholarships & Grants |
| University | Harvard University, USA |
| Programs Covered | Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional Schools (MBA, Education, etc.) |
| Fields of Study | All fields, plus specialized fellowships by department or external funders |
| Eligibility | International students |
| Benefits | fully funded |
| Deadlines | Varies by school/program |
Eligibility Criteria
Here are the common eligibility criteria for Harvard University Scholarships & Financial Aid. Individual programs may require more or slightly different criteria:
- Demonstrated Financial Need: Harvard’s primary criterion for most of its aid is financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of family income/assets to show what assistance is required.
- Academic Merit / Achievement: Particularly for fellowships or certain restricted scholarships, strong academic performance, research potential, or professional achievements can be important.
- Nationality / Citizenship: Many programs are open to international students. For example, Harvard College considers international students for financial aid on the same basis as U.S. students. But some programs or fellowships may have restrictions. also check: Coca Cola Scholarship 2027
- Completeness of Application: Submission of required documents by deadlines (financial aid forms, admissions forms) is essential. Missing deadlines or documents can disqualify applicants from some awards.
- Program / School Specific Requirements: Programs like Harvard Business School, Graduate School of Education, etc., may have special fellowship/aid programs, and some fellowships require individuals to meet specific criteria (country of origin, field of study, leadership background, research potential, etc.). Harvard Business School+1
Scholarships Benefits
Harvard University Scholarships and fellowship structure provides many types of support:
- Tuition Support / Waiver
- Coverage of Living Costs
- Need-Blind Admissions
- Specific Fellowships / Grants
Required Documents
- Completed financial aid application (Harvard’s form or Harvard-College/Graduate school’s forms)
- Admission application to the program you’re applying for
- Proof of family income, assets, taxes, etc.
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (if required by program)
- Personal statement / essays
- Letters of recommendation (for graduate/fellowship programs)
- For international students: proof of identity, visa documentation, possibly proof of external funding sources if needed for visa purposes
Application Process
Here’s how you can apply for Harvard University Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Decide on the Program: Choose which degree or professional school you want to enter (Undergrad, MBA, Master’s, etc.).
- Check Admissions & Aid Deadlines: Both for the program and for financial aid. Often must apply for aid at same time as for admission. Learn each school’s deadlines. Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Submit Admissions Application: Through Harvard’s standard admissions portal for undergrad or the relevant department / school for graduate.
- Submit Financial Aid Application: Completing forms regarding finances, income, etc. Usually this happens with or right after admissions application.
- Consider Fellowships / External Grants: Look into school-based scholarships, university-wide fellowships, and external funding sources. Sometimes the fellowship application is automatic; sometimes extra materials are needed.
- Wait for Decision: After admission, financial aid package or scholarship/fellowship offers will be communicated.
Deadline
- For Harvard College (Undergraduate), admission + financial aid deadlines are typically in early January for regular decision. Harvard College
- For many graduate schools / professional programs, deadlines vary by school (e.g. MBA, Education, etc.) typically once a year, often late fall / early winter. Applicants should check the specific program’s website. Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Check KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 |Fully Funded in Korea
Duration of Harvard University Scholarships
- Most financial aid awarded covers the full duration of your program, provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements (good academic standing, etc.).
- For fellowships and grants, duration might vary: some cover full program, others only part, depending on the funding terms. also check: Coca Cola Scholarship 2027
Note!
Harvard’s financial support system is one of the most comprehensive among leading global universities. Because Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates (including international students, in many cases), the financial barrier for many is substantially lowered. However, successful applicants should plan well in advance: gather financial documents, understand deadlines, and be aware of additional fellowship and external funding opportunities.
If you are an international student interested in Harvard, it’s very worthwhile to apply both to the program and the financial aid since your nationality generally does not exclude you from the aid pool. The competition is high, but the potential rewards (tuition relief, living cost support, etc.) make the effort to prepare and apply very worthwhile. check: Want to boost your chances? Read our guide: Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
