Harvard Business School Admission

With a QS ranking in the top 10 for MBA programs, Harvard Business School (HBS) is an elite school that is frequently ranked among the best business schools in the world. HBS offers a wide range of full-time MBA, executive education, and PhD programs that are intended to develop students' leadership and business acumen. The high caliber of applicants to the MBA program makes it especially competitive, with an acceptance rate that typically hovers between 10 and 14 percent.

Every year, about 930 MBA students are enrolled at HBS, of whom about 35% are international students from a variety of backgrounds and over 70 countries.
 

Candidates are assessed through a rigorous admissions process that takes into account their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and academic excellence. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.73 and their median GMAT score is 740. HBS continues to draw people who want to have a big impact in the business world because of its extensive global network and case-method teaching.

Harvard Business School Admission - Application Timeline

Harvard Business School (HBS) offers two primary intake rounds for international students applying to its MBA program, Round 1 and Round 2. Applicants can choose either round to apply, but only one application per cycle is allowed. If you miss the September deadline, your application will be considered in Round 2. 

Harvard Business School Admissions - Top Graduate Courses 

HBS is well-known for its esteemed MBA program. They provide several executive education programs. These courses aid professionals in developing their careers by emphasizing leadership, strategy, innovation, and organizational change.

Harvard Business School Admissions - Exams Accepted

The Harvard Business School accepts several exams from international students that prove their language and academic excellence.

Harvard Business School Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (MBA)

The eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School include a GPA requirement of 3.0 however the recorded GPA of last year students went up to 3.75 GPA on a scale of 4.0. Below are mentioned the common requirements for MBA admissions. 

Harvard Business School Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (PhD

HBS offers PhD in Accounting & Management, Business Economics, Health Policy (Management), Marketing, Management, Organizational Behavior, Strategy, Technology & Operations Management. Below is the eligibility criteria -

Harvard Business School - Application Process

To apply at the Harvard Business School, international students must follow the steps listed down.

Step 1: Apply Online 

Complete and submit the online application form through the Harvard Business School website. Pay the application fee.

Step 2: Submit the Required Documents 

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  If applicable, submit TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test scores. Ensure scores are sent directly to HBS.
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  Obtain and submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide insights into your qualifications and potential.

Step 3: Prepare for the Interview

Selected candidates will receive an invitation for an interview. Prepare and appear for the interview, which may be conducted in person or virtually.

Step 4: Await Decision Notification

Wait for the admission decision, which the HBS Admissions Board will communicate. If admitted, follow the instructions provided for enrollment, including submitting any additional documents and paying the enrollment deposit.

Harvard Business School Admissions - Hostel Application Process

International students broadly have two types of accommodations to choose from - On-campus and off-campus accommodation options. 

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local community, homestays offer a unique opportunity to live with a local family. Homestays can be a more personalized and potentially more economical option for students. Various platforms and university resources can help connect students with vetted homestay options to ensure a safe and comfortable living experience.

Harvard Business School Admissions - Scholarship Application Process

To apply for scholarships at Harvard Business School (HBS), the process primarily involves need-based financial aid, which is available to both domestic and international students. Once admitted to the MBA program, you will gain access to the financial aid application. This includes submitting details such as your income tax returns from the past three years and other financial assets.

HBS is dedicated to improving financial access for all students. Around 50% of MBA students receive need-based scholarships. The scholarships that are granted to meritorious students range from USD 2500 to USD 76000 annually. However, the average need-based scholarship goes up to USD 46,000 annually and USD 92,000 for two years. After your first year, you will need to reapply to confirm your eligibility for financial aid for your second year. 

Harvard Business School - Acceptance Rate

Acceptance rates are generally lower at Harvard University because admissions are competitive. The 2023 MBA class acceptance rate for Harvard Business School was 13%, while the doctorate application rate was 3%. This indicates that only 1,013 of the 9,773 applications submitted for MBA admissions were accepted. Furthermore, only 23 out of 995 applications for doctoral courses were approved. Thus, it can be said that HBS has a very selective and low acceptance rate.

Owing to the intense competition, applying to all of HBS's courses can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. However, once accepted, students will have the opportunity to study at the top B-school in the world with esteemed faculty members.

Frequently Asked Questions