Harvard University Admission

Harvard University comes with a selective admission process. The acceptance rate at Harvard University is just 4%. For international students a solid academic background and competitive GPAs—typically 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale is a must. Graduate programs usually require GRE scores, though certain departments may have particular requirements. International students whose native language is not English are required to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores for assessment of language proficiency. IELTS scores should be at least 7.0, but TOEFL scores typically range from 100 to 109. It's crucial to remember that different departments might have more stringent requirements.

Harvard University offers various intakes for different programs, with the primary intake for most programs being the fall intake. For undergraduate programs, Harvard has two main application options: Early Action and Regular Decision. Both Early Action and Regular Decision applicants begin their studies in the fall.

 

These programs are offered under Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), which follow a single intake per year, beginning in the fall. 

To pursue an MBA degree at Harvard University, students must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.

To pursue a Bachelor’s program at Harvard University international students must fulfill the following eligibility criteria. 

To apply for admission at Harvard University as an international student, follow the steps mentioned below -

 

Step 1: Go to the Harvard website to learn about the programs available. Apply via Common Application or Coalition Application. Select the platform through which you will submit your application.

 

Step 2: Create an account on the platform of your choice.

 

Step 3: Upload official transcripts or have them sent directly by your school.

 

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  Letters of Recommendation:

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    Two teacher recommendations.
  • 
    One recommendation from your school counselor.

   
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  If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, arrange for the official test reports to be sent to Harvard.
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  If your first language is not English, you need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.

Step 4: Submit your financial aid application if needed. Harvard is need-blind, meaning applying for aid will not affect your admissions decision.

 

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  Complete the CSS Profile (for international students).
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  Submit any necessary financial documentation (income tax returns, etc.).

Step 5: Pay the application fee of USD 85 to USD 105.

 

Step 6: After submitting your application,appear for the interview.

 

All first-year students, including international students, must live on campus in one of the dormitories located in or around Harvard Yard. Students are assigned to rooms based on a housing questionnaire that asks about roommate preferences and living styles. Harvard focuses on providing diverse living environments in which students can interact with peers from various backgrounds. After their first year, students are assigned to one of Harvard's 12 residential houses. These Houses provide a vibrant community life while also housing students for the remainder of their undergraduate years.

How to Apply for Housing at Harvard University?

To apply for hostel facilities at Harvard University, international students must follow the steps mentioned below -

 

Step 1- After accepting the admission offer, students gain access to Harvard’s housing portal.

Step 2 - Through the housing portal, students complete a questionnaire that helps in assigning roommates and selecting preferences.

Step 3 - Harvard uses the questionnaire responses to match students with roommates.

Step 4 - Students are notified of their housing assignment before arriving on campus.

Harvard provides 100% need-based financial assistance to international students. There are no merit-based scholarships; all financial aid is awarded solely on the basis of demonstrated financial need. To apply for financial aid, international students must complete the CSS Profile and, depending on their family's financial situation, submit additional documents.

Importantly, financial aid is reevaluated annually based on your family's current financial situation. Harvard's financial aid will cover all demonstrated needs, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and even travel allowances for international students receiving assistance.

Harvard University is one of the world's most selective institutions, with an overall acceptance rate for the class of 2028 of only 3.58%, indicating a high level of competition for admission. The rate has remained low for years, ranging from 3.43% to 5.2% depending on the year.

 

Harvard typically receives more than 50,000 undergraduate applications each year and admits approximately 2,000 students. The class of 2028 had over 54,000 applicants, but only 1,937 were admitted. At the graduate level, acceptance rates differ by program. Harvard Business School has a higher acceptance rate of 12-15%, while engineering, science, and other graduate programs are highly competitive, with rates often below 10%.