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UNITED STATES · CAMBRIDGE

Harvard University

private · Founded 1636 · Languages: en

In short

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offering a vast array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It provides significant financial aid, meeting 100% of demonstrated need for undergraduates, and boasts world-class research facilities and an extensive alumni network.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1636
Students: 21,189
International students: 5,500
Acceptance rate: 3%
Tuition (intl): €54–62k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Cambridge, United States

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1636. It comprises 12 schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across virtually every discipline, from law and medicine to the arts and sciences. Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities in the world and has produced more Nobel laureates, heads of state, and billionaires than any other university. The university's research output is extraordinary — its faculty and researchers work on some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change and cancer biology to machine learning and international security. The Harvard Library system, with over 20 million volumes, is the largest academic library in the world and supports scholarship at every level. For international students, Harvard offers a transformative experience within one of the most intellectually stimulating communities on earth. The undergraduate financial aid program meets 100% of demonstrated need, and numerous fellowships and funding sources are available for graduate students.

Why study here

Oldest university in the US with nearly 400 years of academic excellence and global reputation.
100% of demonstrated financial need met for undergraduates — families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing.
Access to the world's largest academic library and cutting-edge research centers across every discipline.
Unparalleled alumni network spanning heads of state, Nobel laureates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and leading scientists.
Cambridge location provides a vibrant college-town atmosphere minutes from Boston's cultural and professional hub.

Student life

Life at Harvard extends far beyond the classroom, offering a rich environment for personal and professional growth. Students can engage in dozens of student organizations covering diverse interests, from public health issues to arts, music, and sports. The Harvard Chan Student Government Association actively represents student views and organizes popular social events like I-Night, a celebration of community talents and cultures. Opportunities for making a difference are abundant, with students participating in field learning experiences across the U.S. and globally, and the annual Harvard Chan Community Day of Service connecting students, faculty, and staff with local nonprofits. The university also hosts a variety of lectures, workshops, and symposia featuring top scientists, policymakers, and community leaders, alongside unique series like Crossroads Dinners where faculty and alumni share career and life insights. Academic support services such as career and academic resource centers, computer labs, library resources, math question centers, and writing centers are readily available to support student success.

Fees

InternationalUndergraduate tuition is approximately $54,000 per year (2025-26), with room and board adding roughly $23,000. Total annual cost of attendance exceeds $77,000. However, Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduates, and families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing. Graduate and professional school fees vary by program.

HomeDomestic students pay the same tuition as international students, but need-based financial aid is broadly available. Roughly 55% of Harvard College students receive need-based scholarships averaging over $53,000 per year.

LivingCambridge, Massachusetts is an expensive city. Students should budget approximately $1,500–$2,200/month for living costs including housing, food, and transportation, beyond the university's official cost of attendance.

Full payment of tuition and fees is due by the payment deadline for Harvard Summer School. If registering after the deadline, immediate full payment is required to avoid being dropped from courses. Payment options include e-checks, paper checks (drawn on a US bank), and major credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover). Harvard Summer School is not responsible for international exchange rate fluctuations or interest charges on credit/debit cards.

Admissions

UndergraduateCommon Application or Coalition Application, school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, school counselor report, SAT/ACT (optional for many cycles), essays.

Graduate/ProfessionalVaries by school; typically GRE/GMAT, transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, CV/resume.

Nieman Fellowship (Journalism)At least five years of full-time media experience. Requires two essays, professional profile summary, work samples, and three letters of recommendation.

TOEFL iBT100+ recommended

IELTS Academic7.0+ recommended

Duolingo English Test120+ recommended

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 20264

US News National Universities3

Times Higher Education World University Rankings4

Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai)1

University scholarships

Harvard College Financial AidMeets 100% of demonstrated need; average grant $53,000+

Harvard Committee on General ScholarshipsCountry-specific fellowships for international graduate students

Pilot Project Program (NIEHS Center)Up to $30,000 for environmental health research

CARAT Database FellowshipsVaries — searchable fellowship database for graduate students

Pivot Database GrantsVaries — federal and private funding across all fields

Accreditation

Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Individual schools hold additional professional accreditations (ABA for Law, LCME for Medicine, AACSB for Business, etc.).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Harvard University · United States

Animal Law & Policy Clinic Seminar

This seminar complements the Animal Law & Policy Clinic, focusing on key federal statutes relevant to animal law, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act. Through class discussions and practical activities, students will develop essential lawyering skills, including litigation, regulatory, and legislative strategies. The course aims to build a strong foundation for an ethical and reflective legal practice, exploring advocacy under federal and state laws. LLM students can enroll via Helios.

Harvard University · United States

Applied Mathematics

The Applied Mathematics program at Harvard offers a rigorous exploration of mathematical principles and their application across various scientific and engineering fields. Students will engage with core concepts in areas such as computing, linear algebra, multivariate calculus, and statistical inference. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in problem-solving through both theoretical understanding and practical implementation using computational tools like Python. This program is ideal for students seeking to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical theory and real-world challenges.

Harvard University · United States

Arctic Futures: Designing Circular Systems

This studio course focuses on designing circular systems for the Arctic, specifically exploring the potential of Greenlandic rock flour (gletsjermel) as a sustainable resource. You will investigate how this byproduct of glacial erosion, rich in essential minerals, can address global soil degradation and CO2 binding while also considering its impact on urban development in Greenland, particularly in Nuuk and Nuuk Fjord. The studio bridges geological science, urban design, and environmental ethics to reimagine regenerative relationships between cities and resource landscapes.

Harvard University · United States

Cultivating Power for Positive Impact

This on-demand course, led by Harvard Professor Julie Battilana and featuring insights from actor Keke Palmer, redefines power not as a position of authority, but as the capacity to influence and create positive change. It challenges the notion that power is exclusive to those at the top, offering a more accessible understanding. The course aims to equip learners with practical skills to interpret power dynamics in professional settings, articulate their value, build trust, and effect meaningful change. Participants will explore their own sources of power and learn how to harness them effectively to achieve their career aspirations.

Harvard University · United States

Fundamentals of TinyML

This online course introduces the fundamentals of TinyML (Tiny Machine Learning), a rapidly growing area within Deep Learning. TinyML bridges the gap between embedded systems, like smartphones, and machine learning applications. It requires expertise in both software and hardware. You will learn essential data science techniques for collecting data and gain an understanding of algorithms to train basic machine learning models. Upon completion, you will understand the core concepts of TinyML and be prepared for more advanced topics. This course is the first in the TinyML Certificate series. While it provides an introduction, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for the subsequent 'Applications of TinyML' and 'Deploying TinyML' courses if you already possess sufficient experience in machine learning and embedded systems. The course is delivered through edX, enabling a global community of learners to participate.

Harvard University · United States

Intangible Design: Organizations

This project-based seminar explores how information visualization methods can be used to analyze, understand, and strategize for change within organizations. Organizations, whether governmental, educational, or corporate, are complex systems with often invisible rules and cultures. This course hypothesizes that design discipline's methods can be applied to describe, visualize, and transform these systems, even in contexts they weren't originally intended for. Through a combination of studio-like projects, workshops, discussions, lectures, and potential site visits, students will engage with fields like systems theory, organizational behavior, and psychology, all viewed through a design lens. The course is experimental, encouraging students from diverse disciplines to collaborate and adapt to new cultural and value systems. The primary "project site" for this iteration is Harvard University itself, providing a rich case study in organizational complexity.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What is the estimated cost of attendance for international undergraduate students at Harvard University?

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $54,000 per year, with room and board adding around $23,000, bringing the total cost of attendance to over $77,000. Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduates.

Does Harvard University offer financial aid for international students?

Yes, Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduates, and families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing. Graduate students have access to numerous fellowships and funding sources.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

For the TOEFL iBT, a score of 100+ is recommended. For IELTS Academic, a score of 7.0+ is recommended, and for the Duolingo English Test, 120+ is recommended.

Where is Harvard University located?

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city known for its academic and cultural richness, situated just minutes from Boston.

What kind of academic programs does Harvard University offer?

Harvard comprises 12 schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of disciplines, including law, medicine, arts, and sciences.

Last updated 3 July 2026