How to Apply for Harvard University Scholarships for International Students 2025

Dreaming of studying at Harvard University? You’re not alone! With its world-class academic programs and global reputation, Harvard attracts students from all over the world. The exciting news is that Harvard University scholarships for international students make this prestigious education accessible. Nearly 50% of students receive need-based fellowships, and around 24% of families pay no tuition at all. This blog covers available scholarships, eligibility, application processes, and the many benefits of studying at this renowned institution. Let’s unlock the doors to your Harvard journey together!

Read More: Top 50 FAQs About Harvard University

Harvard University Scholarships for International Students- An Overview

Harvard University provides a range of scholarships for International students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. 

• Nearly 50% of students receive need-based fellowships, and around 24% of families pay no tuition. 
• Some scholarships don’t require a separate application, as applicants are automatically considered for financial aid when applying to Harvard. 
• Staying aware of scholarship deadlines is crucial for planning finances. 

Below are some notable Harvard University scholarships for international students that can help fund their education at this prestigious institution.

 

Scholarship Program	Provider	Application Deadline
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship	Boustany Foundation	31-May-2025
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation and Richard L. Menschel	NA
The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship	Robert S. Kaplan	NA
Need-Based Fellowships	Harvard Business School	NA
Aga Khan Scholarship	Aga Khan Foundation	January 2025
HGSE Financial Aid	Harvard Graduate School of Education	February 14, 2025
The Banyan Impact Fellowship	American Indian Foundation	NA

These Harvard University scholarships for international students provide crucial support, easing financial barriers and enabling talented individuals to benefit from Harvard’s renowned education and global opportunities.

Explore: Top 17 Harvard University Scholarships for Indians

Read On: Overview of Scholarships for MBA Abroad

 

Harvard University Scholarships:  Eligibility Criteria & Financial Aid

Harvard University offers a range of scholarships for International students, categorized based on their status—prospective students, prospective international students, current enrolled students, and current enrolled international students. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Financial Aid
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship	– Excellent academic background – Admission to the Harvard MBA program required – Interview for shortlisted candidates	– Covers 75% of tuition – Includes living and travel costs for internships
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	– Completed Bachelor’s Degree – Relevant work experience – Full-time leadership roles in non-profits – Interview for shortlisted candidates	– $10,000 awarded to 7-10 first-year MBA students
The Robert S. Kaplan (MBA 1983) Life Sciences Fellowship	– Completed bachelor’s degree – Relevant work experience – Outstanding credentials in life sciences – Interview for shortlisted candidates	– $20,000 ($10,000 per year) for 10 incoming MBA students
Need-Based Fellowships	– TOEFL score of at least 109 – IELTS score of at least 7.5 – PTE score of at least 75 – GMAT or GRE scores required – Relevant work experience – Interview for shortlisted candidates	Living stipend and tuition fees
Aga Khan Scholarship	– Outstanding academic performance – For students from developing nations needing financial assistance – Full-time postgraduate courses – Excellent leadership skills required	Covers full tuition and living expenses for Master’s students.  – PhD students receive funding for 2 years only
HGSE Financial Aid	– For students pursuing Ed. L.D, Ed.M., or Ph.D. at Harvard Graduate School of Education	Tuition and cost, student loans, work while studying
The Banyan Impact Fellowship	– At least a Bachelor’s Degree – Good English skills – Minimum five years of professional experience in social enterprises, government, or social sector – Indian citizenship required	Living stipend, health insurance, professional development, mentorship

Explore More: Top 10 Notable Harvard Alumni

 

Keep these Documents Handy for Harvard University Scholarships

When applying for scholarships at Harvard University, Indian students must prepare a variety of documents. The specific requirements may vary depending on the scholarship, but the following documents are commonly required:

1. Completed Online Application Form- Ensure that all sections are filled out accurately and completely.
2. Application Fees- Payment of the required application fees must be submitted along with the application.
3. Language Proficiency Test Scores- Depending on the program, scores from tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE may be required to demonstrate English proficiency.
4. Statement of Purpose- A personal essay outlining the applicant’s academic goals, professional aspirations, and reasons for choosing Harvard.
5. Resume/Curriculum Vitae- A detailed account of the applicant’s academic background, work experience, and relevant skills.
6. Recommendation Letters- Typically, two or three letters from professors or professional contacts who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications and character.
7. Portfolio (if applicable)- For programs requiring a portfolio (such as design or arts), applicants must submit examples of their work.
8. Interview- Some scholarships may require shortlisted candidates to participate in an interview to further assess their suitability.
9. Transcripts- Official academic transcripts from previous institutions attended, showcasing academic performance.

By preparing these documents, students can effectively navigate the Harvard University scholarships for international students requirements and enhance their chances of securing financial aid to support their studies.

How to Apply for Harvard Scholarships

Each scholarship at Harvard University has its own application process tailored to its specific requirements. Here’s a detailed overview of the application process for various Harvard University scholarships for international students:

• Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Application Process:

• • Applicants must first check their eligibility.
  • Once confirmed, they need to send all required documents to admissions@boustany-foundation.org.
  • This scholarship is only available to students who have received admission to the Harvard MBA program.

• Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship

Application Process:

• • Candidates are automatically considered for this fellowship when they apply for their course.
  • No separate application is needed, making it easier for applicants to secure funding.

• The Robert S. Kaplan (MBA 1983) Life Sciences Fellowship

Application Process:

• • Similar to the Goldsmith Fellowship, students are automatically considered when they apply for their course.
  • There is no need for a separate application.

• Need-Based Fellowships

Application Process:

• • Applicants are automatically considered for these fellowships when they submit their course application.
  • This streamlined process allows for financial aid to be assessed based on need without additional paperwork.

• Aga Khan Scholarship

Application Process:

• • Students must participate in an annual competitive application process.
  • This process may include an interview conducted by the local scholarship committee.
  • Candidates should stay informed about the specific timeline and requirements by visiting the Aga Khan Foundation’s official website.

• HGSE Financial Aid

Application Process:

• • Candidates pursuing an Ed.L.D., Ed.M., or Ph.D. program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education must apply through the official HGSE financial aid application page.
  • Detailed instructions can be found on the HGSE website.

• The Banyan Impact Fellowship

Application Process:

• Interested applicants must first apply and meet initial eligibility criteria.
• An interview will be conducted after the applications have been filtered to assess suitability for the fellowship.

Explore More: How to Apply for Scholarships Offered by Harvard University

 

Why Harvard Scholarships are a Great Opportunity for International Students

Harvard scholarships present an invaluable opportunity for International students to access world-class education without overwhelming financial stress. Here are some key benefits:

1. World-Class Education: Gain access to one of the most prestigious universities globally, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and resources.
2. Expert Faculty and Diverse Peers: Learn from distinguished professors and engage with a diverse student body, enriching your educational experience.
3. Financial Support: Scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden by covering tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs, making Harvard more accessible.
4. Networking and Opportunities: As a Harvard scholar, you’ll have access to invaluable networking opportunities, cutting-edge research projects, and esteemed internships that can enhance your career prospects.
5. Personal Growth: Studying at Harvard fosters personal development through exposure to innovative ideas, cultural experiences, and leadership opportunities that prepare you for future challenges.

In conclusion, Harvard University scholarships for international students not only ease financial pressures but also open doors to transformative educational experiences that shape future leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Harvard University ranks 4th in the QS World Ranking 2025, reflecting its prestigious status. Its scholarship programs ensure that education remains affordable for students worldwide, with around 24% of families paying no tuition.
• Nearly 50% of students at Harvard receive need-based fellowships, which significantly alleviate financial burdens. These Harvard University scholarships for international students cover not just tuition but also living expenses, making a Harvard education more accessible.
• Many scholarships require no separate application, allowing students to be automatically considered for financial aid upon applying. This ease of access encourages a diverse range of students to pursue their academic aspirations at this renowned institution.

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FAQs

Ques 1. What additional sources are there for finding financial aid to attend Harvard University?

Answer 1 – In addition to Harvard’s financial aid packages, students can explore external scholarship opportunities from various organizations and foundations, which can significantly supplement their aid. Furthermore, families can consider parent and student loans as additional resources to cover educational costs.

Ques 2. What GPA should I get to get into Harvard University?

Answer 2– To get into Harvard University, aim for a GPA of 4.8 or higher. This means you’ll need to achieve mostly A’s in your coursework. Strong academic performance is crucial for a competitive application.

Ques 3 – What are the types of aid at Harvard University?

Answer 3– Harvard University offers various types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, outside awards, student employment opportunities, and loans. These resources are designed to support students in covering tuition and living expenses, ensuring that a Harvard education remains accessible to all.