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Harvard University, Cambridge
Massachusetts, United States of America | Estd in 1636 | Private University
THE Rank : 2 | QS Rank : 5
About Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, United States established in 1636. With an impressive student-faculty ratio of 7:1, Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Harvard offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, with a focus on liberal arts and sciences. The university has 13 schools and institutes, including the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Law School, the Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard Business School.
Harvard University acceptance rate is only 3.4%, international students must have an exceptional academic record in order to get admission. The university is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and its student body comprises individuals from both domestic and international backgrounds. Because of its high level of research activity, Harvard University is categorised as an R1: Doctoral University.
Harvard University accepts hundreds of international students each year through online applications. The selection of candidates is based on their English language proficiency as assessed by their IELTS and TOEFL-iBT exam scores. January 1, 2024, is the deadline for international students to apply to universities for the regular students of the 2024–2025 academic year. All interested candidates may submit their completed applications directly to this address with the necessary attachments before the deadline.
Harvard University is a multicultural diverse international educational platform with an international population of over 8,000 students from 200+ countries in the world. Despite being one of the most expensive institutions in the world, the university provides a range of financial aid options, including loans, grants, and scholarships for overseas students. For the academic year 2023–2024, the first-year tuition cost for overseas students attending Harvard University is roughly $54,000 distributed over four semesters.
Harvard is recognised worldwide for producing a number of Nobel laureates and awarded alumni in history, including eight U.S. presidents, 62 living billionaires, and 359 Rhodes Scholars and the university has a very high placement rate for international students. According to the Harvard Business School website, 95% of the class of 2022 is said to have received job offers, and 90% of those offers were accepted.
According to the latest Harvard University ranking, it has been ranked 4th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. In the most recent US News and World Report Best Colleges rating for 2024, Harvard University is placed third out of all national colleges. Harvard University is ranked in the top 1% of all universities worldwide by the 2024 ranking report of Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Harvard University is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the heart of the United States, and has around 500 student organisations and clubs like the Bach Society Orchestra, Fallen Angels, Harvard College Healthcare Associates, Friends of Project Sunshine, and more. Throughout the academic year, applicants to Harvard University have access to all the campus amenities.
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Harvard University Highlights
- Domestic: 7869
- International: 1499
Harvard University Ranking and Stats
Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and recognised among the top 5 universities in the USA. Harvard is ranked 3rd among all national universities in the latest 2024 edition of US News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranking. The university has been placed in the 4th position in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. In 2024, Times Higher Education has listed Harvard in 4th place in its World University Rankings. Harvard University is among the top 1% universities in the world with higher rates of subject-specific rankings. After considering all colleges with researchers, field medallists, and Nobel laureates to identify the best universities worldwide, the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Colleges has recognised it as the top university in the world for 2023.
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
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Harvard University Courses
Harvard University offers more than 3,700 courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Candidates can select their desired courses at the time of their admission. All undergraduate and major courses are designed in 13 different schools and multiple study modes. Harvard is an R1 classified research university that offers 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees.
Harvard University also offers a number of online courses through the edX platform. All these online courses are free and can be accessible to all international learners. Some of the popular courses offered at the university are Economics, Business Administration and Management, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Public Policy, and many more.
Accreditations
Harvard University Affiliated Colleges
Harvard University Fees
Harvard University Cost Of Living
For international applicants from outside the country, Harvard University is acknowledged as the most costly university in the world. For undergraduate candidates, the institution has provided an approximate annual fee that will be split over the course of four semesters of study for international students. Harvard University tuition fee for first-year international students is approximately 54,000 for the year 2023-2024. This charge is determined by deducting all annual course costs, such as course fees for terms, facilities, and health and insurance coverage for students. Harvard University charges approximately 61,000 for all international School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) candidates.
Is it expensive to study at the university?
Yes, compared with the national average cost of tuition of $43,477, Harvard University is an expensive university for international students. Harvard University tuition fee for the year 2023-2024 is approximately $54,000, when additional costs like room and board, fees, and other expenses are taken into account, the overall cost of attendance may exceed this amount. Nonetheless, the university provides international students with a range of financial aid and scholarship options to make it easier for them to pursue higher education.
Harvard University Cost of Living
A breakdown of the living costs for international students studying at Harvard University is tabulated below for the year 2023-2024:
Category | Harvard University Cost |
Tuition | $54,269 |
Fees | $4,807 |
Housing | $12,424 |
Food | $7,950 |
Subtotal - billed costs | $79,450 |
Estimated personal expenses | $2,500 |
Estimated books | $1,000 |
Estimated transportation costs | $0-$4,500 |
Total billed and unbilled costs | $82,950-$87,450 |
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Harvard University Admission and Application
Harvard University acceptance rate is approximately 3.4%, which results in a very selective enrolment of international students seeking admission to the university. Overseas applicants can apply for admission through a common application or the Coalition Application along with the required supplements. The institution takes a comprehensive approach to student selection, taking into account all relevant factors such as extracurricular activities, personal traits, academic standing, and life experiences. Study abroad candidates can visit the official website of the university at harvard.edu to get a detailed view of the admission process before applying for admission at Harvard University.
How to get admission in Harvard University for International Candidates: Applicants who wish to be admitted to courses at Harvard University should be aware of the prerequisites before submitting an application.
First-year applicants
The American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is required of first-year students.
Advanced Placement (AP) results submission is required but optional for students.
Transcripts and academic records from high school must be submitted by the students.
2 Teachers' report is required.
Mid-year and final-year (for admitted students only) school reports should be submitted.
Visiting undergraduate students
The student must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate programme in the US or another country.
Have a strong academic record at the current university.
Approval of current university.
Strong knowledge of the English language.
Proof of personal integrity and personal strength.
Harvard University acceptance rate for international students is 3.4, which suggests a selective amount of international students enrollment every year.
Documents required for admission to Harvard University:
International students are required to upload the following documents in the Upload Materials section of the Applicant Portal:
Complete application
Official transcripts
Secondary school report
Personal essay or Statement of Purpose
Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)
Resume or CV
Proof of financial support
Additionally, students are needed to submit supplementary materials such as music recordings, artwork, or selected samples of academic work which are further evaluated by the university faculty for specific course programmes.
Harvard University Application Fees: Harvard University charges a non-refundable application fee from all international students seeking admission to numerous undergraduate programmes offered by the university.
The application fee for Harvard University for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs is tabulated below.
Programme | Fee |
Undergraduate | $85 |
Postgraduate | $85 |
Doctoral | $85 |
Harvard University Application Deadlines:
Harvard University application deadline for international students for the 2024-2025 academic year is:
Restrictive Early Action: November 1, 2023
Regular Decision: January 1, 2024
English language requirements
Adequate proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for admission to Harvard University. Applicants who have a non-English language educational background and can demonstrate English proficiency in one of three ways:
Completion of an undergraduate degree in an English-language educational institution
A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test
Harvard University receives no alternate language tests, certifications, master’s degrees, graduate degrees, or individual examples of English language experience as evidence of English proficiency for international students.
Harvard University Scholarship
Harvard University is recognised as one of the most prestigious and expensive universities in the world for international students. Harvard is dedicated to providing accessible education for everyone, regardless of their personal circumstances or financial situation. International applicants can receive a range of scholarships, grants, and loans from Harvard to support their higher studies. The university offers various need-based and merit-based scholarships for all overseas learners. However, there are a number of popular external scholarships available for international students to help fund their studies at Harvard. Harvard also provides loans and grants to any qualified students who can demonstrate a sufficient need for money.
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Harvard University Campus Facilities
Classrooms
The Harvard University classroom has complete facilities for video audio projection and the university classrooms are furnished with video audio recording equipment. The classrooms at Harvard University vary in size and design, as the ground and first levels vary, ranging from theatre-style rooms with sloped floors and fixed seating to adaptable active learning areas that can be quickly rearranged to support flipped classroom models and student-led debates.
Classrooms are mostly concentrated on the lower levels and the first two above-ground floors. The largest of the four lecture halls (300-person, 100-person, 70-person, and 49-person rooms), Winokur Family Hall, 1.321, is accessible via the West Atrium. Modern educational technology is combined with conventional chalkboards in every lecture hall.
Wifi
Wireless connectivity is available everywhere on the Harvard University campus.
Library
Harvard University has over 800 staff members working with scholars and students in over 28 libraries. The university is in collaboration with peer institutions and facilitates international open access, with the goal of creating a diverse, open corpus of knowledge for scholars and citizens worldwide. The Harvard University libraries include Arnold Arboretum Horticultural Library, Biblioteca Berenson, and more. The university has the oldest library system in the United States having been founded in 1638.
Harvard University facilities at the library include-
- Vast collections containing over 20 million physical and digital items,
- Resources spanning the development of all disciplines and more than 460 languages.
- Rare and special collections, ranging from medieval manuscripts to sound recordings of modern poets,
- 1 million early maps to digital images,
- 6 million digitized and publicly available items.
Club
Others include lifetime sports and Club sports and the students can join sports clubs as there are around 55 sports clubs like Crimson Dance Team, Baseball Club, Harvard College Running Club, Harvard Field Hockey Club, and more.
Sports
Harvard University has recreation facilities that have group classes like Mat Pilates, Cycling, Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Barre.
Swimming Pool
The Aquatics program provides students with two pools, Malkin Athletic Center Pool located at 39 Holyoke Street in Cambridge & Blodgett Pool located at 65 N Harvard Street in Boston.
Transport Facility
Harvard University campus life is easier to access as it aims to provide the best and most accessible transport to its students. The university aims to help students by providing sustainable transport like the new electric shuttle buses, which the students can issue passes on the university’s website. Interested students can also use bikes to reduce their travel fares. There is also a blue bike share which is for students to park bikes across 200 stations available or even prefer walking. Students interested in public transport can check out online for additional information regarding trains, passes, and timings.
Workshops
The ARC provides workshops aimed at enhancing and improving the abilities required for academic success. Workshop themes include time management, semester planning, academic self-care, strategic reading, note-taking, problem-set methods, and more. Graduate students can learn more on GSAS Engage, while college students can find out about ARC events on the Harvard College Calendar. Workshops are presented both live and virtually using Zoom.
Physical Challenged Student
Students, staff members, faculty members, and visitors with disabilities are welcome at Harvard University Disability Resources (UDR). In addition to leading university programs to ensure an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming learning and working environment for individuals with disabilities while adhering to federal and state regulations, UDR sees disability as an important component of Harvard's unique variety.
UDR provides expertise in the creation, implementation, and acquisition of best and promising disability-related University practices, procedures, and resources, serving as a focal resource for the university community for information, processes, and services connected to disabilities.
Auditorium
Harvard University has big conference rooms with all the facilities where students can organize meetings and events.
Cafeteria
Harvard University has cafes across campuses. The cafe in each school or building is tailored to the specific tastes and needs of its students. Across campus, there is a huge variety of tasty, diverse options and environments either for needing a quiet place to eat and work or for gathering a group of friends or colleagues for a meal. Harvard cafes accept US dollars, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, BoardPlus, and Crimson Cash. Many cafes include barker, Cafe Gato Rojo, HKS, and more.
Graduate students can explore HUDS’ campus cafes, and participate in limited meal plans at GSAS Commons or Cronkhite. The canteen takes into consideration the allergy requirements.
I.T Infrastructure
Harvard is known for its I.T Infrastructure and has various tools like FAS Software Downloads, IT Perks and Discounts, Financial and Admin Apps, Microsoft 365 Apps, HarvardKey, VPN (Virtual Private Network), Connect to Harvard Wi-Fi, Zoom Video Conferencing, and more.
Harvard University International Office Details
Harvard University’s international student body is one of the most diverse in the world, with students from over 200 nationalities in the world. Harvard University acceptance rate is approximately 3.4%, which contributes to its extreme selectivity towards international enrollment. The university has over 8,000 international students enrolled through online applications, which made up 16% of the total student body as per the class of 2027. Harvard University offers numerous options for getting in touch with the university authorities for international students and scholars. Students can connect through HIO Advisor through daily virtual advisor on-call sessions or directly reach out through email at internationaloffice@harvard.edu.
Harvard University Address: Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Is it hard to get into university as an international student?
Yes, it is very difficult for international students to get admission to Harvard University as the institution receives a large number of international applications from over 200 countries each year. Harvard University acceptance rate for international students is around 14.8%, which is very lower than the overall average rate of acceptance. Thus, in order to be evaluated for admission, international applicants to Harvard must have a commendable academic record.
Harvard University Gallery
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FAQ's
Harvard University's fees are the same for all students, regardless of nationality. The tuition charge for all students is $52,659. Harvard University MBA fees for Indian students is same as all students, the tuition For the 2023-2024 academic year is $73,440. This charge applies to all students, regardless of country or residence. Harvard University is the most generous institution in the United States. For the academic year 2021-2022, 55% of Harvard students received financial help, with the average grant amounting to $55,415.
Harvard is considered to be one of the most expensive universities for international candidates. However, the university offers various scholarships, grants, financial aid, and loans for eligible students to sustain their educational requirements and personal expenses.
Yes. Harvard University receives admission applications from all eligible Indian students. All Indian candidates must fulfil all the academic and English language eligibility criteria to get admission to Harvard.
According to the 2024 ranking report of US News and World Report, international students seeking admission to Harvard University must have a minimum 3.9 GPA score to get a seat at the university courses.
Harvard University is classified as an R1: Doctoral University for its high research activities. It is also a founding member of the Association of American Universities. Harvard is also ranked among the top universities worldwide by various world-known ranking organisations such as THE, ARWU, and QS.
QS has ranked Harvard University 4 globally in its World Universities Ranking in 2024. It has also been recognised among the top private universities in the world and in the United States.
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