Harvard University, established in 1636 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to financial accessibility.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, Harvard continues to offer robust financial aid packages to international students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented individuals from pursuing their educational aspirations.
Financial Aid Overview
Need-Blind Admissions for International Students
Harvard is one of the select U.S. institutions that practice need-blind admissions for all applicants, including international students. This policy means that an applicant’s financial need is not considered during the admissions process, allowing for a more equitable evaluation based solely on academic and personal merit.
Comprehensive Financial Aid Packages
Harvard’s financial aid is entirely need-based, with no merit-based or athletic scholarships offered. The university meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students. For the 2025–2026 academic year, Harvard has expanded its financial aid program to make education more accessible.
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Families earning $100,000 or less annually: These students will receive full coverage of all billed expenses, including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and travel costs. Additionally, each student will receive a $2,000 start-up grant in their first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their junior year.
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Families earning up to $200,000 annually: These students will receive full tuition coverage and additional financial aid to cover other expenses, depending on their financial circumstances.
Approximately 86% of U.S. families are expected to qualify for Harvard College’s financial aid under this expanded program.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Financial aid policies for graduate students at Harvard vary by school and program. For instance, at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), international students are generally expected to rely on personal resources and funding from their home country to meet financial requirements. While some financial aid may be available, it typically does not cover the full cost of the program.
International graduate students may also explore external funding sources, such as the Fulbright Program, which offers grants for graduate education for international students wanting to study in the United States.
Application Process
Undergraduate Applicants
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Admission Application: Submit the Common Application or Coalition Application by the specified deadline.
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Financial Aid Application: Complete the CSS Profile and the Harvard Financial Aid Application by the financial aid deadline.
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Supporting Documents: Provide necessary documentation, such as bank statements and affidavits of financial support, to verify financial need.
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Visa Documentation: Upon admission, complete the Foreign Student Visa Survey to initiate the I-20 process for obtaining an F-1 student visa.
Graduate Applicants
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Program Application: Submit the application for the specific graduate program by the deadline set by the respective school.
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Financial Aid Application: Follow the financial aid application instructions provided by the specific graduate school. For example, HGSE provides a Financial Aid Application after the admissions application deadline.
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External Funding: Explore and apply for external scholarships and funding opportunities available for international students.
Additional Resources
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Harvard Griffin Financial Aid Office: Provides personalized assistance to students in understanding and managing their financial aid packages.
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Harvard International Office: Offers guidance on visa processes, employment regulations, and other matters pertinent to international students.
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External Funding Sources Guide: A resource listing various scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
Harvard University does not limit its scholarships to specific countries, it offers need-based financial aid to all admitted students, including international students, regardless of their nationality. This means students from any country can qualify for Harvard scholarships based on financial need, not nationality or background.
However, here are 10 countries from which students commonly receive Harvard scholarships, reflecting strong applicant pools and demonstrated need:
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Nigeria
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India
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China
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Pakistan
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Brazil
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South Africa
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Mexico
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Bangladesh
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Kenya
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Indonesia
These countries are frequently represented among Harvard’s international student body, and many admitted students from these nations receive generous financial aid.
Key Points:
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Need-blind for international students: Harvard College considers applications without regard to the applicant’s financial need.
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100% of demonstrated financial need is met through scholarships and work-study (no loans).
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Scholarships are funded primarily by the university’s own endowment and alumni donations.
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Students from low- and middle-income families may pay nothing to attend.
If you or someone else is interested, it’s crucial to:
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Focus on academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
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Submit a strong application, including essays and recommendations.
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Fill out financial aid forms like the CSS Profile and provide income documentation.
Conclusion
Harvard University remains steadfast in its commitment to making education accessible to all talented individuals, regardless of their financial background. Through its need-blind admissions policy and comprehensive financial aid packages, Harvard ensures that financial constraints do not impede the pursuit of academic excellence. International students are encouraged to explore the various funding opportunities and resources available to support their educational journey at Harvard.