Lori Meadows
Harvard University has a history of recruiting international undergraduate students, with international students making up about 27% of the university's population. However, in 2025, the Trump administration blocked Harvard from enrolling international students, forcing them to transfer or lose their legal status. This move affected thousands of students and was met with resistance from Harvard, which called the decision unlawful and devastating. Despite the challenges, Harvard has shown its commitment to educating foreign students and has announced contingency plans, including online learning options, to support its international student body. The university's response to the Trump administration's actions highlights the value it places on its diverse student community, including both domestic and international undergraduates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | Nearly 6,800-7,000 |
| Percentage of international students | 27%-35% |
| International students' countries of origin | More than 140 countries, with 75% from Asia, and more than 50% from India and China |
| International students' visa types | F-1 or J-1 visas |
| International students' financial aid | All students, including international students, on financial aid receive a travel allowance |
| Application requirements | The same for all applicants, regardless of whether they attend high school inside or outside the U.S. |
| Fee waivers | Available for students facing financial hardship |
| Standardized tests | SAT or ACT; other tests such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams may be accepted in some cases |
| English language proficiency | Strong knowledge of English is essential; first-year and transfer applicants are not required to take an English proficiency exam but may submit scores if desired |
| International travel | International students are advised to contact their HIO advisor to discuss travel plans |
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What You'll Learn
- International students make up about 27% of Harvard's population
- International students face additional challenges when it comes to standardised testing
- Harvard does not categorise applicants as international or domestic
- The Trump administration blocked Harvard from enrolling foreign students
- International students at Harvard can take advantage of online and remote learning options
International students make up about 27% of Harvard's population
Harvard University has a diverse student population, with international students comprising about 27% of its total enrollment. This percentage equates to nearly 6,800 international students, with Chinese nationals forming the largest group among foreign students in 2022. Other countries with significant representation include Canada, India, South Korea, Britain, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.
Harvard has traditionally welcomed international students and provided them with equal opportunities during the admissions process. The university does not discriminate based on citizenship or the location of high school. All applicants, regardless of their nationality or location, are required to complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, adhering to the same procedures and timelines. Financial aid is also available to international students facing economic hardships, with options such as fee waivers and travel allowances included in their financial aid awards.
However, recent developments have introduced challenges for international students at Harvard. The Trump administration's policies and actions have significantly impacted their ability to study at the university. In 2025, the administration revoked Harvard's authorization to enroll international students and mandated that existing international students transfer or risk losing their legal status. This decision was met with resistance from Harvard, which deemed it unlawful and retaliatory, leading to a lawsuit.
In response to these challenges, Harvard has implemented contingency plans to support its international students. The university has adopted hybrid learning models and leveraged online and remote learning options for those unable to attend on-campus classes. Additionally, Harvard has allowed incoming international students to simultaneously accept offers from foreign universities, recognizing the need for a "backup plan" due to the uncertainties posed by the Trump administration's policies.
Despite the efforts to accommodate international students, the situation has caused concern among the student body. The potential loss of international students has been described as "devastating," highlighting the value and importance they bring to the Harvard community. The university's international students not only contribute to its academic excellence but also enhance its cultural diversity and global perspective.
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International students face additional challenges when it comes to standardised testing
Harvard University does recruit international undergraduate students and has a large international student population, making up about 27% of the university's population. The university does not have quotas or limits based on citizenship or location of high school. International students are eligible for the same financial aid as domestic students, and travel allowances are included in financial aid awards.
International students applying to US colleges and universities often face additional challenges when it comes to standardised testing. Firstly, the majority of undergraduate programs in the US require international students to take the TOEFL exam to ensure proficiency in English. All standardised tests are given in English, and a strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard. The degree of English proficiency may affect test performance, and students with insufficient English skills may struggle to meet the requirements for admission.
Furthermore, standardised tests in the US were developed for students educated within the country. Therefore, school officials must consider the cultural and educational backgrounds of international students when evaluating their applications. The tests may not accurately reflect the skills and knowledge of students from diverse educational systems. International students may also face challenges in accessing test sites and securing available seats, especially if they reside outside the US.
Additionally, the interpretation of standardised test scores for international students can be complex. Universities may weigh different components of the tests differently, depending on the specific program and department. For example, a student applying to the English department may be evaluated differently from a student applying to the engineering department, with greater emphasis on verbal versus mathematical skills, respectively.
Moreover, international students may encounter financial barriers when taking standardised tests. The SAT and ACT exams typically require a fee, although fee waivers are available for students facing financial hardship. However, international students attending secondary schools outside the US are generally not eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers, which can create an additional financial burden.
In conclusion, international students applying to Harvard University and other US institutions face unique challenges regarding standardised testing. These challenges include demonstrating English proficiency, navigating cultural and educational differences, accessing test sites, interpreting test scores, and managing financial constraints. It is important for universities to consider these challenges when evaluating the applications of international students to ensure equitable opportunities for admission.
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Harvard does not categorise applicants as international or domestic
Harvard University has a diverse student body, with international students making up about 27% of its total enrollment. The university has a history of recruiting international undergraduate students, with sources indicating that the university took legal action against the Trump administration's attempts to block the enrollment of international students.
Harvard does not have quotas or limits based on citizenship or location. Admissions decisions are made without considering whether an applicant has applied for financial aid, even if the applicant is a foreign citizen. The application requirements are the same for all applicants, whether they attend high school inside or outside the US. All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, and each application is treated equally by the Admissions Committee.
Harvard encourages international applicants facing financial hardship in paying for the SAT or ACT to still apply. While SAT or ACT scores are typically required, the Admissions Committee encourages students in this situation to submit results from other standardised tests, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or national leaving exams. Additionally, while English language proficiency exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement, students are welcome to submit them as part of their application materials.
In conclusion, Harvard does not categorise applicants as international or domestic, instead treating all applicants equally and considering their unique circumstances. The university welcomes applications from international students and provides flexibility in the admission requirements to ensure a diverse and talented student body.
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The Trump administration blocked Harvard from enrolling foreign students
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, attracting students from all over the world. The university has a diverse student population, with international students making up about a quarter of its total enrollment. The university encourages applications from international students and offers various resources to support their admissions process.
However, in May 2025, the Trump administration targeted Harvard's ability to host international students. The administration revoked Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is essential for international students' visas. This decision put the university at a significant disadvantage and harmed its reputation as a global research hub. In response, Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the decision was made without following the proper procedures.
The Trump administration's efforts to block Harvard from enrolling international students created a sense of fear, concern, and confusion. Current international students at Harvard faced the risk of losing their legal status if they did not transfer to other schools. The university also experienced a high volume of inquiries from international students considering transferring.
In June 2025, a federal judge, US District Judge Allison Burroughs, blocked the Trump administration's efforts. The judge issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the enforcement of the administration's orders while the case was still pending. This decision allowed Harvard to continue hosting international students while the legal challenges were ongoing.
The ruling represented a significant victory for Harvard and affirmed the university's commitment to its international students. Despite the legal victory, Harvard recognized the need to make contingency plans for its international students in case of future changes to student visa eligibility. The university explored options such as online learning and partnerships with other universities to ensure its international students could continue their academic pursuits.
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International students at Harvard can take advantage of online and remote learning options
Harvard University has a history of welcoming international students, who make up about 27% of the university's population. The university does not discriminate between international and domestic applicants during the admissions process, and all applicants follow the same procedures and timelines. However, in 2025, the Trump administration attempted to block Harvard's ability to enroll international students, invoking a 70-year-old law. Harvard sued the administration, and a preliminary injunction was issued, barring the enforcement of the orders while the case was pending.
In response to this challenge, Harvard announced contingency plans for its international students. The Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School allowed some international students to take advantage of online and remote learning options to finish their degrees. This was a continuation of a hybrid model that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harvard offers a range of online courses and programs that are accessible to international students. The Harvard Extension School, for example, provides online and on-campus courses that fit different lifestyles and academic paths. Students can choose to take a single course to build new skills, explore a passion, or prepare for graduate school. These courses can be stacked into micro-certificates, graduate certificates, or even master's degrees. The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard is dedicated to bringing Harvard's rigorous academics and innovative teaching to lifelong learners worldwide.
Additionally, Harvard offers online degree options and programs that allow students to complete their entire degree online. In most cases, students can plan their own schedules and work around their lives. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 99.95% of undergraduate degree seekers took classes exclusively online.
International students at Harvard can also take advantage of the university's resources and support services. The Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC) provides academic webinars covering study and research skills, such as note-taking strategies, presentation skills, and proper citation methods. Harvard also offers online programs specifically for emerging women leaders, inviting them to attend interactive online sessions designed to foster leadership skills.
In summary, international students at Harvard have a range of online and remote learning options available to them. Whether it's through the Harvard Extension School, online degree programs, or interactive webinars, international students can access a world-class education without necessarily having to relocate.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Harvard does recruit international undergraduate students. In fact, international students make up about 27% of the university's population. However, in 2025, the Trump administration blocked Harvard from enrolling international students and forced existing international students to transfer or lose their legal status.
The application requirements are the same for all applicants, regardless of whether they attend high school inside or outside the US. All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with any required supplements.
Students who are non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are not typically eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers. However, if applicants are unable to afford the SAT or ACT fees, the Admissions Committee still encourages them to apply. These applicants can submit results from other standardized tests, such as AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level predictions, or other national leaving exam results. Additionally, while it is not required, international applicants may submit English language proficiency exam scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) as part of their application.
