Lori Meadows
Harvard University is one of the toughest universities in the world for prospective students to gain acceptance. The university accepts international students and has an inclusive community of students from diverse backgrounds. For the class of 2027, Harvard received over 56,000 applications, but only about 2,000 candidates were enrolled, with an acceptance rate of 3.4%acceptance rate for international students was slightly higher at 4%, with nearly 4,000 international students contributing about 15.4% to the total student population. International students applying to Harvard are evaluated using the same admissions criteria as US citizens, although there are some differences in the application process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 3.4% for the class of 2027 |
| Number of applications received | 56,000 for the class of 2027 |
| Number of enrolled students | 2,000 for the class of 2027 |
| Percentage of international students | 15.4% |
| Acceptance rate for international students | Less than 4% for the class of 2027 |
| Acceptance rate for international students through Early Decision | 8.7% for the class of 2028 |
| Application requirements | Same for all applicants |
| Financial aid | Same for all applicants |
| Standardized testing requirement | SAT or ACT |
| English language proficiency requirement | Not required for bachelor's courses |
| Submission of English language proficiency exam scores | Welcome to submit for review |
| Self-reporting of standardized test scores | Allowed |
| Fee waivers | Provided by College Board and ACT to some domestic students from low-income families |
| Submission of other standardized test results | Encouraged for students facing financial hardship in paying for SAT or ACT |
| Submission of application materials | Online and in English |
| Translation of written application | Unofficial translation acceptable, official translation required upon admission |
| Visa | F-1 student visa |
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Application requirements
Harvard University welcomes applications from students all over the world. The admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The application requirements are also the same for all applicants, whether they attend high school inside or outside the United States.
All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with any required supplements. Both applications are treated equally by the Admissions Committee. It is recommended that you complete and submit your application materials as soon as possible. Your portions of the application are due by the application deadlines (November 1 for Restrictive Early Action and January 1 for Regular Decision). High school counsellors are given an additional week to submit materials on your behalf. Restrictive Early Action applicants are not required to submit a midyear report by the November 1 deadline.
In addition to the application, all applicants are required to submit a transcript and recommendations. If you are applying to Harvard College and have been homeschooled, you will be treated the same as all other applicants. While there is no special process, all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome.
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardized testing requirement. In exceptional cases, where students face challenges in paying for or accessing a test site, other forms of testing (AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams) may be considered. English language proficiency examinations such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardized testing requirement, although students are welcome to submit them for review as part of their application materials. Students may self-report their standardized test scores.
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Acceptance rates
Harvard University is one of the toughest universities in the world for prospective students to gain admission. For the Class of 2027, Harvard received over 56,000 applications, but only around 2,000 candidates were enrolled, yielding an overall acceptance rate of 3.4%acceptance rate for international students is even lower, at less than 4%
Harvard does not differentiate between domestic and international applicants in terms of application procedures, timetables, or financial aid. The admissions criteria for evaluating international applicants are the same as those for US citizens. However, international students are not typically eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers. Harvard encourages students facing financial hardship in paying for the SAT or ACT to apply anyway and submit results from other standardised tests, such as AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level/other national leaving exam predictions or results.
Harvard Business School (HBS) accepts scanned copies of international applicants' transcripts and recommendations in English for the initial written application. However, if admitted, students must provide official original language paper transcripts and official word-for-word English translations of those transcripts. HBS does not have a minimum test score requirement, but it discourages candidates with a TOEFL score lower than 109 on the IBT, an IELTS score lower than 7.5, a PTE score lower than 75, or a Duolingo score lower than 145 from applying.
Harvard does not require proof of English language proficiency for students applying for bachelor's courses, but it does require English language proficiency for master's courses. A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard.
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Financial aid
Harvard University accepts international students and has a holistic admissions approach that considers applicants' overall character and personality. The university boasts an inclusive community of students from diverse backgrounds, with nearly 4,000 international students contributing about 15.4% to the total student population. The acceptance rate for international students is highly competitive, standing at less than 4%.
Harvard University offers financial aid to all students, including international students, based on financial need. The university meets each student's demonstrated financial need, and admissions decisions are made without considering whether an applicant has applied for financial assistance. All students on financial aid, regardless of citizenship, receive a travel allowance to help cover the cost of travel to and from Cambridge.
International students facing financial hardship in paying for standardised tests, such as the SAT or ACT, are encouraged to apply even if they are ineligible for fee waivers. Harvard suggests that these students take and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have greater access, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams. Additionally, students may self-report their standardised test scores.
For international applicants to Harvard Business School (HBS), an unofficial translation of the initial written application is acceptable. However, admitted students are required to provide official original transcripts and translations. HBS does not have a minimum test score requirement, but it discourages applicants with scores lower than the recommended minimums for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo.
It is important to note that the Harvard Extension School, which offers primarily online courses, does not sponsor F-1 student visa applications. International students seeking on-campus study at Harvard must submit documentation, including financial information, as part of a Form I-20 application.
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Standardised testing
Harvard University accepts international students and has a holistic admissions approach. 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, and Harvard does not mandate proof of English language proficiency for students applying for bachelor's courses. However, students pursuing master's courses will need to fulfil the language requirements.
Harvard's admissions committee considers various criteria for undergraduate admissions, including academic accomplishment in high school, community involvement, leadership, extracurricular activities, character, and personal qualities. For graduate admissions, the requirements include a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent, English language requirements, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT), GMAT/GRE scores, LORs, and SOPs.
While English language proficiency examinations like TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement, students are welcome to submit them for review as part of their application materials. Harvard Business School (HBS) does not have a minimum test score requirement, but they discourage candidates with TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores below a certain threshold from applying. Official copies of these scores must be sent to HBS, and an official translation of transcripts is required for admitted students.
Harvard's acceptance rate for international students is highly competitive, standing at less than 4%, with the university receiving over 56,000 applications and enrolling about 2,000 candidates for the Class of 2027. The university has an inclusive community, with nearly 4,000 international students, contributing about 15.4% to the total student population.
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Visas
Harvard University is known for its inclusive community of students from diverse backgrounds and countries. The university accepts international students based on their overall character and personality. However, prospective international students must consider the visa requirements and processes necessary for studying in the United States.
Harvard Summer School offers full-time, for-credit, on-campus courses and requires international students to obtain the appropriate visa. The F-1 student visa is a common option, and the Form I-20 application process should be initiated in early January, as it involves submitting financial and biographical documentation, registering for courses, and applying for housing. It is important to note that the F-1 visa is not suitable for studying at the Harvard Extension School due to its part-time nature. The ESTA visa waiver and B-2 visa are not appropriate for full- or part-time credit study, as they are intended only for tourism purposes.
For international applicants to the Harvard Business School (HBS), an unofficial translation of application materials may be initially submitted. However, admitted students must provide official transcripts and translations. HBS does not specify a minimum test score, but certain scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo tests may discourage applications. International applicants are required to hold a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year American baccalaureate degree, and all degrees earned must be listed on the application form.
While Harvard does not mandate proof of English language proficiency for undergraduate applicants, it is essential for successful study at the university. Graduate applicants must meet language requirements, and English proficiency exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement for undergraduate applicants. However, these scores can be submitted for review as part of the application.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Harvard accepts students from around the globe. The admissions criteria for international applicants are the same as those for US citizens.
All applicants must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Harvard does not mandate proof of English language proficiency for students applying for bachelor’s courses. However, students applying for master's courses need to fulfil the language requirements.
Harvard's financial aid policies are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. All aid is based on financial need. International students on financial aid also receive a travel allowance.
