Ibrahim Gardner
Getting into Harvard is notoriously difficult, with an acceptance rate of 3%. International students face additional challenges, such as visa restrictions and the high cost of tuition. However, Harvard welcomes international students and offers various scholarships and financial aid packages to support them. To get accepted, international students must demonstrate academic excellence, strong English language skills, and participation in extracurricular activities. They must also submit letters of recommendation, evaluation forms, and standardised test scores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Requirements | Harvard University requires applicants to meet admission requirements for their chosen program. |
| English Proficiency | A strong knowledge of English is required for successful study at Harvard, but first-year applicants are not mandated to take an English language proficiency exam. |
| Standardized Tests | Students may self-report their scores. SAT or ACT fee waivers are available for domestic students from low-income families. |
| Financial Aid | Harvard meets each student's demonstrated need, regardless of nationality or citizenship. |
| Admissions Decisions | Admissions are based on financial need and merit, not on whether a student has applied for financial aid. |
| Acceptance Rate | Harvard has a low acceptance rate of 3%, indicating a rigorous admissions process. |
| Academic Performance | Students must excel academically and demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and distinction in extracurricular activities. |
| Interviews | Interviews are not required but may be invited by alumni interviewers. |
| Recommendations | Harvard requires two letters of recommendation and evaluation forms from teachers, and additional letters from other sources are accepted. |
| Visa Restrictions | Recent updates from the White House have restricted foreign student visas at Harvard, impacting international students' ability to study in the US. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and financial aid
Harvard University offers need-based financial aid for all students, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The university is committed to making education affordable for all students and covers the full cost of tuition. The financial aid package includes scholarship funds, student employment, and any potential outside awards. Loans are available but are not mandatory. The financial aid office works with each family to create an individualized aid package to meet their specific financial needs.
Harvard's financial aid application process is the same for all students, regardless of their country of residence or citizenship status. The university has its own funding sources for scholarships and jobs for international students, although they are not eligible for federal funding. International students are advised to seek information from the nearest U.S. Cultural Affairs Office about travel grants and other financial assistance available from various foundations and the U.S. government.
There are also outside scholarship opportunities for international students. For instance, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association offers a one-time $5,000 award for students pursuing a degree in transportation-related fields. The Iranian Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to students of Iranian descent in the United States who demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and a dedication to community service. The 180 Medical Scholarship Program is open to full-time students living with specific medical conditions, and the Architects Foundation awards scholarships to architecture students.
Additionally, international students at the Harvard Graduate School of Design can explore scholarships specific to their field of study. For example, the WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate offers scholarships to students studying real estate, architecture, law, and engineering. The Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architectural Scholarship Fund provides a $10,000 stipend and an internship opportunity for students pursuing a Master's Degree in Architecture.
Harvard also provides fee waivers for students facing financial hardships in paying for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. International students can self-report their test scores, and if they are unable to take these tests due to financial constraints or test availability, they are encouraged to submit results from other standardized tests such as AP or GCSE.
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Standardized testing
Harvard requires applicants to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT tests. These standardized tests play a significant role in evaluating a student's academic readiness and potential for success at Harvard. International students facing financial hardships or challenges in accessing test sites are encouraged to explain their circumstances to the Admissions Committee. In such cases, students may be exempt from submitting SAT or ACT scores and can instead provide results from other standardized tests, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or national leaving exams.
It is important to note that English language proficiency examinations, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, cannot be used to meet the standardized testing requirement. However, international applicants can still submit these scores as part of their application materials. A strong command of the English language is essential for academic success at Harvard, so demonstrating proficiency in English through these exams can be advantageous.
While standardized test scores are important, Harvard's admissions process is holistic. The university also considers other factors, such as letters of recommendation, evaluation forms from teachers, extracurricular activities, and the student's potential contribution to campus life. Therefore, international students should focus on presenting a well-rounded application that showcases their academic achievements, test scores (where applicable), and unique strengths and interests.
Additionally, international applicants may consider taking advantage of resources like the Initial Consultation offered by Harvard to gain a better understanding of the admissions process and requirements. This can help ensure that they are on the right path toward gaining admission to this prestigious institution.
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English language proficiency
International students applying to Harvard must demonstrate English language proficiency. Harvard requires students whose native language is not English to provide proof of English proficiency before enrolling in any Extension School course and before taking the Test of Critical Reading and Writing Skills (CRWS).
To meet the English proficiency requirement, students must provide either a satisfactory transcript or a qualifying test score by the English proficiency deadline. Transcripts must show at least one year of study and graduation from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. Harvard does not accept diplomas alone as proof of English proficiency.
Students who do not have a satisfactory transcript must meet the English proficiency requirement with a qualifying test score. Harvard does not accept the Institutional TOEFL (also known as the TOEFL ITP), MyBest TOEFL scores, IELTS General Training scores, the IELTS Indicator test, or the IELTS One Skill Retake as proof of English proficiency.
For the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the oral English language requirement is met with a TOEFL iBT speaking score of 26 and above or an IELTS score of 8 and above. Students with lower scores should schedule an oral proficiency interview in their first term of study with language specialists at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and may need to take an oral communication skills course.
Students who need extra support to improve their speaking skills should consult their department and/or advisor.
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Letters of recommendation
You will need to submit two letters of recommendation from teachers who teach different subjects. Evaluation forms from each teacher must also be submitted. Once your application is submitted, Harvard will accept additional letters from people you have worked closely with, such as a coach or internship supervisor.
When asking teachers for letters of recommendation, you may want to prioritise those who teach a subject you are passionate about and might want to pursue at Harvard. For example, if you are considering majoring in journalism, you might want to ask one of your English teachers. The best letters are personalised and come from teachers with a genuine connection to you. They should showcase your unique character and where your passions lie. Admissions officers are looking for applicants with a demonstrated commitment to a specific field, so your letters should ideally reflect these interests and highlight the fields you are most passionate about pursuing.
Good letter writers are those who know you well enough to provide assessments with enthusiasm and authenticity. They should be able to discuss your personal qualities, how interacting with you feels, and why you are likely to succeed in the future. It is important to give your recommenders plenty of notice – at least 3-4 weeks is typical. Share your motivation for applying with them, along with what you are proposing to do, and why it is important to you. You might also want to share your application materials, such as drafts of application essays, and your resume.
If you are worried that a teacher doesn't know you well, it is a good idea to give them some notes and a copy of your resume so they can write something more personalised. You can also include a supplemental letter from someone who knows you much better, such as a supervisor or coach, to help round out your application.
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Interviews
If you are offered an interview, try to find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. It's not necessary to dress formally—you can treat the interview like any other school day. Remember that the interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about Harvard from someone who has experienced it first-hand. Be yourself, and ask questions about the Harvard community and student experience.
As an international applicant, you may be wondering whether you count as an 'international applicant' in the eyes of the admissions committee. Harvard clarifies that all applicants follow the same procedures and timetables and are eligible for the same financial aid, so there is no need to categorise applicants as either international or domestic. That being said, 'international admissions' generally refers to applicants applying from schools outside the United States, as the documentation submitted by these schools may differ from that of an American high school and may require specialised knowledge.
Harvard does not have quotas or limits based on citizenship or the location of your high school. Admissions decisions are made without regard to whether an applicant has applied for financial aid, even if the applicant is a foreign citizen. The admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. All applicants must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with any required supplements.
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, other forms of testing may be considered. For example, if you are unable to pay for or access the SAT or ACT test site, you may submit AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level/other national leaving exam predictions or results. While English language proficiency examinations such as the TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement, you are welcome to submit them for review as part of your application materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Harvard University's acceptance rate is 3%, making it extremely competitive.
For undergraduate courses, international students need to demonstrate strong academic performance and participate in extracurricular activities. A good grasp of the English language is also required, although an English language proficiency exam is not mandatory. For postgraduate courses, international students must hold a bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline and meet the GPA requirement.
As of 2025, there have been travel restrictions and visa complications for international students at Harvard, with President Trump signing a proclamation to suspend the entry of foreign nationals on certain visa types. However, Harvard has been working on contingency plans to support international students and scholars.
Yes, Harvard offers scholarships for international students, including need-based, merit-based, and financial-based scholarships.
Your application should showcase your academic excellence, community involvement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements. Harvard also requires two letters of recommendation from teachers and their respective evaluation forms. It is beneficial to demonstrate a clear understanding of how Harvard can help you achieve your future goals.
