
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its rigorous academics and selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of below 5%, securing admission to Harvard is highly competitive. The university attracts top students from across the globe, but how many international students attend Harvard? In recent years, the number of international students at Harvard has fluctuated. In 2020, Harvard was home to approximately 6,963 international students, with 1,047 of them being undergraduates. This contributed to about 15.4% of the total student population. However, by the 2024-25 academic year, the number of international students at Harvard had increased to 6,793, comprising 27.2% of its enrollment. These students bring diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds to the university, enriching the academic experience for all. Despite the high demand for international student places, Harvard's eligibility to host foreign students has been a topic of political debate, with the Trump administration threatening to revoke its ability to do so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate for international students in 2024 | 3.4% |
| Total number of international students | 6,963 |
| International undergraduates | 1,047 |
| Total number of students | 30,391 |
| Number of undergraduates | 8,527 |
| Acceptance rate for international students in 2025 | 27.2% |
| Number of international students in 2025 | 6,793 |
| Number of Chinese students in 2020 | 1,378 |
| Number of Canadian students in 2020 | 773 |
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What You'll Learn

International student popularity: Harvard ranks 22nd
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and is known for its extremely low acceptance rate, which is usually recorded to be below 5%. In 2020, Harvard was home to approximately 6,963 international students out of a total of 30,391 students. This large international student population has contributed to Harvard's ranking as 22nd out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.
Harvard's international student population comprises 27.2% of its total student population. In terms of international student trends, Harvard is a popular choice for students from China, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries. For instance, in 2020, Harvard was home to approximately 1,378 Chinese students out of a pool of 398,041 Chinese students who came to the US to study. Similarly, Harvard is a top choice for Canadian students, with approximately 773 Canadians choosing to study there in 2020.
Harvard is ranked 2nd out of 1,078 colleges and universities for popularity with students from Canada. Additionally, College Factual ranks Harvard as the best choice for students from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada. However, for providing value to international students, Harvard ranks 1,110th out of 1,204 colleges and universities.
Harvard's popularity with international students is evident, but it is important to note that the university has faced challenges in recent years regarding its eligibility to host foreign students. In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security threatened to revoke Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is crucial for international students to study in the United States. Despite this challenge, Harvard remains a top choice for international students due to its prestigious reputation and the quality of education it offers.
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International student visas: 1,159,798 in 2020
Harvard University has an international student population of nearly 4,000, which is approximately 15.4% of its total student population. The university is known for its highly competitive admissions process, with an overall acceptance rate of around 3-5%. For international students, gaining admission to Harvard is even more challenging, with an acceptance rate of less than 4%. This makes Harvard one of the most competitive universities worldwide for international applicants.
In the 2020 visa year, 1,159,798 international students were granted visas to study in the United States. This figure represents a significant contribution to the diverse student body in American colleges and universities. International students enrich the academic environment with their unique perspectives and cultural backgrounds. The process of obtaining a student visa is a critical step for international students planning to pursue educational opportunities in the US.
The student visa process involves several steps, including submitting necessary documentation, attending interviews, and meeting specific requirements set by the host country. The United States, for instance, offers the F-1 visa for full-time students and the M-1 visa for vocational or technical students. These visas allow international students to legally reside and study in the country for the duration of their academic program. Obtaining a student visa is a crucial step in an international student's journey, enabling them to embark on their academic pursuits and contribute to the diverse academic landscape in their host country.
The student visa process plays a significant role in fostering global educational exchange and cultural understanding. It allows students from diverse backgrounds to access educational opportunities beyond their home countries and gain valuable international experience. Moreover, it provides a pathway for students to develop cross-cultural competencies and build global networks that can benefit their academic and professional careers. The availability of student visas reflects a country's commitment to promoting international education and creating a welcoming environment for students worldwide.
In conclusion, the student visa process is an essential aspect of international education, enabling students to pursue their academic goals and enrich their host institutions with cultural diversity. The United States, with its substantial international student population, exemplifies the importance of student visas in fostering a global educational community. As of 2020, the country welcomed over one million international students on visas, including those attending Harvard University, contributing to a dynamic and culturally diverse learning environment.
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International student acceptance rate: less than 4%
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its low acceptance rate among students. In general, Harvard's acceptance rate is below 5%, making it extremely competitive. For the class of 2027, Harvard received over 56,000 applications, but only around 2,000 candidates were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 3.4%acceptance rate of less than 4%. This makes Harvard one of the most challenging universities in the world for international students to gain admission to. The exact number of international students accepted each year can vary, but Harvard's international student population remains significant.
Harvard has a diverse and inclusive community, attracting students from all corners of the globe. The university's international student population has been growing over the years, with approximately 6,963 international students on campus in 2020, according to one source. This number included 1,047 undergraduates out of a total of 8,527 undergraduate students. Another source provides a slightly different figure, stating that there were 6,793 international students comprising 27.2% of Harvard's enrollment in the 2024-25 academic year.
The popularity of Harvard among international students is evident, with the university ranking highly for providing a quality educational experience. Country-specific rankings by College Factual place Harvard in the top 10 for students from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada. However, the university has faced scrutiny from the US government, with the Trump administration threatening its eligibility to host international students due to policy disagreements. Despite these challenges, Harvard remains a top choice for international students seeking a world-class education.
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International student population: 6,793 in 2024-25
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its low acceptance rate and competitive admissions process. The university has a diverse student population, attracting talented individuals from across the globe.
In recent news, Harvard has come under scrutiny for its international student population. According to university data, for the 2024-25 academic year, Harvard had 6,793 international students, comprising 27.2% of its total enrollment. This data has brought about controversy, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) threatening to revoke Harvard's eligibility to host foreign students. The DHS has demanded detailed records on foreign student visa holders and their activities, with a focus on any illegal or violent incidents.
Harvard University has a long-standing reputation for fostering an inclusive community with students from diverse backgrounds. The university has consistently attracted a significant number of international students, with sources indicating a total of 6,963 international students on campus in 2020. This number included 1,047 undergraduates out of a total of 8,527 undergraduate students.
Harvard's international student population contributes to its rich cultural diversity. The university ranks highly among colleges and universities in terms of popularity with international students. It is particularly popular among students from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China. According to student visa data, Harvard was home to approximately 773 Canadian students and 1,378 Chinese students in 2020.
The university's international student population is expected to continue growing, reflecting its global appeal and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. However, the recent threats by the DHS to revoke its eligibility to host foreign students have cast uncertainty over the future of international student enrollment at Harvard University.
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International student origin: China, Canada, UK, Germany
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with an extremely low acceptance rate of below 5%. The university has an inclusive community of students from across the globe and diverse backgrounds. The total number of international students at Harvard is nearly 4,000, contributing to about 15.4% of the total student population.
International student origin: China
Harvard University has a deep academic and research engagement with China. The Harvard Center Shanghai is a University-wide resource for Harvard faculty, students, and alumni. The Harvard Summer School also offers a study-abroad program in Shanghai. Each year, around 1,800 to 2,300 Chinese students and scholars study at Harvard.
International student origin: Canada
Harvard University does not provide specific data on the number of international students from Canada. However, given the university's global reputation and appeal, it is likely that a significant number of Canadian students are part of the international student body.
International student origin: UK
Similar to Canadian students, Harvard University does not provide specific information on the number of students from the UK. Nevertheless, given Harvard's reputation as a top global institution, it is reasonable to assume that a considerable number of UK students are among the international student population.
International student origin: Germany
Harvard University does not disclose the number of international students from Germany specifically. However, with its worldwide recognition and appeal, it is safe to assume that German students are also represented within the diverse international student community at Harvard.
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Frequently asked questions
According to 2024 data, there are 6,793 international students at Harvard, comprising 27.2% of its enrollment.
In 2020, there were 1,378 Chinese students at Harvard.
In 2024, Harvard was ranked 22nd out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.











































