Lori Meadows
Harvard University, a member of the Ivy League, is a highly competitive institution with a mere 3% acceptance rate for the class of 2028. The university welcomes applications from students worldwide, and its admissions and financial aid processes are consistent for all applicants, irrespective of nationality or citizenship. International students, however, may need to submit additional documentation, such as translated records, English proficiency scores, and visa-related documents. Harvard seeks exceptional applicants who excel in challenging courses and demonstrate a passion for extracurricular activities. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, successful applicants typically have unweighted GPAs of 4.0 or higher. Standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are also important, with 83% of enrolled students submitting these scores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application requirements | The same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship |
| Application process | Competitive |
| Academic standards | High |
| Grades | Strong |
| Coursework | Challenging |
| Test scores | Reflect college-level readiness |
| GPA | No minimum, but typically 4.0 or higher |
| Class rank | Not considered |
| Extracurriculars | Important |
| Passion | Essential |
| English proficiency | Required for non-native speakers |
| Translated records | Required for non-English documents |
| Visa-related documents | Required |
| Financial aid | Available, regardless of citizenship |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% for the Class of 2028 |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
Harvard University's admissions process is 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.
Common Application or Coalition Application
All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with any required supplements. Both are treated equally by the Admissions Committee. The application deadline for Restrictive Early Action is November 1, and for Regular Decision, it is January 1. It is recommended that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Academic Records
Harvard does not set a minimum GPA, but admitted students typically have unweighted GPAs of 4.0 or higher, roughly equal to grades between 90 and 100. If you are an international student, you must submit translated academic records. If you study the IB curriculum or the A-level curriculum, your school will send predicted grades based on your current classroom work and the results of any internal or mock exams. If your school does not issue official or predicted mid-year grades for your final year of school, you do not need to submit the mid-year report form.
Standardised Tests
Harvard recommends that applicants take the SAT or the ACT and achieve a nearly perfect or perfect score. If you are an international student, there is one other test you can take, but it is not required. If you are unable to take the SAT or ACT due to financial considerations or test availability, you will have an opportunity to provide an explanation. However, if other forms of testing (AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams) are available to you, you are expected to take the SAT or ACT and submit those scores.
English Proficiency
If English is not your first language, Harvard recommends submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, as strong English skills are a key part of the requirements for international students.
Supplemental Materials
You may submit supplemental materials such as résumés or portfolios to add helpful context and showcase the depth of your experience and achievements.
Personal Statement/Essay
Your application should include a personal statement or essay. You can choose from essay prompts on the Common App, or create your own narrative.
Financial Aid Documents
If you are applying for financial aid, you may need to submit documents such as tax return forms and statements of income. You may also be asked to set up a CSS profile. International students are advised to seek information from the nearest U.S. Cultural Affairs Office about travel grants and other financial assistance.
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Academic standards
Harvard University is a highly competitive institution with an acceptance rate of just 3.6% for the Class of 2028. The admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. However, international students may need to submit additional documentation, such as translated records, English proficiency scores, and visa-related documents.
Harvard's academic standards are high, and they expect students to rise to the challenge. This includes strong grades, challenging coursework, and test scores that reflect college-level readiness. While Harvard does not set a minimum GPA, admitted students typically have unweighted GPAs of 4.0 or higher, roughly equivalent to grades between 90 and 100.
Standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are an important part of the application process. While not submitting these scores does not automatically disqualify an applicant, it is recommended to aim for a perfect or nearly perfect score to strengthen the application. Students who are unable to take the SAT or ACT due to financial or accessibility reasons will have the opportunity to provide an explanation. Other forms of testing, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams, may also be considered.
Harvard values academic rigor, and applicants are encouraged to take the most challenging courses available to them and perform exceptionally well. Simply being at the top of one's class may not be sufficient, as Harvard seeks students who transcend the rankings and demonstrate a passion for their extracurricular pursuits.
Strong English skills are crucial for international students, and Harvard recommends submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores if English is not your first language. Solid grades in English-language classes will also enhance an applicant's profile.
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Extracurriculars
When it comes to extracurricular activities, Harvard seeks to admit dynamic, talented, and diverse students who will contribute significantly to the education of their classmates and the wider Harvard community. Harvard uses a holistic admissions process, meaning they consider all aspects of your application, including your extracurriculars.
Harvard's "College Life" organisations are a collection of student groups that provide social spaces and unique experiences. These groups often focus on leadership and fellowship, or they may host campus-wide events to help first-year students meet one another and build a strong support system. Harvard also has ""Creative and Performing Arts" extracurriculars, including musical groups, theatre and film groups, and even improv comedy clubs. These groups put on multiple performances throughout the academic year.
Harvard has over 100 student organisations designated as "Academic & Pre-Professional" clubs. The "Academic" groups are centred around shared academic interests, such as statistics, chemistry, or computer science, while the ""Pre-Professional" organisations aim to provide practical, real-world skills that will be useful for future careers. Harvard also has "Health and Wellness" extracurriculars centred around health research, advocacy, and policy development, and groups that provide support and community to students of similar cultural, racial, or sexual backgrounds.
Harvard wants to see your commitment to your extracurricular pursuits. They want to see that you are investing your time and effort into the activities that you are passionate about. This can showcase positive personal characteristics such as leadership, drive, time management skills, and concern for others. For example, one successful applicant founded a film club at their school, organised school-wide events, created an after-school elective, and established a student film festival that became an annual tradition. Another applicant was Editor-in-Chief of their school yearbook and literary magazine, and a senior editor of the school newspaper, dedicating a significant amount of time to these roles.
Harvard also recognises the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. They want to know how your life experiences have shaped who you are and how you will contribute to Harvard. In your application, you should describe your extracurricular activities and how they have influenced your development.
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Financial aid
Harvard University offers financial aid to international students to ensure that their education is affordable. The Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid, with twenty-four per cent of students paying nothing to attend and over half receiving need-based scholarships. Harvard's financial aid program is available to all students, regardless of their country of residence or citizenship status.
Although foreign students are ineligible for federal funding, Harvard offers its own job and scholarship opportunities. The university works individually with students and families to provide financial aid that matches their specific financial situation. For families with incomes below $200,000, financial aid will cover at least the full cost of tuition, fees, food, and housing. Students from families with incomes above $200,000 may also receive financial aid, depending on their circumstances. Harvard also provides funding for public service, research, international travel, and career opportunities.
International students can apply for University-wide Restricted Scholarships and external funding sources, such as loan programs in their home nations. Additionally, Harvard provides fee waivers for applicants facing economic hardships, ensuring that the admissions process is accessible to all. International students are advised to have significant personal resources and funding from their home country to meet the financial requirements for a student visa.
Harvard also offers a Net Price Calculator on its website to help students and families estimate the cost of attendance and determine their financial need. The university is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from attending.
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English proficiency
Harvard University is a highly competitive institution with an acceptance rate of just 3.6% for the Class of 2028. The admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. However, international students may need to submit additional documentation, such as translated records, English proficiency scores, and visa-related documents.
International students who wish to apply to Harvard University must demonstrate strong English proficiency. This is because all classes at Harvard are taught in English, and the university wants to ensure that all students can fully participate in academic discussions and complete written assignments to a high standard.
Harvard does not set a required minimum score for English proficiency tests. However, they recommend that international students submit scores from one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. These tests assess an individual's ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English, and strong scores can enhance an applicant's profile.
Additionally, international applicants should aim for solid grades in English-language classes. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, admitted students to Harvard typically have unweighted GPAs of 4.0 or higher, which is roughly equal to grades between 90 and 100.
It is important to note that English proficiency examinations, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test, cannot be used to meet Harvard's standardized testing requirement. However, students are welcome to submit these scores for review as part of their application materials.
In conclusion, while there is no set minimum, demonstrating strong English proficiency is crucial for international students applying to Harvard University. This can be done by submitting English proficiency test scores and maintaining solid grades in English-language classes.
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Frequently asked questions
The application requirements for international students are the same as for US students. All applicants must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application. International students must also submit translated records, English proficiency scores, and visa-related documents.
No, Harvard does not release a separate international acceptance rate. However, factors like visas, language exams, and varying grading systems make the admissions process more competitive for international students. The overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was just 3.6%.
Harvard seeks exceptional applicants with a passion for their extracurricular pursuits and strong academic records. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, admitted students typically have unweighted GPAs of 4.0 or higher. Harvard also values academic rigor, impact, and personal voice in applicants' applications.
While Harvard does not require SAT or ACT scores, 83% of accepted and enrolled students submitted these test scores. It is recommended that international applicants take one of these tests and aim for a high score to strengthen their application.
Yes, Harvard offers financial aid to all students, regardless of nationality or citizenship. International students facing financial hardship can request a fee waiver for the admissions application fee. Additionally, all students on financial aid receive a travel allowance to cover the cost of travel to and from Cambridge.
