Introduction
Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is part of the Ivy League and is globally recognized for its excellence in education, research, and leadership development. With alumni that include U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, tech entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders, Harvard stands as a symbol of academic brilliance.
This comprehensive guide provides essential information for aspiring students about Harvard’s admission process, visa requirements for international students, courses offered, and tuition fees.
About Harvard University
Harvard is a private, nonprofit university comprising:
- Harvard College (for undergraduates)
- 12 Graduate and Professional Schools
- The largest academic library system in the world
- Over 20,000 students from across the globe
Harvard’s commitment to academic rigor, diversity, and innovation makes it one of the most sought-after universities for students worldwide.
Admission Process at Harvard University
1. Undergraduate Admission (Harvard College)
Application Platform:
Harvard accepts applications via:
- The Common Application
- The Coalition Application
- The Universal College Application
Application Components:
- Completed Application Form
- Harvard-specific Writing Supplement
- School Reports and Transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores (optional through 2026)
- Two Teacher Evaluations
- Mid-Year School Report
- Final School Report (upon admission)
- Application Fee: $85 (waivers available)
- Optional: Arts or research supplement
Deadlines:
- Restrictive Early Action: November 1
- Regular Decision: January 1
- Decision Notification: Mid-December (REA), Late March (RD)
Acceptance Rate:
- Approx. 3.4% in recent years, making it highly competitive
2. Graduate Admission
Harvard offers graduate programs across multiple schools, including:
- Harvard Business School (HBS)
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
General Requirements:
- Online Application (via each school’s website)
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Standardized Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT depending on program)
- Resume/CV
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers
- Application Fee: $105–$250 (varies by program)
Important Notes:
- Many graduate schools offer rolling admissions
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities vary by school
Visa Process for International Students
International students admitted to Harvard need a student visa, typically an F-1 or J-1.
Step-by-Step Visa Process:
- Obtain Form I-20 or DS-2019: After accepting the offer and submitting financial information, Harvard issues the appropriate visa form.
- Pay SEVIS Fee:
- F-1 visa (I-20): $350
- J-1 visa (DS-2019): $220
- Pay at fmjfee.com
- Complete DS-160 Form: Fill out the online Non-Immigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
- Schedule a Visa Interview:
- Pay the visa fee ($185)
- Schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Attend the Visa Interview: Bring all essential documents, including:
- Valid Passport
- I-20 or DS-2019
- SEVIS and Visa Fee Receipts
- Admission Letter
- Financial Proof (bank statements, sponsor letters)
- Visa Approval: Upon approval, your visa will be affixed to your passport. You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program starts.
Courses Offered at Harvard University
Harvard offers a vast range of programs across disciplines. Here’s a breakdown:
Undergraduate Majors (Harvard College):
- Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Government)
- Biological Sciences
- Computer Science
- Engineering (via Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering)
- Humanities (English, Philosophy, History)
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Psychology
- Physics and Chemistry
- Visual and Environmental Studies
Students can also pursue joint concentrations or design their own interdisciplinary programs.
Graduate and Professional Programs:
1. Harvard Business School (HBS):
- MBA (2-year full-time)
- Executive Education Programs
- Doctoral Programs (DBA, PhD)
2. Harvard Law School:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
3. Harvard Medical School:
- MD Program
- MD-PhD Dual Degree
- Master’s in Bioethics, Clinical Investigation, and more
4. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS):
- MA, MS, and PhD programs in over 50 disciplines (e.g., History, Physics, Sociology, Linguistics)
5. Harvard Kennedy School:
- Master in Public Policy (MPP)
- Master in Public Administration (MPA)
- MPA/ID (International Development)
6. Harvard Graduate School of Design:
- Master in Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture
7. Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS):
- MS and PhD in areas such as Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering
Tuition Fees and Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate (Harvard College) Costs (2024–2025):
| Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $58,400 |
| Room & Board | $20,800 |
| Student Fees | $2,400 |
| Books & Personal Expenses | $3,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $85,100 |
Harvard offers need-based financial aid and commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need—even for international students.
Graduate Tuition (Varies by School):
| School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | $76,000 |
| Harvard Law School | $73,600 |
| Harvard Medical School | $68,000 |
| GSAS (MA/PhD) | $54,000 – $65,000 |
| Harvard Kennedy School | $55,000 – $62,000 |
| SEAS (Engineering) | $52,000 – $60,000 |
Living Costs (Graduate Students):
- Housing: $14,000 – $22,000
- Food, Transport, Personal: $12,000 – $18,000
- Health Insurance: $4,200
Total cost of attendance ranges from $80,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on the program and lifestyle.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Students:
- Need-blind admissions (including for international students)
- No loans: Financial aid is in the form of grants and student jobs
- Families earning under $85,000/year typically pay nothing
- Families earning under $150,000/year pay significantly reduced tuition
Graduate Students:
- HBS: Offers fellowships covering up to $42,000/year
- Law School: Low-income Protection Plan (LIPP)
- GSAS & SEAS: PhD students receive full funding
- Medical School: Need-based grants and loans
- Public Health & Kennedy School: Scholarships and external fellowships
External Scholarships: Fulbright, Rhodes, DAAD, Inlaks, Chevening, etc.
Campus Life and Student Experience
- Over 450 student organizations
- State-of-the-art athletic facilities
- Harvard Innovation Labs (i-lab) to support startups
- Residential system with 12 undergraduate Houses
- Global networking events, conferences, and internships
Career Prospects and Alumni Network
Harvard has one of the most powerful alumni networks in the world. Graduates go on to become:
- CEOs and entrepreneurs (e.g., Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates*—former student)
- World leaders (Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy)
- Nobel laureates and Pulitzer winners
- Judges, authors, scientists, and innovators
The Office of Career Services (OCS) helps students with internships, job placements, graduate school applications, and networking.
Why Choose Harvard?
- Ranked #1 or #2 globally in most rankings
- Ivy League reputation with global recognition
- World-class faculty and cutting-edge research
- Diversity and inclusion with global student body
- Scholarships even for international students
- Long-standing legacy of leadership, innovation, and service
Final Thoughts
Harvard University continues to inspire generations of students to pursue excellence and make a global impact. While the admissions process is highly competitive, Harvard’s commitment to access, diversity, and need-based aid makes it possible for students from all backgrounds to thrive.
From academic brilliance and research opportunities to vibrant campus life and a life-long alumni network, Harvard offers a transformative education that extends far beyond the classroom.
