Top Harvard University Scholarships for International Students

Harvard University, one of the most prestigious institutions globally, is renowned for its world-class education and research opportunities. The university’s commitment to providing access to education is reflected in the array of scholarships it offers, ensuring that students from all over the world have the chance to study at one of the best universities. For international students, Harvard provides various financial aid options, making it possible for talented individuals, regardless of their financial background, to pursue their academic dreams.

Here’s a guide to some of the most prominent scholarships available to international students at Harvard University:

1. Harvard College Financial Aid Program

Harvard’s financial aid program is need-based, meaning that they assess the financial need of every applicant and provide a package that covers the full demonstrated need. International students are eligible for this aid, and Harvard’s need-blind admissions policy ensures that students are not penalized based on their ability to pay. The university has a remarkable track record of meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, making Harvard one of the most accessible universities for international students.

Key Features:

• Need-based financial aid

• Covers full demonstrated need

• Does not require repayment

2. Harvard International Scholarships (Harvard College)

In addition to the general financial aid program, Harvard offers a few specific scholarships aimed at international students. These scholarships are typically part of a broader financial aid package and help reduce the cost of tuition, accommodation, and other fees.

Key Features:

• Additional scholarships for international students

• Covers tuition and living expenses

• Offers both partial and full funding based on need

3. The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Fellowships

For those interested in public policy and governance, the Harvard Kennedy School offers a number of prestigious fellowships for international students. The fellowships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs. These fellowships aim to support outstanding international professionals and students pursuing graduate-level degrees at HKS.

Key Features:

• Available to students pursuing a graduate degree in public administration or policy

• Full coverage for tuition, living expenses, and fees

• Aimed at professionals and leaders with a demonstrated interest in public service

4. The Harvard Law School Financial Aid

Harvard Law School also provides need-based financial aid for international students. While there are no merit-based scholarships, students can apply for financial aid based on their demonstrated financial need. The Law School’s policy allows international students to access substantial funding to cover their studies, as well as living costs.

Key Features:

• Need-based funding for international students

• Covers full or partial tuition and living expenses

• For students enrolled in the JD program

5. The Harvard Business School (HBS) Fellowships

For international students applying to Harvard Business School, there are several fellowship programs designed to assist in covering the costs of tuition. The fellowships at HBS include the HBS Fellowship, which is aimed at international students who need financial assistance for their MBA program. These fellowships are awarded based on financial need and, in some cases, academic merit.

Key Features:

• Financial aid for MBA students

• Covers full or partial tuition

• Offers support based on financial need and academic merit

6. The Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship

The Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship is one of the prestigious scholarships for international students at Harvard University. Established by the will of the late Frank Knox, a prominent figure in American public life, this fellowship is designed for students from countries outside the United States. It provides funding for one year of graduate study in any field at Harvard University.

Key Features:

• Covers full tuition, living expenses, and airfare

• Open to students from countries outside the United States

• Supports graduate-level study in any field at Harvard

7. The World Bank Group/Harvard University Scholarships

In partnership with the World Bank, Harvard offers a set of scholarships specifically designed for students from developing countries pursuing a graduate degree in public policy or international development. The World Bank Group/Harvard University Scholarship is a highly competitive program and provides full funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

Key Features:

• Full funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel

• Designed for students from developing countries

• Focuses on public policy, international development, and related fields

How to Apply for Harvard Scholarships

The application process for Harvard scholarships typically starts with applying to the university. The university’s admissions and financial aid processes are integrated, meaning that applicants are automatically considered for scholarships and financial aid as part of their admission application. International students must submit their financial aid applications along with their admissions applications, and any additional scholarship applications as required.

Final Thoughts

Harvard University remains a beacon of educational excellence, offering world-class resources, an outstanding academic community, and generous financial aid options for international students. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in law, business, public policy, or the humanities, there is likely a scholarship or financial aid program available to help fund your studies. With need-based and merit-based scholarships, as well as specific fellowships and fellowships designed for international students, Harvard ensures that cost is not a barrier to studying at one of the world’s top universities. So, if you dream of studying at Harvard, don’t let finances hold you back — explore the various scholarship opportunities, and take a step toward making that dream a reality.