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Harvard University: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements

  • A++ Shiksha Grade
  • Private University
  • Institute Icon3 Campuses
  • Estd. 1636
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 17 Dec '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)

Harvard University
What’s new?

For Harvard University admissions, students must apply within the application deadlines listed below:

  • The last date to apply for Regular Decision admissions at Harvard University is Jan 1, 2025.
  • For the 2025 intake, the Harvard MBA application deadline is Jan 3, 2025

According to the Financial Times MBA Ranking 2024, the Harvard Business School has been ranked #11 in Global Business Schools.

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About Harvard University

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1636
University website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Student website
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Total foreign students
6597
Campus size
5457 acres
No. of campus
3
Scholarships available
6
Endowment value
USD 50 billion
Scholarships granted
4422
Scholarship amount granted
USD 245 million
Application fees
USD 85
English proficiency test
Optional
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Optional
Total faculty
4271
Faculty/Student ratio
7
Total criminal offences
155
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

60%

Asian

19%

Hispanic

11%

Black

8%

UG Student residence

Out of state

68%

Foreign

15%

In state

15%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

83%

25 and over

16%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

61221
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.98
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

9368
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

21262
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Is it hard to get into Harvard University?

A: 

Getting into Harvard University is quite competitive but not impossible. Applicants can get into Harvard once they have outstanding academic grades. For the Class of 2028, 1,937 of the 54,008 applicants to class were granted admission, This is equivalent to 3.6%. Apart from the academic achievements, Harvard University also looks for these qualities in students:

  • Growth & Potential
  • Interests & Activities (Extracurricular)
  • Personal Character
  • Contribution to the Harvard Community

Q:   Is Harvard better than IIT?

A: 

Harvard University and IIT are very well-known institutions worldwide and have their own strengths as well as weaknesses. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Harvard University has claimed the spot #4 in Best Global Universities, whereas IIT Bombay ranks #118 in the same category. On the basis of world workings, Harvard University has an upper hand.

Mentioned below is the comparison between both the universities on the basis of some other parameters that can help you choose the better university for you:

Parameters

Harvard University

IIT

Acceptance Rate

4%

<1%*

QS Rankings

#4

#118 - IIT Bombay

#150 - IIT Delhi

#222 - IIT Kharagpur

Annual Tuition Fee (B.Tech)

INR 45.1 L

8 L - 20 L

Average Package

175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr)

INR 23.5 LPA

*the acceptance rate of IIT is much lower than that of Harvard since the number of applicants applying to IIT is much larger.

Students at Harvard can choose their major according to their preference. However, IIT's majors are allotted according to the candidate's score/percentile. Also, Harvard accepts applicants on the basis of their overall profile. Whereas, IITs accepts candidates solely on the basis of their score/percentile.

Q:   Which are the best courses at Harvard?

A: 

As per U.S. News & World Report, Harvard University popular majors are Social Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences; Physical Sciences; Engineering; Psychology; Mathematics, etc. Some of the most popular majors for 2022 graduates are:

  • Social Sciences: 26%
  • Mathematics: 12%
  • Computer and Information Sciences: 11%
  • History: 9%

Q:   How can an Indian student get into Harvard?

A: 

Harvard University is a part of the prestigious Ivy League institutions and also ranks among the top 5 universities in the world. This globally renowned university is very selective when it comes to admissions and admits students based on their holistic profile and overall academic as well as behavioral character. Indian students planning to pursue higher studies in Harvard University must be at the top of their class in order to secure an admission in this highly competitive university. Harvard University has a set of admission requirements for international students and they are listed below:

Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.20

Q:   What is the GMAT score required for Harvard?

A: 

To apply for Harvard graduate admission, applicanta can submit thier GMAT score along with thier admision application. There is no minimum GMAT score to apply for Harvard admission. But, the MBA class of 2024 has a median GMAT score of total of 740. Check the complete deatil about the Harvard MBA class 2025 GMAT score:

ParticularScore Range
Verbal Range25-51
Quantitative Range31-51
Total Range500-790
Median Verbal42
Median Quantitative49
Median Total740

Harvard University Scholarships 2025

Explore scholarship opportunities at
this University
Alternative Star Icon6 exclusive scholarships availableAlternative Star Icon2.1 Cr worth total scholarship amount
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We have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   How do you get a 100% scholarship to Harvard?

A: 

International students at Harvard University can receive exactly the same financial aid as American students. Harvard University bases aid awards on need, not on merit. This means that financial aid supports the students who are going to benefit from it the most. Moreover, the university meets 100% of the student’s demonstrated financial needs. Some of other scholarships offered by the university to international students are given below:

  • Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
  • Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship
  • The Robert S. Kaplan (MBA 1983) Life Sciences Fellowship
  • Aga Khan Scholarship

Check more about the Top Harvard University Scholarships for Indian students and how to get them from here.

Q:   What are the requirements for a scholarship to study at Harvard University?

A: 

The eligibility requirements for scholarships at Harvard University will vary based on the course and the type of aid that the student is applying for. The general requirements for international students applying for scholarships are given as follows:

  • Excellent academic background
  • Bachelors Degree (for a Masters course scholarship)
  • Must already have recieved the admission offer to the course being applied to 
  • Relevant work experience 
  • Standardised test scores and proof of english language proficiency (for need-based fellowships)

Q:   Do universities in USA offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

Opting to study abroad is a major step that students take for their career and managing the expenses (including the tuition fee and living costs) play a deciding factor in this decision. Here is where scholarships dive in and help students study in their dream college by cutting down a portion of their expenses. Here are some scholarships offered by the top universities in USA that are available for international students:

Q:   How do you apply for a Harvard University scholarship if you have a low income?

A: 

Harvard University application process for scholarships is given as follows:

  • Students will be auto-considered for the specific course scholarships at the university when they apply for the course and they do not need to apply separately for admission.
  • Students will have to check the official website of the scholarship, check the eligibility criteria and then apply based on the same.
  • For some of the scholarships, students will have to apply separately for them. 

For students with low income, they can apply for financial aid by giving details related to their family income, assets and outside awards if they have any. Harvard University offers need-based fellowships as well for students having low family income. 

Harvard University Admissions 2025

  • Application fees :USD 75 - 250
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
How to Write Harvard MBA Essays in 2024?
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall1ˢᵗ Jan 2023 - 3ʳᵈ Jan 2024
Spring15ᵗʰ Apr 2023 - 15ᵗʰ Oct 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   How to apply for LLM in Harvard?

A: 

To study LLM in Harvard, the applicants are required to submit the following:

  • Academic transcripts (including Diplomas for all the degrees that have been received)
  • Online application form
  • CV / resume
  • Personal statement, parts A and B
  • Official TOEFL score report
  • Recommendation (At least two)
  • Financial aid application (if applicable)
  • Application fee of USD 85

Q:   How can I get admission to Harvard for LLM?

A: 

To pursue an LLM from Harvard, the applicants are required to meet the entry requirements given below:

  • A J.D. (Juris Doctor) from an ABA-approved US law school or a first law degree (J.D., LLB or the equivalent) from a law school
  • If the applicants are in the final year of law studies, then they must complete the degree no later than June of the year in which they are intended to enroll
  • Usually, to study LLM from Harvard, no work experience or further study beyond law school is needed. However, the applicants with two or more years of work experience have a better sense of what they hope to accomplish during the LLM program
  • TOEFL test score

Q:   What are the Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs at Harvard University?

A: 

To get admission to Harvard University, applicants have to meet the admission requirements as per their program. Below the Harvard University requirements for international students to study Undergraduate Programs:

First-Year Applicants

  • SAT or ACT scores (For those who want to submit, test-optional)
  • A strong knowledge of English is required to successfully study at Harvard. However, first-year applicants are not required to take an English language proficiency exam i.e. TOEFL / IELTS, etc. However, if they feel like they want to submit it, they can do so
  • School report and high school transcript
  • Two teacher recommendations
  • Mid-year school report and final school report (for admitted students only)

Q:   How do I get admission to MS in CS programme at Harvard University?

A: 

International students must complete a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline for admission to MS in CS programme at Harvard University. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Mentioned below are the requirements to get admission into the MS in CS programme at Harvard University:

  • A bachelor’s degrees in a relevent discipline
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
  • Either the GRE or GMAT is required for international students
  • Submit a statement of purpose no longer than 1,000 words
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Provide your updated C.V. or Resume

Q:   How can I get into Harvard University if I am currently studying in India?

A: 

According to some of student reviews at an unofficial source, the following are the key points that Indian students have to keep in mind if they want to get into Harvard University:

  • Focus on Academics: Try to ace your academics. Get good marks in the standardized tests (as required), school examinations, Olympiad tests, etc. In short, have a stellar academic record
  • Extra-curriculars: Choose any activity as per hobbies and be the best. For instance, if you like debating, try to win some of the international debates, etc.
  • Sports: If you can represent India abroad and manage to win, it will boost your Harvard University application considerably

Harvard University Cost

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MBA/PGDM(7 courses)
INR 18 L - 64 L
Duration9 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above
MS(17 courses)
INR 18 L - 64 L
Duration1 year-3 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 80 - 103, IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, Duolingo: 125 - 130
MD(1 course)
INR 58 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above, TOEFL, PTE
B.A.(28 courses)
INR 50 L - 52 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL, SAT
B.Sc.(17 courses)
INR 50 L - 52 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL
M.A.(16 courses)
INR 17 L - 60 L
Duration12 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 80 - 103, IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, GRE
B.E. / B.Tech(5 courses)
INR 52 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL
MIM(4 courses)
INR 18 L - 47 L
Duration9 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above
LL.M.(1 course)
INR 65 L
Duration1 year
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 100 & Above
M.Arch(5 courses)
INR 45 L - 50 L
Duration2 years-42 months
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 92 & Above, GRE
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Is Harvard University expensive for Indians?

A: 

Getting into Harvard University can be challenging but the university provides financial aid to international students. So, the total estimated cost of attendance at Harvard College shall be lower as Harvard provides financial aid or scholarships. Check Harvard University fees for indian students from the table given below: 

Expenses2023-24 Cost of Attendance
TuitionUSD 54,269
FeesUSD 4,807
HousingUSD 12,424
FoodUSD 7,950

Other Expenses

ExpensesAmount in USD 
Estimated personal expensesUSD 2,500
Estimated booksUSD 1,000
Estimated transport costsUSD 0 - USD 4,500

Additionally, health insurance is required at a cost of USD 4,120 (for 2023-24) unless students are covered in their family’s health plan

Read: Cost of Living in USA for International Students 

Q:   What is the average tuition a student pays to study at Harvard?

A: 

The Harvard University tuition fees ranges from INR 16 L to INR 71 L for first-year study. The tuition fees vary as per the program. Applicants can check the table below for the cost of attendance for Harvard College for academic year 2024-25:

Harvard College Tuition RatesAcademic Year 2024-25
TuitionUSD 56,550 or INR 47.32 L
Health ServicesUSD 1,592 or INR 1.33 L
Housing RateUSD 12,922 or INR 10.81 L
Student ServicesUSD 3,534 or INR 2.95 L
Food Rate USD 8,268 or INR 6.91 L
Total USD 82,866 or INR 69.34 L

(USD 1 = INR 83.68)

Q:   What is the cost of living in Harvard University for international students?

A: 
Harvard University is considered to be an affordable study destination for native as well as international students. Also, Harvard is very generous and even offers 100% need-based scholarships for students in need. On a usual basis, the Harvard University cost of living sums upto about 17L - 21L for Indian students.
Refer to the table below for the breakdown of 2023-2024 Harvard University cost of attendance:
ParticularsCost of AttendanceCost in INR
FeesUSD 4,807INR 3L
HousingUSD 12,424INR 1L
FoodUSD 7,950INR 6L
Subtotal - billed costsUSD 17,231INR 10L
Estimated personal expensesUSD 2,500INR 2L
Estimated booksUSD 1,000INR 83K
Estimated transportation costsUSD 0-USD 4,500INR 3.7L
Total billed and unbilled costsUSD 20,731-USD 25,231INR 17L - 21L
Conversion Used: 1 USD = INR 83.21

Q:   How hard is it to get into Harvard?

A: 

As it is widely known that to get into Harvard is quite selective at the time of admission. Even though academic achievement is one of the important factor that is considered during the admission process, there are some other factors that are considered for granting admission. As such there is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Apart from the academic accomplishment, the Admissions Committee considers the following factors too:

  • Community involvement;
  • Leadership;
  • Distinction in extra-curricular activities;
  • Personal qualities;
  • Character of applicants;
  • Teachers, counselors, alumni viewpoints for a student;
  • Applicants’ ability to overcome adversity; and more.

Speaking of the selectivity of Harvard, according to Harvard Magazine, 1,937 of the 54,008 applicants to class were granted admission for the Class of 2028 admissions, which is equivalent to 3.6%.

Q:   What is the fees for LLM at Harvard?

A: 

A year in Harvard Law School LLM course is expensive. In INR, The tuition fee for the 2023-24 academic year is USD 73,600. Apart from the tuition fees, other fees that are included are health insurance and health services fees and activities fees. Besides the tuition & fees, students are required to pay the living expenses too and the estimated budget is given below:

Particulars

Expenses

Rent and utilities

USD 17,100

Food

USD 5,850

Personal expenses

USD 5,647

Books & supplies

USD 1,650

Travel

USD 1,725

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA for International Students 

Harvard University Placements

CourseMedian Salary
MBA/PGDM
147.47 LPA
MD
147.47 LPA

Top Recruiters

A T Kearney
IBM
Accenture
Credit Suisse
Google
Amazon
Adobe
American Express
Amadeus
Barclays Bank
BMW
Cisco Systems
Coca-Cola
Exxon
Facebook
General Motors
Goldman Sachs
General Electric
HONEYWELL
IBM
JP Morgan Chase
Johnson Johnson
Linkedin
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
Walmart
Viacom
UBER
Samsung
Procter Gamble
Visit official career services website External Link Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What job can I get with a Harvard MBA degree?

A: 

After completing the degree from Harvard University there are various job profiles opens for graduates. As per the Harvard Business School placements 2023, graduates get job offers in profiles such as Finance, Consulting, General Management, etc. Mentioned in the table below are the placement records as per the job profile:

Job Profile% of Graduates Hired
Finance33%
Consulting26%
General Management16%
Marketing10%
Others15%

Q:   Which MBA is better for Indian - IIM A or Harvard Business School (HBS)? What kind of placements does HBS provide for Indians?

A: 

Harvard MBA and IIM A MBA both have their own strengths and are suited for different career paths. A comparison for both the MBAs are given below:

IIM-A MBA

  • Significant to the Indian market: IIM-A is focused on the Indian market, offering students with a deep understanding of the local business environment and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents
  • Cost-Effective: When compared with Harvard Business School, attending IIM-A is more cost-effective, therefore, making it more accessible to many Indian students

Harvard Business School

  • Cutting-edge curriculum: HBS has a strong reputation for innovation and thought leadership in the business world, providing students with access to the latest thinking and best practices in their fields
  • Global reputation: HBS is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, offering students with access to a powerful alumni network and a wealth of global business opportunities

When it comes to placements, both IIM-A and HBS have strong track records of placing graduates in top companies, both in India and around the world. IIM-A may offer opportunities in the Indian markets, whereas, HBS may offer global opportunities and exposure to multinational companies.

Eventually, the choice to study whether at IIM-A or HBS will depend on a student’s career goals, budget and personal preference.

Q:   How much do MBA graduates of Harvard University earn?

A: 

Harvard University has a very impressive placement profile for the Harvard Business School graduates. As per the Harvard Business School placement 2023, the Harvard University MBA placement package stands at USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr). Additionally, the median signing bonus is around USD 30,000 (INR 25 L). Given below are the details:

ParticularsDetails
Average PackageUSD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr)
Median Signing BonusUSD 30,000 (INR 25 L)
Top IndustriesConsulting, Private Equity, and Technology
Top Job SectorsFinance, Consulting, and General Management
Location of Employment

United States: 89%

International: 11%

Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.22

Q:   How should my CV look like to get into Harvard Law School for LLM?

A: 

According to some reviews, here’s what you need to get into Harvard LLM:

  • Make sure the achievements in the CV are balanced but consistent. Some of the achievements that one can include are moot cases or winning essay competitions
  • Engage in extracurricular apart from studying and include all those achievements in your CV. Try getting involved in the internships, competitions, and other activities that will have some significance for the career
  • Your CV should reflect the focus and ability to manage time

Q:   Who hires Harvard graduates?

A: 

According to Harvard MBA placement 2023, 25% MBA graduates get job offers from Consulting Industries. Apart from this, amny of the MBA graduates get job offers from Private Equity, Technology, and other top industries. We have mentioned below some of the organizations that hired the MBA graduates of class of 2023:

Harvard Business School Top Recruiters

Adobe

eBay

Meta

Air France

Epitel

McKinsey & Company

Amazon

Evercore

Microsoft

Apple Inc.

EY-Parthenon

Medley

Read about the Popular Job Sectors in the US 2023







Harvard University Rankings 2025

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Is Harvard the No. 1 university?

A: 

Harvard University is not only a top-ranking university is US, but one of the top 5 universities in the world. In QS World University Rankings - Best Global Universities 2025, Harvard University has secured the rank #4, which is unchanged from its rank #4 in 2024 and a notch above the rank #5 in 2023 rankings. According to the US News & World Report Rankings, Harvard stands tall at the #1 in Best Global Universities category since 2019. When talking about Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, Harvard University has claimed the spot #4 in World University Rankings in 2025, observing an unchanged trend from its ranking in 2024.

YearQS World University RankingsTHE World University Rankings
2025#4#4
2024#4#4
2023#5#2

Q:   Which is the number 1 university in USA?

A: 

As per the QS World University Rankings - Best Global Universities 2025, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the top ranking university in the US. Whereas, Harvard has been ranked #2 in the US top universities list. According to the Times Higher Education rankings, the top 3 universities in the US are Stanford University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Other top universities in the US include:

California Institute of TechnologyPrinceton UniversityUniversity of California – Berkeley
Yale UniversityColumbia UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

 

Q:   Why is Shiksha Grading better than other ranking bodies?

A: 

For the students looking forward to study abroad, the ranking of a university plays a crucial role in decision-making. However, the availability of multiple rankings online can be overwhelming for the university's international audience. All the top ranking bodies rank universities on the basis of different parameters, which can be hard to understand for first-time study abroad aspirants. Keeping this in mind, the Shiksha Study Abroad has launched Shiksha Grading. It caters the Indian audience and ranks all the universities with Indians as their target audience.

What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B+, B, C+, C. In this method, universities are graded by country and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country. With the help of this, students will no longer be required to check multiple ranking organisations to know about the performance of a particular university. Students would only be required to check Shiksha Grading – a platform where all the top rankings from popular ranking groups would be normalised and all universities would be graded into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B+, B, C+, C.

Harvard vs Oxford vs Stanford: Which is Better?

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Compare Harvard University with other similar colleges

MBA/PGDM
MS
MD
B.A.
B.Sc.
M.A.
B.E. / B.Tech
MIM
LL.M.
M.Arch
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

Harvard University

INR 17.91 L - 64.39 LA++#4 QS, 2025

Stanford University

Double Arrow Icon Compare
INR 34.32 L - 1.21 CrA++#6 QS, 2025
INR 35.64 L - 71.49 LA++#11 QS, 2025

Oxford University

Double Arrow Icon Compare
INR 29.16 L - 88.95 LA++#1 Guardian, 2025
INR 35.68 L - 81.4 LC++#894 US News, 2024

Yale University

Double Arrow Icon Compare
INR 39.52 L - 71.55 LA++#23 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon

Harvard University
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
December
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-26
New York07
Chicago-33
Los Angeles920
Explore popular study abroad destinations
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Study in Country

Q:   Which are some of the top-ranked universities in USA?

A: 

USA is one of the most popular countries for study abroad options for international students and is a hub of globally renowned universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, some top universities in USA are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, and many more. 

Given below is the list of top Universities in USA as mentioned in the prominent rankings.

University

QS Global Rankings 2025

Massachusetts Institute of Technology University (MIT)

#1

Harvard University

#4

Stanford University

#6

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

#10

University of Pennsylvania

#11

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

#12

Cornell University

#16

Princeton University

#22

Yale University

#23

John Hopkins University

#32

Q:   Do universities in USA offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

Opting to study abroad is a major step that students take for their career and managing the expenses (including the tuition fee and living costs) play a deciding factor in this decision. Here is where scholarships dive in and help students study in their dream college by cutting down a portion of their expenses. Here are some scholarships offered by the top universities in USA that are available for international students:

Harvard University Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Who is the most famous student at Harvard?

A: 

Harvard University is widely renowned for their rich alumni base, which is inclusive of US presidents, noble laureates and more. Listed below are some of the most famous Harvard University alumni:

  • John F. Kennedy: He is American Statesman and Politician who served as the 35th President of the United States
  • Barack Obama: An American Politician who served as the 44th President of the United States
  • Ratan Tata: An Indian industrialist, who is a philanthropist and former chairman of Tata Sons
  • Natalie Portman: An Israeli-American actress
  • Mark Zuckerberg: An American businessman and philanthropist, who is the co-founder of Facebook

Harvard University Campus Life

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Others

Q:   How is the Harvard University campus life?

A: 

Harvard University is home away from home for international students. Attending the university has its own perks when it comes to the campus life. While studying in the university, students get to enjoy the perfect blend of urban living with the close community feel of a small town. Mentioned below are the facilities which make Harvard University an ideal study abroad option:

ParticularsDetails
Student ActivitiesNight discussions in the dining hall with friends, drama productions, athletic competitions, outings to Boston's museums, extra-curricular activities, and more
AthleticsVarsity sports, intramural sports, club sports, recreational opportunities, and more
Health & Well-beingHealth (physical & emotional), wellness, and fitness services
Diversity & InclusionAn inclusive living and learning environment for every member of the community

Q:   Is it mandatory to live on-campus all 4 years at Harvard?

A: 

No, Harvard does not mandate the students to reside on-campus for all four years of their college life. However, students must live in the Harvard housing for their first-year at the university. It is noteworthy that only a certain number of students choose to live off-campus their following years. Most students and alumni consider the House system one of the hallmarks of their Harvard experiences.

Q:   Is on-campus housing available in Harvard University?

A: 

Yes, Harvard University offers on-campus housing opportunities to their students, that too in affordable prices. Harvard has 12 houses available on campus, which can accommodate about 350-500 students. Under the Harvard’s House system,  first-year students get to ive in dorms with shared suites adjacent to Harvard Yard and eat meals in Annenberg Hall. For graduate students, the university has Harvard University Housing, also known ad Harvard-owned apartments.

Harvard University Faculty

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Q:   Which faculty members of Harvard University are most respected for their top-class education?

A: 

Harvard University comprises of a wide of range of constituent units, which includes the undergraduate Harvard College, 12 graduate and professional schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. All the faculties/departments of the universities are extremely prestigious and highly regarded. However, the Harvard School of Medicine as well as the Harvard Business School are the top two faculty members on the institution. Some of the factors which make these departments top class are Nobel awards, research capabilities and grants, influential graduates who lead departments, world-class teaching, rich alumni base, and more.

Q:   What makes the faculty at Harvard University so special?

A: 

Harvard University faculty members comprise of several Nobel laureates and some of the best scholars around the world. Also, the Pulitzer Prize-winning teach courses on all levels and national book award winners host seminars for first-year students. At the university, students get to interact one-on-one with the world-class faculty. Mentioned below are some of the top Harvard University faculty:

Harvard University FacultyProfession & Achievements
Jean Louis Rodolphe AggasizAn American Biologist and Geologist, who is recognised as the scholar of Earth's natural history
Alan Morton DershowitzAn American Lawyer, Media Contributor, Political Commentator, and Legal Analyst, who is known for his work in US constitutional law and American criminal law. He was a renowned professor at Harvard Law School, who taught from 1964 to 2013
John Kenneth GalbraithA Canadian-American Economist, Diplomat, Public Official, and Intellectual. Ken Gallbraith's works on economic topics were bestsellers from the 1950s through the 2000s
Seamus Justin HeaneyAn Irish Poet, Playwright and Translator. Heaney received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature
Paul Edward FarmerAn American Medical Anthropologist and Physician. Farmer was a University Professor and the chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Harvard University FAQs

Q:   Why is Harvard University so famous?

A: 

Harvard University has a great reputation because of its esteemed faculty, multi-talented, top-rated facilities and high-achieving students, tremendous endowment fund and international prestige. In short, Harvard University is known for its world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art resources and individualized instruction. It is also a diverse university and students at Harvard represent all fifty states and more than 140 nationalities around the globe. These students from over the world and the U.S. bring their talent, intelligence, and curiosity to Harvard.

Q:   What jobs do most Harvard graduates get?

A: 

Most of the Harvard University graduates get placed in industries such as Business Development, Education, Operations, Research, Media & Communication, Engineering, and more, as per the historical data of the university's alumni. Given below is a graphical representation of the top industries in which the Harvard University graduates work:

Harvard University Sectors Placed

Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Entrepreneurship, Sales, Consulting, Marketing, and Human Resources.

Q:   How many international students study at Harvard University?

A: 

Harvard University is culturally a very rich institution and admits diverse students with far-ranging talents and interests from every part of the globe. Total student head count is 25,266 and international students make up about 15.4% of Harvard University total student population.

Harvard University admission statistics:

Particulars

Student Count

Total Student Enrollment

25,266

International Students

4,000 (approx.)

Total Undergraduates

7,240

Total Graduates

14,373

Q:   Who is eligible for Harvard University part-time courses?

A: 

Harvard University offers a wide-number of part-time courses for their international students. In order to pursue these courses, candidates must complete an application for part-time study and meet one of the following conditions:

  • needs to care for small children at home; or
  • experiences personal ill health or severe illness of other family members; or
  • is under extreme financial strain and has dependents; or
  • is a master’s student in their final term of enrollment.

Q:   Is Harvard the oldest university?

A: 

Harvard University was founded in the year 1636, making it the the oldest university in the United States. It was established post the approval of the Great and General Court of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. Initially, the university was named Colledge. In 1638, it was renamed to Cambridge.

In 1638, John Harvard, an English clergyman donated his library consisting of around 400 books and half his estate to the university. As a token of appreciation, the university was renamed as Harvard University.

Q:   What is Harvard known for?

A: 

Harvard University is the the oldest institute of higher education in the US. It was established in 1636. In short, Harvard is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders who make a difference in the world. Due to the world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art resources, and individualized instruction, Harvard University is one of the best places to pursue higher studies. A few reasons to makes this one-of-a-kind university the best place for studies are:

  • With extracurricular activities, Harvard has various clubs and organizations for students. Many of these are involved in their particular field such as Crimson with Journalism, the Institute of Politics with Government, and the Lampoon with comedy
  • Harvard’s library system is the the largest private library system in the world with 17 million volumes. So, students do not have to go anywhere else in order to find a particular book or paper
  • Harvard is right outside Boston, so there are ample things in Boston as well as in the campus itself. In the context of weather, most of the time it is Fall weather. But in Jan and Feb, it does snow.

Q:   What does Harvard offer students?

A: 

In the context of undergraduate courses, Harvard College is a close-knit undergraduate community within Harvard University. With world-class faculty, commitment to bright, talented students, and groundbreaking research opportunities, Harvard is more than just place to get education. In other words, it is a place where students come to get transformed. From the viewpoint of Harvard University campus life, there are 500+ student organizations and 3,400+ students participating in the Arts. Also, note that nearly 80% of Harvard students participate in athletics. Furthermore, from physical health to mental and emotional wellness, the student wellness remains an important priority.

Q:   Why is Harvard a big deal?

A: 

Being one of the elitist and the oldest institutes in the world, Harvard University seems like a dream place for higher studies. A few reasons which make Harvard a great place to study are:

  • If the students’ family make less than USD 85,000, then students might study for free at Harvard. On an average 24% of families pay nothing. Note that 100% of students can graduate debt-free. The financial aid works as per need-blind admissions and 100% need-based aid. Do check how the financial aid works at Harvard
  • Harvard has the largest endowment of any college or university in the US with USD 5.9 billion (the university’s annual operating expenses in the 2023 fiscal year)
  • Another reason that makes Harvard a big deal is that it has produced more US presidents than any other US institution. A few of the renowned personalities who went to Harvard are Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Ratan Tata, John F. Kennedy, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, etc.

Q:   How long do you stay at Harvard?

A: 

If students are pursuing UG courses, then their course duration would be 4-year. Hence, it would take 4 years to stay at this university. For the PG course, the duration varies from course to course. But, on an average students can expect to stay between 1 year – 3 years at Harvard. From the table given below, check the course duration at Harvard:

Courses

Duration & Eligibility

MBA/PGDM( 6 courses)

Duration: 9 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above

MS (16 courses)

Duration: 1 year-3 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 80 - 103, IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, Duolingo: 125 & Above

BBA (1 course)

Duration: 4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL

MD (1 course)

Duration: 4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above, TOEFLPTEDuolingo: 103 & Above

BA (24 courses)

Duration: 4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFLSAT

BE / BTech (5 courses)

Duration: 4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL

BSc (17 courses)

Duration: 4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL

MIM (4 courses)

Duration: 9 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above, PTE: 70 & Above, GMATGRE

LLM (1 course)

Duration: 1 year
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 100 & Above

MA (16 courses)

Duration: 12 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 80 - 100, IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE: 70 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above, GRE

Q:   Does Harvard University require IELTS score?

A: 

Yes, Harvard University admission requirements for international students includes English language requirements, which can be fulfilled by submitting one of the following globally recognised English proficiency exam scores;

English Proficiency Exam ScoreMinimum Qualifying Score
IELTS7.0 & Above
TOEFL100 & Above
Duolingo English Test125 & Above

Note: Applicants must meet the English proficiency requirement prior to registering for course (s). Therefore, they are encouraged to submit documents before the start of registration.

The English language proficiency scores must be submitted by the following deadlines:

  • Fall term: Aug 24, 2024
  • January term: Dec 14, 2024
  • Spring term: Jan 11, 2025

Note: Documents submitted post this deadline may not be eligible for review at Harvard University. Hence, students must be mindful of the same and apply to the university within the deadline, along with submitting all the relevant documents required by Harvard.

Q:   When can I start applying to Harvard University?

A: 

Harvard University provides students the opportunity to apply under either Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision program, both of which allow the candidate to compare admission and financial aid offers from other institutions and to wait until May 1 to make a final college choice.

  • For the Restrictive Early Action, the final date to apply is Nov 1, 2024
  • For the Regular Decision Program, the final date to apply is Jan 1, 2025

Students can apply to Harvard using the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

Q:   How to apply to Harvard University?

A: 

Harvard University application requirements is the same for US residents as well as overseas applicants. Hence, in order to apply for Harvard University admissions, all the first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application along with the required supplements. Harvard is unbiased and has no preference. Each application is treated equally by the Admissions Committee of Harvard University.

Q:   How long does it take for Harvard University to send offers?

A: 

Harvard University accepts international applications through two application types: Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision program. Once an applicant has applied for Harvard University admissions, it takes the university about 6 - 8 weeks to take a decision and notify the students. Listed below are the Harvard University decision dates for international students:

  • Restrictive Early Action candidates will receive notification by Mid-Dec, 2024.
  • Regular Decision candidates will receive notification by the Mar-End, 2025.

Q:   What does it take to get admitted into the Harvard MBA program?

A: 

Harvard University is one of the most competitive universities worldwide and as mentioned, getting into it extremely difficult. For the Class of 2025, the university received 8,149 applications for the MBA program. Out of these, only 938 students managed to get an admission offer.

In order to secure an enrollment in the Harvard MBA program, candidates must fulfill the admission requirements listed below:

  • College/university transcripts: Since Harvard is a very selective university, students must possess exceptional academic grades, and be at the top of their class.
  • GPA requirements: On a the US 4.0 scale, the average GPA of the students admitted in the Harvard MBA course is 3.73.
  • Letters of recommendation: Candidates must submit two very strong letters of recommendation within the deadlines as it is one of the most crucial factors for admissions.
  • Statement of purpose: In order to connect with the admissions committee and stand out among all the deserving candidates, an essay/statement of purpose plays the deciding role.
  • Proof of English language proficiency: Candidates who submit very high English proficiency exam scores stand a good chance to get enrolled in Harvard University.
  • Resume/CV: It is an applicant's resume that makes them shine apart. Candidates must keep in mind that they need to be an all rounder to get into the university. Hence, activities outside also play a very important role.
  • GMAT/GRE score: Harvard does not have a minimum GMAT/GRE score requirement. However, the average GMAT score submitted by the admitted applicants is in the range 500 - 790. Whereas, the average GRE score is around 163 each for median verbal and median quantitative.
  • Work experience: On an average, the applicants who get admitted in MBA at Harvard have a work experience of 5 years.

Q:   Does Harvard University have a placement cell?

A: 

Harvard is launching a Mignone Center for Career Success for undergraduate students, which will emphasize on career advising. Also, the university offers a variety of summer programs for research opportunities. When it comes to the placement cell, Harvard has an Office of Career Services (OCS), which provides public service-themed events throughout the year, along with daily walk-in hours. Some other facilities provided by the OCS include post-graduate fellowships, summer internships, in-depth consultations, domestic and international internship opportunities, and more.

Q:   Is studying at Harvard University expensive?

A: 

Harvard University is a part of the prestigious Ivy League universities, which offers more than 50 fields of study to undergraduates and over 100 graduate courses. On an average, the annual tuition fees required to pursue a degree course at Harvard is around 40 L, which makes it an expensive study-abroad option for Indian students. However, the return on investment is quite impressive as Harvard University offers package in crores to top-tier students. Check out the table listed below for course-specific fees requirements:

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
MBA/PGDM (6 courses)
INR 18 L - 63 L
MD (1 course)
INR 58 L
MS (16 courses)
INR 18 L - 72 L
B.A. (27 courses)
INR 49 L
B.E. / B.Tech (5 courses)
INR 45 L - 49 L
MIM (4 courses)
INR 18 L - 47 L
LL.M. (1 course)
INR 59 L
M.A. (16 courses)
INR 17 L - 44 L
M.Arch (5 courses)
INR 45 L - 48 L

Q:   How can I do MBA in Harvard University with 100% scholarship?

A: 

The Harvard Business School at Harvard University offers need-based and merit scholarships to international students. The average range of scholarship amount offered is USD 46,000 per academic year. The Harvard MBA Scholarship has the following eligibility criteria:

  • Excellent academic background;
  • Scholarship can be offered to students with any nationality; and
  • Students can apply only after receiving an offer from the Harvard MBA course. 

This scholarship will offer financial aid for up to 75% of the tuition fees and travel as well as accommodation expenses will be covered. 

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Harvard University

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Harvard University
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University CityCambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Population of City1,18,403

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