Harvard University Scholarships have a long list of grants and student support that make education at Harvard possible for all. You can study in USA for free with Harvard scholarships.
There are different types of scholarships and fellowships that offer full tuition fee waivers while providing other grants too.
Harvard University is famous for its world-class education system. It is one of the excellent universities in the USA. The acceptance rate of Harvard is 5% as it requires high academic excellence.
While being the top-ranked and highly selective university it provides every student an opportunity to pursue their dreams without having financial stress.
There are hundreds of Harvard scholarships available for international students. The guide tells you about the most famous scholarships at Harvard.
Harvard University Scholarships
1. Benefits of Harvard University Scholarships
2. Eligibility Criteria for Harvard University Scholarships for International Students
3. How to apply for Harvard University Scholarships in USA
4. Deadlines for Harvard University Scholarships
5. Required Documents for Harvard International Scholarships
6. FAQs about the Harvard University Scholarships
1. Benefits of Harvard University Scholarships
Harvard University provides multiple opportunities to study in USA without paying a single penny. The application process at Harvard University is need-blind for international students.
Here, We have gathered some of the important Harvard scholarships
1.1. Need-based Scholarships
The world-class university in the USA provides financial aid to international and national students of USA.
- The scholarship covers the full tuition fee of every single student who has acquired admission but cannot pay.
- Harvard Need-based scholarship is eligible for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students
- Harvard provides net-price calculator for financial aid assistance. It gives you an approximate value of a need-based scholarship at Harvard.
However, to get selected for a need-based scholarship you need to fill up the CSS Profile application.
Want to know about CSS Profile? Here is everything to apply to the CSS profile
1.2. Robert S.Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship at Harvard University
This scholarship is given to MBA students in life sciences. It requires highly excellent students with business and life science background
- This Harvard University Fellowship provides $20,000 to each selected scholars
- The amount of fellowship is given for 2 years of MBA program. (net worth of $40,000)
You can check out other scholarships and grants at Harvard School of Business here.
1.3. Harvard Arab Alumni Association or HAAA Scholarship
This scholarship in USA is especially for Middle Eastern or Arab countries. HAAA Scholarship provides fully funded scholarships to Arab students.
1.4. Dean’s Reach Scholarship Programs
The Reach Scholarship at Harvard is provided to medical students. This scholarship is also provided on the basis of financial situation of the students
- The scholarship covers full tuition fee
- It also covers any mandatory fee at Harvard
- The scholarship is provided for the entire program of 4 years
Here we brought everything about University of New Haven Scholarships in USA
1.5. Other Scholarships at Harvard University
Harvard is so generous in providing equal opportunities for all whether you are a domestic or international student. There are hundreds of organizations, fundings, Alumni gifts, endowed funds etc to accommodate every single student with financial aid.
Here, is the list of Scholarships at Harvard University
2. Eligibility Criteria for Harvard University Scholarships for International Students
There are multiple Harvard University scholarships but these all require highly advanced students across the globe.
- The need-based Harvard scholarships require your financial situation. Your family income must be under $75,000 annually
- Applicants for need-based scholarships must have a CSS Profile and IDOC packet
- Students applying for any program (undergraduate, graduate, PhD, medical school) are eligible for Need-based
- While Harvard Medical School require an additional application to be filled by students.
- HMS scholarships ask for academically excellent and bold students
- MBA Students must have relevant study background, high GRE/GMAT scores and must have advanced professional experience
- All the scholarships require acceptance or an admission letter from Harvard.
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3. How to Apply for Harvard University Scholarships in USA
The application process for Harvard University Scholarships is easy. There is not any other application for scholarships specifically. You just need to apply for the admission application.
The application process for Harvard University Scholarships includes:
Common App for Undergraduate Applicants > Harvard Application Portal (for master’s and PhD > Add basic details > Add test score > Upload documents > persona essays > Application fee payment > Submit
3.1. Create an Account
The application process has two different portals. For undergraduate applications, Harvard asks for applications through Common App.
However, Harvard has an application portal for master’s and PhD students. You need to apply there. The application includes the following steps:
See the screenshots↓
3.2. Prepare Documents
You need to prepare all the documents before application process. The details of each document for Harvard University Scholarships are mentioned below.
3.3. Fill In Application
The Common Application requires basic information, school report, high school results, essays, SAT/ACT scores and Fee payment
The steps in the graduate application portal of Harvard University include more details.
See the Screenshot #01
See the Screenshot #02
3.4. Upload Test Scores and Documents
After filling out your application, just upload the documents and test scores. You need to apply with a complete application pack to get into Harvard University.
3.5. Complete CSS profile for Harvard University Scholarships
In order to get financial aid at Harvard University, you must have a CSS Profile. You need to fill your CSS Profile completely and carefully. The application is directly sent by the CSS Profile to your college for Financial aid selection.
4. Deadlines for Harvard University Scholarships
The deadlines related to Harvard University Scholarships are mentioned here:
Type of Application | Opening Date | Closing Date |
Early Action | 1-15 August 2023 | 1 November 2023 |
Regular Decision | 1 December 2023 | 1 January 2023 |
To apply for the Financial-aid application
Admission Type | Deadlines for CSS Profile | Deadlines for IDOC | Deadlines for FAFSA (only for US citizens) |
Early Action | 1 November 2023 | 1 November 2023 | 1 February 2023 |
Regular Decision | 1 February 2023 | 1 February 2023 | 1 February 2023 |
5. Documents Required for Harvard International Scholarships
5.2. Passport & National ID card
5.3. English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
5.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
5.8. Research proposal/plan (Optional)
5.9. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
5.10. Proof of Previous Work Experience (Optional)
5.1. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic records like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master or fellowship)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)
NOTE:
All of the above documents should be attested by respective boards.
Also, attest them from the issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.
In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
5.2. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to USA.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
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5.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for Harvard University Scholarships
Meeting the English language requirements set by Harvard is an important step toward achieving your bigger goal.
Generally speaking, Students with IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL above 100, are considered good.
Nevertheless, these requirements may vary from course to course and degree to degree.
Want to score higher in TOEFL? Here is the detailed guide for TOEFL Preparation
5.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference
The applicants must provide up to 3 letters of recommendation. from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
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5.5. CV
Europass CV can be easily made here.
The CV must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand-signed.
5.6 GRE Score
The GRE score must be 145 in accordance with the new scoring system. The score must be much higher in subjects related to your academic field. For example, Students with engineering backgrounds must have good scores in Physics, chemistry etc while students of Social science and humanities must have good scores in Verbal subjects.
5.7. Hope certificate (If applicable)
If the final transcript isn’t ready then students can apply with a Hope certificate from their university.
However, they must be graduated before their arrival in USA.
(Please make sure you contact your university in this regard )
What is Hope’s certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
5.8. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)
Research publications/ Achievements (conference papers, article review, abstract of thesis)
The research proposal is mostly required for postdocs or PhD students. (Depends upon the courses)
It asks you to write about the research project you agree to complete with the assigned academic advisor.
Your research proposal should be a brief description of your research goals and objectives, the methods with which you wish to process that research, the outcomes you desire, the timeline and budget you have estimated, and the area of study you wish to explore.
It shall be a brief document yet explain the entire vision to the reader so that those analyzing your application could know of your objectives and grant you the scholarship if they match the program’s criteria and eligibility.
Taking help from an external party is strictly prohibited and violation in this regard could lead to your disqualification no matter how incredible your proposal is.
5.9. Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation for Harvard International Scholarships
Technically SOP (Statement of purpose) and LOM (Letter of Motivation) are the same things.
It’s a Short biography to tell the panellist about yourself:
A letter of motivation or SOP could be a tricky part while applying for Harvard University Scholarships.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course & scholarship.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
How to write a perfect letter of Motivation for Harvard University Scholarships
If you are interested in writing your LOM on one page concisely, then follow this exact method.
LOM consists of three parts.
5.9.1. Introduction (one paragraph)
5.9.2. Body (3 paragraphs)
5.9.3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
5.9.1. Introduction:
Introduction is the gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in the first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.
TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying for & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
5.9.2. Body:
In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to the USA and University. Share your expectations of the scholarship.
In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.
In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.
5.9.3. Conclusion:
Tell them why you are the best candidate for the Harvard University Scholarships. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.
Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.
5.10. Experience letter
Applicant must provide an Experience letter of the previous jobs & Internships.
Try to customize the work experience letter with future studies.
Mention your job descriptions, work projects & the skills you learned through time.
The letter must be signed & verified by the Head or CEO of the company.
The work experience could be Paid,
Unpaid,
full-time,
part-time, or voluntary.
It could be done before, during, or after graduation.
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5.11. Portfolios or workshop
It’s optional. But students can attach portfolios or workshops to support their cases for university admission or scholarship.
6. FAQs about the Harvard University Scholarships
IS IELTS/TOEFL mandatory for Harvard University Scholarship?
Yes, you can apply initially to Harvard without having an IELTS/TOEFL score. But ideally, it is not good to apply without having IELTS/TOEFL scores as it makes your application more polished.
Having good scores in the English language proficiency certificate can actually help you in getting selected.
Can I apply without a GRE/GMAT Score for graduate programs at Harvard?
No, the GRE is an important test score to apply for Harvard University. You must have an excellent GRE/GMAT Score to pursue your dream of studying there.
What is the IDOC Packet for need-based scholarships in USA?
IDOC packet is a document-based application. Here, you put every single document related to your financial situation and information provided on the CSS Profile. It is basically an application to support your CSS Profile for financial aid at any University in USA.
If You have any questions about any scholarship, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708″