Harvard University
âVeritasâ â Truth
Overview & History of Harvard University
Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
A founding member of the Ivy League, Harvard comprises 12 degree-granting schools. Its alumni include 8 U.S. Presidents and 160+ Nobel laureates.
For international students, Harvard combines world-class research, generous need-based financial aid, and a globally powerful alumni network.
Details at a Glance â Harvard University
| 1. University Name | Harvard University |
|---|---|
| 2. Founded | 1636 |
| 3. Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| 4. Type | Private Research University · Ivy League |
| 5. Total Students | 21,000+ |
| 6. International Students | 25%+ of total enrollment |
| 7. Total Subjects / Programs | 3700+ courses |
| 8. World Ranking | #5 QS 2026 | #3 THE 2025 | #1 ARWU |
| 9. Acceptance Rate | ~3.6% |
| 10. Application Fee | $85 |
| 11. Official Website | www.harvard.edu ↗ |
Rankings of Harvard University
Best Subject-wise Rankings (QS by Subject)
| Subject Area | QS World Rank | THE Rank | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences & Medicine | #1 | #1 | World-leading medical research |
| Medicine | #1 | #1 | Harvard Medical School |
| Law | #1 | #2 | Harvard Law School |
| Social Sciences | #1 | #1 | Economics, government |
| Economics & Business | #1 | #3 | Harvard Business School |
| Arts & Humanities | #2 | #3 | History, literature |
| Natural Sciences | #5 | #4 | Physics, chemistry |
| Engineering | #10 | #8 | SEAS |
| Computer Science | #7 | #6 | AI, data science |
Total Programs & Available Subjects
Harvard offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs across virtually every academic discipline:
Admission Timeline — When to Apply
Application Opens
Common App opens for Fall intake.
Early Action Deadline
Early candidates receive decisions by mid-December.
Regular Decision Deadline
Main deadline for international applicants.
Financial Aid Documents Due
CSS Profile, ISFAA for internationals.
Decisions Released
Results published; reply by May 1.
Fall Semester Begins
Orientation for new international students.
Scholarships for International Students
Harvard practices need-blind admission for all applicants — including international students — and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Families earning under $100,000/year typically pay nothing.
Harvard Need-Based Scholarship 2026-27
Tuition-free for families under $100k income.
Successful Alumni from Harvard University
Tuition & Monthly Living Costs
| Tuition & Fees (per year) | ~$59,000 |
|---|---|
| Housing & Meals (per year) | ~$21,700 |
| Books, Personal & Travel | ~$4,500 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | ~$85,000 / year |
FAQs â Harvard University for International Students
Can international students apply?
Yes. Harvard admits from 100+ countries, need-blind for everyone.
Full scholarships for internationals?
Yes. 100% demonstrated need met. Families under $100k pay nothing.
IELTS/TOEFL required?
Recommended if English isn’t your instruction language. TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.5+.
What GPA is needed?
No official minimum. Admitted students typically hold ~3.9+/4.0.
When to start the application?
Opens August 1. Early Action Nov 1; Regular Decision Jan 5.
Ready to apply to Harvard University?
Need-blind admission · Full financial support · Deadline Jan 5, 2027
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