Harvard University Scholarships 2027–2028 offer international students an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States with financial assistance that can cover tuition, accommodation, food and other educational expenses. Harvard College does not operate a single universal scholarship with a fixed award amount for every international student. Instead, it provides need-based financial aid and commits to meeting 100% of each admitted student’s demonstrated financial need.
The programme is available to eligible students regardless of their nationality, and requesting financial aid does not reduce an applicant’s chances of admission.
This guide explains how Harvard’s financial aid works, who can apply, the required documents, the 2027–2028 deadlines and how international students can submit a complete application.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Harvard College Need-Based Financial Aid |
| Host Institution | Harvard University |
| Study Destination | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Academic Session | 2027–2028 |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate bachelor’s degree |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic and international students |
| Funding Type | Need-based financial aid |
| Tuition Coverage | Up to 100%, depending on assessed financial need |
| Housing and Food | May be covered through the financial aid package |
| Additional Support | May include fees, health insurance, travel and other eligible expenses |
| Loans | Not required as part of Harvard’s financial aid package |
| Academic Merit Scholarship | No separate merit-based scholarship programme |
| Application Route | Harvard College undergraduate admissions |
| Early Application Deadline | November 1, 2026 |
| Regular Application Deadline | January 1, 2027 |
| Early Financial Aid Deadline | November 1, 2026 |
| Regular Financial Aid Deadline | February 1, 2027 |
| Study Start | Fall 2027 |
About Harvard University Scholarships
Harvard University is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its undergraduate division, Harvard College, offers bachelor’s degrees across the liberal arts and sciences. The institution is known for its academic resources, research opportunities, residential college system and extensive financial aid programme.
For prospective international undergraduates, the most important funding opportunity is Harvard College’s need-based financial aid. Unlike scholarships awarded primarily for exceptional grades, leadership or athletic performance, Harvard calculates financial aid according to the financial circumstances of the student and their family.
The university assesses family income, assets, expenses and other relevant circumstances to determine how much a family can reasonably contribute towards the cost of education. Harvard then provides financial aid to meet the student’s demonstrated need.
Harvard’s policy is particularly important for international applicants because they receive the same financial aid consideration as American students. Applicants do not need to be US citizens or permanent residents to qualify for institutional assistance.
The admissions process is also need-blind for international applicants. This means that requesting financial aid does not disadvantage an applicant during the admissions decision. Students are evaluated for admission independently of their ability to pay.
However, admission remains highly competitive. Financial aid does not guarantee admission, and a strong financial need does not replace the academic preparation, personal qualities and achievements required for a successful application.
Applicants should also understand that the term “Harvard scholarship” refers to financial aid awarded through Harvard’s funding system, not necessarily a separate scholarship competition. Students generally apply for admission and financial aid through the university’s established application procedures.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
Harvard’s financial aid package is based on the financial need demonstrated by each admitted student. The amount varies between families, so there is no single award value that applies to every recipient.
1. Full tuition coverage
Harvard’s financial aid programme can cover the full cost of tuition for eligible students.
Beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, Harvard expanded its affordability policy. Families with annual incomes of up to $200,000 and typical assets receive financial aid covering at least the full cost of tuition, with additional support available depending on their circumstances.
For students whose families have lower incomes and typical assets, the university’s assistance can cover considerably more than tuition alone.
2. Housing and food
Students who qualify for comprehensive financial aid may receive support for accommodation and food in addition to tuition.
Harvard’s affordability policy states that families earning $100,000 or less annually, with typical assets, are not expected to contribute towards the billed cost of attendance. The financial aid package can cover tuition, fees, housing, food and other eligible expenses.
The actual award depends on the family’s financial circumstances. Applicants should not assume that every family earning below a particular amount will automatically receive an identical package.
3. Additional financial support
Harvard’s aid programme can cover additional costs beyond tuition, accommodation and meals.
Depending on individual circumstances, the package may include support for health insurance where needed, travel between home and campus, personal expenses and other eligible educational costs.
Harvard also lists a $2,000 start-up grant for eligible first-year students and a $2,000 launch grant for eligible juniors. These grants help with initial college expenses and preparation for life after Harvard.
The availability and details of individual benefits depend on the applicable financial aid assessment and award conditions.
4. Financial assistance for families earning above $200,000
Students from higher-income families may also qualify for financial aid.
Harvard states that families earning above $200,000 can receive assistance depending on their individual circumstances. Income is not the only factor in the assessment. Family assets, expenses and other relevant financial information can influence the expected contribution.
This means applicants should not automatically rule themselves out because their household income exceeds a published threshold.
5. No required student loans
Harvard’s financial aid packages do not require students to take out loans to meet their demonstrated financial need.
The university uses scholarship and grant funding, alongside other applicable components, to create an individual package. Loans may be available to families who want them, but borrowing is not a compulsory part of the aid arrangement.
This is particularly valuable for international students who may have limited access to affordable education loans in their home countries.
6. Student employment
Harvard expects students to contribute a standard amount towards their personal expenses, generally through work or other eligible resources. Many students take campus jobs during the academic year.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Harvard lists a student contribution expectation of $3,500 in personal expenses, usually met through work-study hours. The applicable amount for 2027–2028 should be confirmed when the new award details are available.
Student employment should not be confused with a scholarship. It is one part of Harvard’s approach to helping students manage personal expenses.
Understanding the income thresholds
Harvard’s published affordability policy provides the following general guide for families with typical assets.
| Annual Family Income | General Financial Aid Policy |
|---|---|
| $100,000 or less | No expected family contribution towards the billed cost of attendance |
| $100,001–$200,000 | Full tuition coverage, with additional assistance based on individual circumstances |
| Above $200,000 | Financial aid may still be available depending on the family’s circumstances |
These thresholds are not automatic guarantees. Significant family assets may increase the expected contribution, and Harvard considers individual financial circumstances rather than relying on income alone.
The figures are also expressed in US dollars. International applicants should report their family finances accurately in the currencies and formats requested by the financial aid application.
Eligible Programs and Courses
Harvard’s need-based financial aid applies to eligible undergraduate study at Harvard College. It is not restricted to a small list of scholarship-specific subjects.
Harvard College offers undergraduate concentrations across the arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering and applied sciences, and natural sciences. Students generally explore academic interests before declaring a concentration according to the College’s academic rules.
Examples of areas students can pursue include:
- Biological sciences: Biology, human developmental and regenerative biology, molecular and cellular biology, and related fields.
- Chemistry and physical sciences: Chemistry, physics, earth and planetary sciences, and related scientific disciplines.
- Computer science and engineering: Computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and other engineering-related fields.
- Mathematics and statistics: Mathematics, statistics and quantitative fields.
- Economics and government: Economics, government and other disciplines related to policy, institutions and public affairs.
- Psychology and social sciences: Psychology, sociology, anthropology and related areas.
- Public health-related academic pathways: Students may study relevant undergraduate subjects that provide foundations for later education or careers in public health, medicine and health research.
- Humanities and languages: History, philosophy, literature, languages, religion and related fields.
- Environmental studies: Environmental science and public policy, earth sciences and other relevant interdisciplinary areas.
- Arts and interdisciplinary study: Students may explore visual and environmental studies, music, comparative literature and other interdisciplinary subjects.
These examples illustrate the breadth of Harvard College’s undergraduate curriculum. They are not a separate list of courses eligible for a special scholarship. Financial aid is assessed based on the student’s financial need and admission to Harvard College.
Harvard’s need-based undergraduate aid should not be confused with funding for master’s degrees, PhD programmes or professional degrees at Harvard’s graduate schools. Those schools have their own admissions and funding systems.
Eligibility Requirements
Harvard College financial aid is available to admitted undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. International applicants are considered on the same basis as American applicants.
The main requirements and conditions are as follows.
- Apply for an eligible undergraduate degree. You must apply to Harvard College for a bachelor’s degree. The financial aid programme discussed here is not a general scholarship for postgraduate study.
- Meet Harvard’s admissions requirements. Applicants must demonstrate the academic preparation, personal qualities and potential required for admission to Harvard College.
- Submit the undergraduate application by the deadline. The application must be completed through an accepted admissions route by the applicable deadline.
- Demonstrate financial need. Harvard assesses family income, assets, expenses and other relevant circumstances to calculate the expected contribution and determine the aid package.
- Submit the financial aid forms. Prospective applicants generally need to complete the CSS Profile and submit supporting financial documents through the College Board’s IDOC service.
- Provide accurate family financial information. The application requires information about parental income, assets, taxes and other relevant financial circumstances. Applicants must follow Harvard’s instructions if a parent does not file tax returns.
- Meet the standardised testing requirement. Harvard currently requires the SAT or ACT. In exceptional cases where those tests are inaccessible, the university may accept specified alternative examinations or results, including relevant national leaving examinations, GCSE/A-level results, or IB or AP results, according to its published policy.
- Submit school records and recommendations. Applicants must provide the required school reports, academic transcripts and teacher recommendations.
- Complete the Harvard supplemental questions. The Common Application includes additional Harvard questions that allow the admissions committee to understand your experiences, interests and goals.
- Follow the correct financial aid deadline. The financial aid deadlines differ from the admissions deadlines. Applicants must track both and submit the required documents on time.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Harvard explicitly provides the same institutional financial aid consideration to international and American students.
International applicants do not need US citizenship or permanent residency to qualify for Harvard’s own need-based aid. They must still meet the admissions requirements and provide the financial documents needed for their aid assessment.
Is there a minimum CGPA or SAT score?
Harvard does not publish a universal minimum GPA, SAT score or ACT score that guarantees admission or financial aid.
Applicants are evaluated holistically, taking account of their academic record, educational background, personal qualities and other application materials. Harvard has no fixed SAT or ACT score cutoff, although applicants must meet its testing requirement or qualify for an accepted alternative in exceptional circumstances.
Financial aid itself is based on demonstrated financial need, not academic merit.
Is there an age limit?
Harvard’s standard first-year admissions process is designed for applicants entering undergraduate study after secondary education or an equivalent academic pathway. Applicants should review the College’s rules if they have previously enrolled in a university or completed a degree.
Harvard College does not admit students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or another first university degree from a different institution.
Required Documents
Harvard’s admission and financial aid processes require separate sets of information. Applicants should prepare both the academic application and the financial documents.
Admission documents
- Common Application: The main undergraduate application form accepted by Harvard.
- Harvard supplemental questions: The required short-answer responses submitted with the application.
- Secondary School Report: A report completed by a school counsellor or another appropriate school official, including the academic transcript and school information.
- Teacher recommendations: Letters from teachers who can assess the applicant’s academic abilities and personal qualities.
- Midyear School Report: Updated academic information from the school when required.
- Standardised test results: SAT or ACT results, unless an accepted alternative is permitted under Harvard’s testing policy.
- English translations: Any academic documents not issued in English should be translated according to Harvard’s instructions.
Financial aid documents
- CSS Profile: The main financial aid form used to assess family financial circumstances. Applicants should select Harvard using College Board code 3434.
- IDOC supporting documents: Required tax and financial records submitted through the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service.
- Parents’ income and tax records: For the 2027–2028 aid application, Harvard requests parents’ 2025 income tax documents, where applicable.
- Student income records: Applicants who file tax returns should provide the requested documents. Students who do not file may need to submit the required tax non-filer statement and any relevant income evidence.
- Business or farm records: If a parent has an interest in a business or farm, additional business information and tax documents may be required.
- Trust or estate documents: These may be necessary if the applicant or their parents are beneficiaries of a trust or estate.
- Alternative financial statement, where applicable: International applicants who cannot afford the CSS Profile fee and cannot obtain a fee waiver, cannot make payments from their country, or have unreliable internet access may qualify to use Harvard’s alternative paper process.
If parents do not file income tax returns, Harvard may request a tax non-filer statement, wage statement, payslip or employer letter confirming annual income.
Financial documents that are not in English must be translated into English. Harvard indicates that an official translation is not always required for financial documents, but applicants must follow the specific instructions provided for their application.
The exact documents required will depend on the family’s circumstances. Applicants should not assume that every item on this list applies to them.
How to Apply
Harvard’s financial aid application is connected to the undergraduate admissions process. Follow these steps to apply for admission and financial assistance for Fall 2027.
- Choose your application round. Decide whether to apply through Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision. Consider the deadlines and ensure your application will be ready in time.
- Prepare your academic application. Gather your secondary school records, teacher recommendations, test results and other required information.
- Complete the Common Application. Fill in the required sections and Harvard supplemental questions. Check that your information is accurate and consistent.
- Submit your admissions application. The Restrictive Early Action deadline is November 1, 2026, while the Regular Decision deadline is January 1, 2027.
- Complete the CSS Profile. Submit the 2027–2028 CSS Profile through the College Board and include Harvard using code 3434.
- Submit supporting financial documents through IDOC. Complete the CSS Profile first, then follow the instructions for submitting the required tax and income documents through IDOC.
- Prepare the relevant family financial records. Gather the required 2025 tax documents, income statements, payslips and any business or trust documents that apply. If a parent does not file tax returns, follow Harvard’s instructions for alternative documentation.
- Use the alternative process if eligible. If you cannot afford the CSS Profile fee and cannot obtain a fee waiver, cannot make payments from your country, or have unreliable internet access, review Harvard’s alternative financial aid application instructions.
- Meet the financial aid deadline. For Restrictive Early Action, the CSS Profile and supporting financial documents are due November 1, 2026. For Regular Decision, the financial aid deadline is February 1, 2027.
- Monitor your application and email. Harvard will provide information about admissions decisions and financial aid. If you are admitted and a required document is missing, the university may contact you.
- Review your financial aid offer. If admitted, read the package carefully to understand the expected family contribution, scholarship funds, student contribution and any additional support.
Official application page: Harvard College Admissions and Financial Aid.
Application Deadline and Current Status
As of October 10, 2026, applications for Harvard College’s Fall 2027 intake are approaching the first major deadline.
The current admissions and financial aid deadlines are:
| Application Type | Admissions Deadline | Financial Aid Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action | November 1, 2026 | November 1, 2026 |
| Regular Decision | January 1, 2027 | February 1, 2027 |
Harvard’s published financial aid instructions for 2027–2028 list November 1 for Restrictive Early Action and February 1 for Regular Decision financial aid documents.
For early applicants, the university aims to provide an estimated financial aid decision in mid-December. For Regular Decision applicants, financial aid decisions are generally provided around April 1.
Applicants should not confuse the admissions deadline with the financial aid deadline. Regular Decision applicants, for example, must submit their admissions application by January 1, while their CSS Profile and required financial aid documents are due by February 1.
Although Harvard may accept late financial aid documents, submitting them late can delay the aid decision. Applicants should therefore prepare their financial information well in advance.
Selection Process and Application Tips
Harvard’s admissions and financial aid decisions involve two related but distinct assessments. The admissions committee decides whether an applicant should be admitted, while the financial aid office determines the financial assistance required by an admitted student.
1. Academic and personal assessment
Harvard reviews academic performance, course preparation, recommendations, extracurricular activities, personal experiences and other application materials. There is no single score or activity that guarantees admission.
International students should present their achievements in the context of the opportunities available at their schools and in their communities. The aim is to provide an accurate picture of their academic readiness and potential.
2. Financial need assessment
For students applying for financial aid, Harvard reviews family income, assets, expenses and other relevant financial circumstances.
The financial aid office uses this information to estimate what the family can reasonably contribute. Harvard then provides an aid package designed to meet the student’s demonstrated financial need.
Applicants should provide complete and truthful financial information. Missing or inconsistent documents can delay the assessment.
3. Make the most of the supplemental questions
Harvard’s supplemental questions ask applicants to discuss their experiences, how they have handled disagreement, activities or responsibilities that have shaped them, their future goals and what a future roommate might want to know about them.
Use these responses to provide specific, honest examples of your interests and experiences. Avoid repeating the same achievement in every answer.
4. Start financial aid preparation early
International families may need time to collect income records, tax documents and other financial information. If documents are issued in another language, allow time to translate them.
If your parents do not file tax returns, check the alternative documentation requirements early rather than waiting until the deadline.
5. Understand the testing requirement
Harvard currently requires the SAT or ACT, with limited exceptions for applicants who cannot access those tests. Review the university’s policy and determine which test or accepted alternative applies to your circumstances.
There is no universal minimum SAT or ACT score that guarantees admission.
6. Do not assume that high income means no aid
Harvard’s financial aid programme considers individual circumstances. Although the university publishes general income thresholds, some families earning above $200,000 may still qualify for assistance.
Use the university’s financial aid guidance to understand how income and assets affect the assessment.
7. Apply for admission and aid together
Applicants who need financial assistance should not wait until after receiving an admission offer to begin the financial aid process. Follow the published deadlines for the admissions application and financial aid forms.
Harvard’s policy means that applying for need-based aid does not disadvantage an international applicant during admissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Harvard University Scholarships 2027–2028 fully funded?
Harvard’s need-based financial aid can cover the full cost of attendance for students whose assessed financial need qualifies them for comprehensive assistance. Other students may receive packages that cover tuition and part of their additional costs. There is no single fixed scholarship amount for every applicant.
Can international students apply for Harvard financial aid?
Yes. International applicants receive the same institutional financial aid consideration as American students. Harvard’s admissions process is need-blind for international applicants, and requesting aid does not reduce their chances of admission.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply for undergraduate admission and Harvard’s need-based financial aid. They must meet the admissions requirements and submit the financial documentation needed to assess their family’s circumstances.
What family income qualifies for free tuition?
Harvard’s published policy provides full tuition coverage for families earning up to $200,000 annually with typical assets. Families earning $100,000 or less with typical assets are generally not expected to contribute towards billed educational expenses. Individual circumstances and assets still matter.
Is Harvard financial aid based on academic merit?
No. Harvard’s institutional financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need rather than academic merit. Applicants must still meet Harvard’s highly competitive admissions standards.
What is the deadline for Harvard scholarships in 2027–2028?
The relevant admissions deadlines are November 1, 2026, for Restrictive Early Action and January 1, 2027, for Regular Decision. The financial aid deadlines are November 1, 2026, for early applicants and February 1, 2027, for Regular Decision applicants.
Do international applicants need the CSS Profile?
Yes. Prospective international applicants generally need to submit the CSS Profile and supporting documents through IDOC. Eligible applicants who face specific barriers to using the CSS Profile may be able to use Harvard’s alternative paper process.
Does Harvard require the SAT or ACT?
Harvard currently requires the SAT or ACT. In exceptional cases where these tests are inaccessible, the university may accept certain alternative examination results under its published policy.
Can I receive financial aid for a master’s or PhD degree?
The financial aid programme described in this article is for undergraduate study at Harvard College. Graduate and professional schools have their own admission and funding arrangements.
Does Harvard financial aid include accommodation and food?
For students who qualify, the financial aid package may cover housing and food in addition to tuition and fees. The exact package depends on the financial assessment.
Do I have to repay Harvard scholarships?
Harvard scholarship and grant funds do not have to be repaid. Loans may be available as an optional choice, but students are not required to take out loans as part of Harvard’s financial aid package.
Conclusion
Harvard University Scholarships 2027–2028 provide international students with access to one of the most comprehensive undergraduate financial aid programmes in the United States. Rather than offering one fixed scholarship amount, Harvard assesses each admitted student’s financial circumstances and commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.
For families with typical assets, Harvard’s published policy provides particularly extensive support at annual incomes of $100,000 or less and full tuition coverage for families earning up to $200,000. Students with higher family incomes may also qualify, depending on their circumstances.
International applicants should focus on preparing a strong undergraduate application, gathering the necessary financial records and meeting both admissions and financial aid deadlines. For Fall 2027, the next major deadline is November 1, 2026, for Restrictive Early Action, followed by January 1, 2027, for Regular Decision admission.
References
college.harvard.edu – Financial Aid
college.harvard.edu – How Aid Works
college.harvard.edu – International Applicants
college.harvard.edu – Application Requirements
college.harvard.edu – Prospective Students: Applying for Financial Aid
