Harvard University – Why is it a Centre of Excellence?
Some of the most important factors that make Harvard a sought-after educational centre of Excellence are as follows:
- Rich History, Vision and Mission – Since the time of existence, Harvard University has a long history of providing financial aid to students. To bring the most promising scholars to campus irrespective of their backgrounds is its profound mission. It offers a need-based financial aid program ensuring that Harvard remains within reach for every student.
- Academic Excellence: Harvard’s name is synonymous with academic and research prowess. Its consistently high global rankings and the variety of courses it offers (over 3,700) demonstrate its commitment to providing a top-tier education. Presence of exceptional faculty, an extensive library, and research infrastructure positions it as a leading academic institution globally.
- Diverse and Supportive Community: Owing to its cultural diversity, Harvard fosters a vibrant and inclusive environment for all students from diverse backgrounds. The university focuses on creating a “community of belongingness” and commits to ensuring that every student feels supported and has access to opportunities for growth and learning. This also offers valuable networking opportunities, connecting students with peers and professionals from various backgrounds.
- Career Prospects: A degree from Harvard University is highly valued globally, making its graduates some of the most sought-after professionals. The rigorous programs equip students with the skills and knowledge to stand out in the professional world, thus opening the doors to an impactful career.
Harvard University – A Structural Overview!
The Harvard University consists of the undergraduate Harvard College, 12 Graduate and Professional Schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. 12 Graduate schools are listed below:
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Harvard Business School
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Harvard Divinity School
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
How much does it cost to Study at Harvard for an Indian Student?
Being one of the most reputed universities in the world, Harvard also comes with a hefty tuition fee. Though this varies according to the course, it is often very difficult for most students and their families to bear it. Students traveling to the United States from India do not only have to take care of the tuition fees but also take into account the living expenses, travel costs, medical insurance, overhead expenses, etc. to name a few. However, there are various scholarships that can ease the burden of these expenses, helping students attain education in such a reputed university. A few of them are discussed here in greater detail.
Harvard University – Scholarships for Indian Students
If you are an Indian student dreaming of pursuing your higher education in Harvard University, multiple scholarship opportunities can turn your dreams into reality. Depending upon your course, academic achievements, and financial needs, they support and nurture your passion and ambitions.
Harvard University – Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship
The Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship is a merit-based award granted by Harvard Business School (HBS) to MBA students demonstrating leadership and commitment to serving in the nonprofit sector. The fellowship was established in 1988 by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation and Richard L. Menschel to encourage students from the nonprofit and public sectors to pursue an MBA at HBS. Since the Class of 1990, 267 incoming students have received the fellowship.
- The scholarship is awarded one time and can be used for tuition and fees.
- Each year, approximately 7 to 10 first-year MBA students receive the fellowship award of approximately $10,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- To become eligible for the fellowship, students must have served in full-time leadership roles in the nonprofit or public sector prior to enrolling at the HBS and must demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in those fields.
- Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply for the scholarship award.
Application Procedure:
- Students do not need to submit a separate application for this fellowship.
- The university authorities will automatically consider students for it when they apply for the specific study programs.
Also read: Cornell University Tata Scholarship 2025
Harvard University – Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship
The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship at Harvard Business School (HBS) supports students with backgrounds in the life sciences. Established in 2008 by Robert S. Kaplan, the fellowship recognises academic achievement and professional leadership in the life sciences industry.
This fellowship awards incoming MBA students at HBS an amount of up to $20,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree obtained from an accredited institution.
- Applicants are expected to have prior full-time work experience in a related field, particularly in life sciences or healthcare sectors.
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GRE, or GMAT.
Application Procedure:
There is no separate application for the fellowship and the candidates are automatically considered when they apply for the MBA program at the HBS.
Harvard University – Harvard Medical School Financial Aid
Harvard Medical School (HMS) is committed to making medical education accessible and has a strong financial aid program. Given below is a summary of their offerings:
Financial Aid Philosophy:
HMS primarily uses a need-based system. The Financial Aid Office evaluates each student’s financial situation to create a personalised aid package, which may include scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 73% of HMS students receive some form of financial assistance, with over $40 million distributed annually.
Scholarship Opportunities:
The scholarship opportunities provided by HMS are listed hereunder:
Harvard Medical School Scholarships:
These need-based scholarships pay for the tuition fees of students who demonstrate a financial need. This support is provided through a range of sources, including donations and endowments.
Dean’s REACH Scholarship Award Program:
This scholarship is awarded to incoming MD students who have demonstrated a commitment to practicing in underserved communities, leadership, and resilience. Students are financially supported for all four years of medical school.
General Restricted Scholarships:
These scholarships are administered in coordination with other HMS departments and are given on the basis of nominations from the HMS Financial Aid Office.
Resident Tutor Policy:
Resident Tutors are compensated with a housing facility, which is treated as a resource for financial aid purposes.
MD-PhD Funding:
MD-PhD students have full financial assistance that covers the majority of educational costs.
Application Procedure:
To apply for financial aid at Harvard Medical School, students have to adhere to the following process:
- They first have to fill the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- They then have to fill in the CSS Profile application and submit the supporting financial information.
(Note: Students need to reapply for financial aid annually.)
Also read: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad
Harvard University – Dean’s Scholarship for HMS Master’s Students
The Dean’s Scholarship for HMS Master’s Students aims to make graduate education at the Harvard Medical School (HMS) financially more accessible. It supports students demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, resilience, persistence, and a dedication to serving underserved and underrepresented communities. The scholarship covers 15% of full-time tuition for any HMS Master’s program, and up to 35 students are awarded this scholarship annually. Both incoming and continuing domestic and international students are eligible.
Scholarship Award:
This scholarship covers 15% tuition fees of any full-time HMS Master’s programme and is awarded to 35 students annually.
Eligibility:
- Incoming students for fall 2025 can apply after admission.
- Continuing students who haven’t previously received this scholarship are also eligible.
Application Requirements:
- A two-page personal statement addressing:
- Commitment to serving underserved/underrepresented populations (with specific examples).
- Experiences demonstrating resilience and persistence.
- How the HMS Master’s degree will be used to advance the interests of underserved communities.
- How the scholarship will enable this work.
- CV detailing education, research training, experience, and citations.
- One letter of recommendation emphasizing the applicant’s commitment to serving underserved/underrepresented populations.
Application Timeline:
The 2025-26 application window opens on March 1, 2025, and closes on May 1, 2025.
Selection Process:
The Dean’s Scholarship for HMS Master’s Awards are awarded on the basis of merit and a student’s financial need.
Also read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada
Harvard University – How to Get a Scholarship for Harvard?
To begin with, it is important to have clarity of thought in the mind of applicants, in other words, he or she must feel committed and determined to pursue studies in a top university such as Harvard University. The task is filled with tests, applications, and countless decisions and it may appear to be daunting, however with determination it makes it easier to embark on a journey that can have a transformative outcome. In a nutshell, the applicants must prepare along the following lines:
- Starting early and planning strategically
- Prioritising standardised test preparation
- Drafting impressive and genuine essays
- Research universities beyond just their rankings
- Explore financial aid and scholarship options
- Manage time effectively to balance academics and applications
Securing a full scholarship to Harvard is an extraordinarily competitive pursuit. This requires a matching combination of academic excellence, exceptional leadership, and distinguished personal qualities. And therefore in order to maximise your chances, it would be pertinent to consider the following key strategies.
It is extremely important to know that getting into Harvard can be very challenging, however, how to pay for it shouldn’t pose a problem at all. Harvard is more affordable than public universities because of the following reasons:
- 90 percent of Americans—and international students receive exactly the same financial aid as American students.
- Harvard believes in bringing out the best in people regardless of their financial circumstances. They follow two important principles:
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- Need-blind admissions. Financial need and application for aid never affect your chance of being admitted to Harvard.
- Harvard offers 100% need-based aid and not on merit. This means that financial aid supports the students who are likely to benefit from it the most. Furthermore, Harvard meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial needs of the students.
Let us consider other important aspects in detail.
Understanding the Process Requirement of Admission
Unlike the straightforward percentage-based admissions in India, the U.S. universities take a holistic approach. Admission officers scrutinise every aspect of an application—academic records, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. It is not just about securing good grades but presenting oneself as a well-rounded potential candidate. Adorning the role of taking leadership positions in clubs, sports, or community service to exhibit initiative, responsibility, and the ability to make a meaningful impact as well as excelling in areas such as music, art, athletics, research, or entrepreneurship can distinguish you from other applicants.
Demonstrable Interest in Harvard
Whenever possible, visit the campus, participate in Harvard’s information sessions, and engage with students or alumni. Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and knowledge about the university can strengthen your application.
Taking the Standardised Tests
Tackling the standardised tests—either the SAT or ACT. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and ACT (American College Testing) are both standardised tests used for college admissions in the US. While Harvard follows a test-optional policy, submitting top-percentile SAT or ACT scores can potentially enhance your application. It is advantageous to know what actually is aligned better with the strength of an applicant. The US-India Education Foundation (USIEF) offers excellent prep books that an applicant can take advantage of.
Taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams can further strengthen the application while showcasing the ability to handle college-level coursework. It is equally important to gather additional materials viz. research papers, a resume, and an arts portfolio etc. to provide your application an edge.
The Timeline: When is it Appropriate to Start Preparing?
With application deadlines looming in December, it is important to start early and begin preparing for the standardised tests. Dedicating a month to intense preparation for SAT, taking daily mock tests is likely to lead to refinement of required skills. Shortlisting universities and understanding the Common Application process follows next while meeting all the pre-requisites of admission requirements.
The Application Process: Essays and Recommendations
Writing the college essay is one of the most daunting tasks. This offers a unique chance to stand out by narrating the story, your passion, and aspiration. If you come from an underrepresented background or have a compelling life experience, highlight this in your application. Harvard values diversity and seeks to cultivate an inclusive and vibrant student body. It is therefore vital to devote adequate time in drafting and refining essays, ensuring they are authentic as well as impressive. At the same time, it is very important to articulate how attending Harvard aligns with your long-term goals and how you plan to contribute to its dynamic community.
Seeking guidance and support from teachers, mentors and experts can play a crucial role as well. Writing recommendation letters highlighting the strengths and competencies possessed by the applicants go a long way. While applications require time and effort, it is crucial to complete well before the deadlines that usually fall in the first week of January.
Choosing the Right University including Harvard
While Ivy League institutions are prestigious, reputation isn’t everything. It is also important to research thoroughly, looking beyond brand names to find universities that align with your academic interests and extracurricular passions. Community colleges, liberal arts institutions, and public universities offer excellent education at a great value, and he kept his options open.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
We are aware that pursuing studies abroad is expensive, and therefore it is relevant to explore every possible funding opportunity. Many U.S. universities provided need-based financial aid, even for international students. However, most universities consider financial need when making admission decisions, except for a few need-blind institutions like MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, and Amherst. Therefore exploring merit-based scholarships offered by colleges and external organisations can create another potential avenue.
Financial Aid Application
Applicants must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile and apply for financial aid. Harvard is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, ensuring affordability for all admitted students.
Giving the Final Touch
Ensuring double-checking everything including test scores, essays, recommendation letters, and financial aid applications and finally submitting the applications will put you in a strong position.
There is no definitive formula for securing a full scholarship to Harvard. However, by excelling academically, demonstrating leadership, and crafting an impressive and well-rounded application can significantly enhance your chances. It is very important to stay well informed by regularly visiting Harvard’s official website for the latest scholarship opportunities and admission requirements. It may be a long and challenging journey, but it is going to provide an opportunity for growth, perseverance, and self-discovery which is just as valuable as the destination. Bagging a chance to pursue your studies in a dream university such as Harvard will generate a surge of pride and relief.
How to Get a Scholarship for Harvard: FAQs
What is meant by a need-blind admission policy in the United States?
In the United States, the need-blind admission policy refers to a condition wherein colleges and universities evaluate potential applicants without considering their financial background. This policy often leads to a situation where a larger percentage of applicants require financial assistance. This necessitates the fact that these institutions maintain substantial financial reserves, such as large endowments, to support the influx of aid requests.
What is the financial aid philosophy of Harvard Medical School (HMS)?
HMS follows a need-based financial aid system, evaluating each student's financial need to create personalised aid packages, including scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
What is the Dean’s REACH Scholarship Award Program?
It is a need-based scholarship awarded to incoming MD students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving underserved communities. It provides financial support for all four years of studies.
What are the key eligibility criteria for the Dean’s Scholarship for HMS Master’s Students?
Students must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, resilience, and a commitment to serving underrepresented communities. Both incoming and students already pursuing studies are eligible.
What are the main standardized tests required for admission to Harvard?
Applicants may take either the SAT or ACT, though Harvard follows a test-optional policy. Advanced Placement (AP) exams can further strengthen the application.
How can students maximise their chances of securing a full scholarship at Harvard?
The applicant can maximise their chance by excelling academically, demonstrating leadership, actively engaging in extracurriculars, crafting impressive essays, and showcasing commitment to community service.
What is the application process for financial aid at HMS?
Students must submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting financial documents. They need to reapply for financial aid each year.
What is a need-blind university in the United States?
A need-blind university in the United States is nothing but one that doesn't consider an applicant's financial situation at the time of taking a decision to admit the applicant.
Which of the need-blind universities in the U.S. offer financial aid to international students?
Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, and Amherst are among the few need-blind institutions that provide financial aid regardless of financial status.
Can I get a full scholarship to Harvard?
Yes, it is possible to get a full scholarship from Harvard University because it offers need-based financial assistance that can take care of 100% of demonstrated financial need. Applicants should qualify by demonstrating top-notch academic ability, rigorous extracurricular activities, and completing a complete financial aid application.
Is Harvard expensive for Indian students?
Though the fees of Harvard University vary according to the courses, it is difficult for most students to bear it. However, there are numerous scholarships that can help them pursue their education there.
How do you get into Harvard from India?
Indian students who wish to study at Harvard University should demonstrate excellent academic scores. In addition, they should have extracurricular involvement, leadership skills and submit a compelling application that includes essays and recommendations.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship?
This fellowship is available for domestic and international students with past full-time leadership experience in the nonprofit or public sectors and a commitment to future career paths in these areas.
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used by current and prospective college students in the United States. It determines their eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. By submitting the FAFSA, students provide financial information that helps colleges assess their financial needs and create aid packages accordingly.
What is a CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is an online application from the College Board that is utilized by most educational institutions in the United States to establish eligibility for financial aid such as institutional grants and scholarships. It collects comprehensive family financial data to provide a more precise needs analysis than the FAFSA.
How to apply for the Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship?
There is no separate application for the fellowship; candidates are automatically considered when they apply for the MBA program at HBS.
How to apply for the Harvard Medical School Financial aid?
To apply for financial aid at Harvard Medical School, students must first complete the FAFSA. Then, they must submit the CSS Profile application along with supporting financial documentation.
What is the application window for the Dean's Scholarship for HMS Master's Students?
The 2025-26 application opens on March 1, 2025, and closes on May 1, 2025.