Latest Update:A U.S. court has temporarily blocked Trump’s ban on international student entry at Harvard, ensuring Indian applicants can still apply this year. Harvard continues to support global applicants through legal and immigration guidance.
Many students have this common query: “How to get into Harvard from India?” With an acceptance rate of just 3.2% (as per Harvard’s latest admissions data), getting in is highly competitive, especially for international applicants. Yet, each year, several Indian students make it through with exceptional academics, strong personal essays, and impactful extracurriculars.
Whether you're applying after 12th or for a master’s program, Harvard looks for more than just grades, it seeks potential leaders and thinkers who can contribute to its diverse global community. The good news? Harvard is need-blind for international students and offers up to 100% financial aid based on need, making it financially accessible to deserving candidates.
Harvard Admission at a Glance
Harvard’s acceptance rate is around 3% globally.
Most admitted students have 95%+ in Class 12 or top GPAs.
SAT (1450-1600) or ACT (33-36) for undergrad; GRE/GMAT for master’s and MBA.
Strong personal essays and glowing recommendations boost chances.
Full or partial funding based on financial need is available.
In this blog, we’ll break down the eligibility, exams required, documents, scholarships, and key tips that can help Indian students secure a place at Harvard.
Harvard University Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Dreaming of studying at Harvard? Many Indian students wonder how to get into Harvard from India and what it takes to secure a spot.
High scores help, but extracurriculars, research, and essays matter just as much. So, what are the Harvard University admission requirements for Indian students? Let’s read further.
Academic Requirements for Indian Students
Program
Minimum Academic Score
Undergraduate (After Class 12)
95%+ in CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards
Master’s (Engineering, Science, etc.)
Top 10% of graduating class
MBA (Harvard Business School)
Strong academic record, top 10% in class
PhD Programs
Research experience, strong academic background
Harvard does not have a fixed cutoff. However, most admitted students score among the top 1% in their class. Strong grades in Math, Science, and English improve undergraduate applications.
What is the Harvard University entrance exam for Indian students? Harvard has a test-optional policy for undergraduates, but strong SAT/ACT scores improve chances. For graduate programs, GRE/GMAT scores are required.
English Proficiency Requirements
Harvard requires proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers.
Test
Minimum Score Required
Recommended Score
TOEFL (Internet-Based)
80
105+
IELTS
6.5
8.0+
Students from English-medium schools may receive a TOEFL/IELTS waiver, but Harvard prefers applicants with official scores.
Extracurricular & Leadership Requirements
Harvard looks beyond academics. Strong extracurricular involvement is essential.
Category
Examples of Strong Activities
Leadership
School captain, Student council, Founder of a club
Research & Innovation
Published research papers, Science fair awards
Sports
National/State-level representation
Community Service
Volunteering, Social impact projects
Entrepreneurship
Running a startup, Business competitions
Creative Arts
Music, Dance, Writing, Film
Harvard values students who make an impact. Leadership roles, national awards, and social initiatives strengthen applications.
Essays & Letters of Recommendation
A strong application needs well-written essays and recommendations.
Essays must be personal and compelling. Harvard wants to know your story, challenges, and future goals. Generic essays won’t stand out.
Harvard University Eligibility for Indian Students
Harvard admits students from across the world, including India. Many ask, “What are the Harvard University eligibility requirements for Indian students?” The answer depends on the program—undergraduate, master's, MBA, or PhD.
Harvard does not have fixed cutoffs, but students need exceptional academic records, strong extracurriculars, and leadership qualities. So, what is the Harvard University eligibility for Indian students?
Age Limit for Harvard Admissions
Harvard does not have a strict age limit, but most students follow these timelines:
Program
Typical Age at Application
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
17-19 years old (After Class 12)
Master’s (MS, MA, LLM, etc.)
22-25 years old
MBA (Harvard Business School)
25-30 years old
PhD
24-32 years old
Undergraduate applicants apply immediately after Class 12, while MBA and PhD applicants often have prior work or research experience.
Do You Need Work Experience for Harvard?
Program
Work Experience Requirement
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
Not required
Master’s (Engineering, Science, etc.)
Not required but internships help
MBA (Harvard Business School)
2-5 years of experience required
PhD
Research experience preferred
Harvard MBA applicants must have work experience. Most admitted students have worked at top companies, startups, or government organizations.
What GPA is Required for Harvard?
Harvard has no fixed GPA requirement, but most admitted students rank in the top 1-5% of their class.
Program
Competitive GPA / Percentage
Undergraduate (After Class 12)
95%+ or 4.0 GPA
Master’s & PhD
3.7+ GPA (out of 4.0) or Top 10% of the class
MBA
3.6+ GPA (out of 4.0)
For Indian students, a CGPA of 9.5+ or a first-class degree with distinction improves admission chances.
Harvard Acceptance Rate for Indian Students
Harvard does not publish country-specific acceptance rates, but estimates suggest that less than 3% of Indian applicants get in.
High scores alone won’t guarantee admission, but they help. Let’s see the Harvard acceptance rate for Indian students and how to improve your chances.
How Competitive is Harvard for Indian Students?
Harvard receives 50,000+ undergraduate applications and admits about 2,000 students per year. International students make up 12-15% of the total admitted class.
Category
Acceptance Rate
Overall Harvard Acceptance Rate
3.2%
International Student Acceptance Rate
5-6%
Estimated Indian Student Acceptance Rate
2-5%
For graduate programs, the acceptance rate varies. Harvard Business School (MBA) has a 10-12% acceptance rate, while PhD programs have 5-10% acceptance rates.
Harvard Acceptance Rate for Indian Students by Program
Program
Estimated Acceptance Rate
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
3-5%
Master’s (Engineering, Science, etc.)
5-10%
MBA (Harvard Business School)
10-12%
PhD
5-10%
Which Extracurricular Activities Are Preferred by Harvard University?
Harvard looks for students who do more than just study. Many ask, “How to get into Harvard from India after 12th?” or “What extracurriculars improve my chances?” The answer is simple—Harvard wants students who show impact, leadership, and dedication beyond academics.
What Kind of Extracurriculars Does Harvard Like?
Harvard classifies extracurricular activities into four tiers. The higher the tier, the greater the impact on admissions.
Tier
Activity Type
Examples
Tier 1 (High Impact)
National/International Awards, Leadership at Prestigious Levels
Olympiads (IMO, IOI, IPhO), Published Research, Founder of a Successful Startup, TEDx Speaker
Tier 2
State-Level Awards, Leadership in Recognized Programs
State Science Fair Winner, Captain of a National Sports Team, Published in a Top Journal
Tier 3
School-Level Leadership, Moderate Achievements
Head Boy/Girl, School-Level Debate Winner, Volunteer Work, Coding Competitions
Tier 4 (Low Impact)
Common Activities, No Major Achievements
School Club Membership, Local Competitions, Basic Hobbies
To increase admission chances, students should aim for Tier 1 or Tier 2 activities.
Harvard University Scholarships for International Students
Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, but many students worry about the Harvard fees for Indian students.
Harvard provides generous scholarships to help students afford their education. Many ask, “How to get into Harvard as an Indian?” or “Can an Indian student get a full scholarship at Harvard?” The answer is yes—Harvard offers 100% need-based financial aid to international students who qualify.
Does Harvard Offer Scholarships to Indian Students?
Yes, Harvard University scholarships for Indian students are available for undergraduate, master’s, MBA, and PhD programs. These scholarships are based on financial need, not merit.
Scholarship Name
Eligibility
Coverage
Harvard Need-Based Scholarship
All undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need
100% tuition + living expenses for families earning <$75,000 (₹62 lakh) per year
Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI)
Low-income undergraduate students
Full financial aid package
Tata Scholarship for Harvard Students
Indian undergraduate and MBA students
Partial funding
Harvard Graduate Fellowships
Master’s and PhD students (varies by department)
Partial or full tuition
Harvard GSAS Research Assistantships
PhD students in STEM and Social Sciences
Full tuition + stipend
HBS Need-Based Fellowships
MBA students with financial need
$40,000 - $80,000 per year (₹33 - ₹66 lakh)
How Much Financial Aid Do Indian Students Get at Harvard?
Family Income
Chance of Full Financial Aid
Below $75,000 (₹62 lakh) per year
Full scholarship (100% tuition + living expenses covered)
$75,000 - $150,000 (₹62-₹1.24 crore) per year
Partial financial aid
Above $150,000 (₹1.24 crore)
Limited aid
Harvard University Popular Courses
Harvard is famous for its world-class programs in multiple fields. Many students wonder, “Which Harvard courses are best for Indian students?” or “How to get admission in Harvard University from India?” The answer depends on career goals. Harvard offers top-ranked programs in business, law, medicine, engineering, and social sciences.
Most Popular Undergraduate Courses at Harvard
Course
Why It’s Popular?
Economics
Prepares students for careers in finance, consulting, and policymaking
Computer Science
Strong industry connections with Google, Microsoft, and Meta
Government & Political Science
Produces world leaders and policymakers
Neuroscience & Biology
Leads to careers in medicine, biotech, and research
Mathematics & Physics
Prepares students for research, finance, and AI
Most students apply for Economics, Computer Science, and Political Science, as these programs offer high career prospects.
Top Master’s Programs at Harvard for Indian Students
Harvard is a dream destination for master’s students from India. Many ask, “How to apply for Harvard University from India?” and “What are the most competitive master’s programs at Harvard?” Here are the most sought-after programs:
Corporate Law, Human Rights (Harvard Law Firms, UN, Supreme Court)
Master’s in Biotechnology
Pharma, Research, Bioengineering (Pfizer, Novartis, MIT Labs)
Harvard’s MBA and Law programs are among the most competitive for Indian students.
Best PhD Programs at Harvard for Indian Students
Harvard provides full funding for PhD students, making it an attractive option for Indian scholars. Many students ask, “How can Indian students get admission in Harvard University?”
PhD Program
Funding
PhD in Economics
Fully funded + stipend
PhD in Biomedical Sciences
Fully funded + research grants
PhD in Artificial Intelligence
Fully funded + research assistantships
PhD in Social Sciences
Fully funded + fellowship support
Most PhD students at Harvard receive 100% tuition waivers and living stipends.
Preparation Tips for Indian Students to Get into Harvard University
How to get into Harvard from India? The answer is strong academics, competitive test scores, impactful extracurriculars, and a well-crafted application.
1. Score High in Academics & Tests
Harvard admits students from the top 1-5% of their class. Competitive scores improve chances.
2. Build a Strong Extracurricular Profile
Harvard values impact over quantity.
3. Craft a Powerful Application
Personal Essay: Highlight unique experiences, struggles, and achievements.
Letters of Recommendation: Choose teachers or employers who know you well.
Interview: Be confident, clear, and authentic.
Harvard Interview Tips
The Harvard interview is an opportunity to showcase personality, leadership, and aspirations.
Be clear on why Harvard – Show how it aligns with goals.
Prepare for common questions – Expect "Why Harvard?", "Your biggest challenge?", and "Future goals?".
Be yourself – Authenticity matters more than rehearsed answers.
Know your application well – Interviewers may ask about essays or extracurriculars.
Common Harvard Interview Questions
Question
What They Look For
Tell me about yourself.
Confidence, clarity, uniqueness
Why Harvard?
Strong reason, fit for academic/career goals
Biggest strength & weakness?
Self-awareness, growth mindset
Describe a leadership experience.
Initiative, impact, problem-solving
Famous Indian Harvard Alumni
Harvard University has produced some of the world’s most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Many Indian students who wonder "How to get into Harvard from India?" often look up to successful Harvard alumni for inspiration.
Here are some of the most notable Indian Harvard alumni who have made a significant impact in business, politics, technology, and academia.
Name
Notable Position/Contribution
Year of Graduation
Ratan Tata
Industrialist, Former Chairman of Tata Group of Industries
Getting into Harvard is extremely competitive for Indian students. Each year, Harvard receives thousands of international applications, with an acceptance rate of around 3–5% for international applicants. Applicants from India compete not only globally but also within a highly talented domestic pool.
How much does it cost to study in Harvard from India?
The cost of studying at Harvard for Indian students includes tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance, and personal expenses. For undergraduate programs, the estimated annual cost is around $85,000 (₹70+ lakhs). For master’s programs, the cost varies by school, typically ranging between $50,000–$100,000 per year.
Does Harvard give 100% scholarship to Indian students?
Yes. Harvard offers 100% need-based financial aid to international students, including those from India. There are no merit-based scholarships. If your family demonstrates financial need, Harvard will cover all or part of your costs through grants not loans.
Is IIT better than Harvard?
Both IIT and Harvard are prestigious, but they serve different goals. IITs are India’s premier engineering institutes, while Harvard is a globally ranked university offering a wide array of disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and business. For engineering, IIT may offer better local relevance, but Harvard provides international exposure, interdisciplinary education, and world-class research opportunities.
How to get into Harvard from India after 12th?
After completing 12th grade, Indian students can apply to Harvard as first-year undergraduate applicants. You need to apply through the Common Application, submit school transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and optional SAT/ACT scores.
How to get into Harvard from India for free?
Studying at Harvard for free is possible if you qualify for full financial aid. This involves submitting the CSS Profile and other financial documents to show your family’s income and assets. If your need is genuine, Harvard may cover all costs, tuition, housing, food, and travel.
How to get into Harvard from India for Masters?
For master's degrees, you must apply directly to the relevant Harvard graduate school (e.g., Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, etc.). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, which may include:
Bachelor’s degree
GRE/GMAT scores
Resume or CV
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation
Work experience (for professional programs)
How to get into Harvard from India with scholarship?
To receive a scholarship, apply for need-based financial aid while submitting your application. Unlike many universities, Harvard does not offer merit scholarships. All aid decisions are based purely on your financial situation.
Can an average Indian student get into Harvard?
Yes, but it's rare. “Average” academically doesn’t always mean average potential. If a student shows exceptional leadership, unique personal experiences, or remarkable resilience, they may stand out in Harvard’s holistic admissions process. The key lies in telling your story authentically and showing what makes you exceptional beyond marks.
Do Indian students need SAT or ACT for Harvard in 2025?
As of 2025, Harvard has made standardized tests optional. However, for Indian students, a high SAT/ACT score (SAT: 1500+ / ACT: 33+) can significantly strengthen your application. These scores help prove your readiness for rigorous academics, especially for students from underrepresented schools or regions.
Which Indian schools have alumni who got into Harvard?
Several Indian schools have alumni admitted to Harvard, including:
Delhi Public School (DPS)
Modern School, Delhi
Dhirubhai Ambani International School
The Doon School
Rishi Valley School
International Baccalaureate (IB) schools across metros
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2710 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
