Harvard University

Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, maintaining a position within the top five in major global rankings. It is ranked #5 in the QS Rankings, #3 in the THE rankings, and #3 in the US News rankings, reflecting its strong global reputation.

Here's how Harvard University performs across rankings:

Ranking Body	Rank 2024	Rank 2025	Rank 2026
QS World University Rankings	4	4	5
THE (Times Higher Education)	4	3	TBA
U.S. News & World Report (National)	3	3	3

Subject-wise rankings can help you understand how your chosen program performs. Let's look into the details.

 Harvard University: Top Course-wise Ranking 2024-25

In subject-wise rankings, Harvard performs exceptionally well, with engineering ranked #9, business at #1, and humanities at #1 in the QS rankings. Similarly, health sciences (#2) and law (#2) in the THE rankings highlight its excellence across diverse fields. 

Here's a look at how different subjects perform at Harvard University:

College Name	Ranking Body	Ranking 2025
Engineering	QS Ranking	9
Business	QS Ranking	1
Humanities	QS Ranking	1
Health Sciences	Times Higher Education	2
Law	Times Higher Education	2

Unsure how Harvard performs in your chosen subject? Check out Harvard University Ranking 2025 for detailed insights and see how it stands globally! 

Now, let's explore its campuses.

If you are wondering where is Harvard University so Harvard University has three campuses: the Harvard Yard (main campus), Longwood Campus, and Allston Campus. It has 12 graduate and professional schools, along with an institute for advanced study, offering degrees in medicine, engineering, business, arts, humanities, law, and design. 

Here's an overview of Harvard University Campuses.

• Harvard Yard: 
  • Harvard Yard hosts the Widener Library, one of the world's largest university libraries, with 3.5 million volumes.
  • It is home to the Memorial Church, which hosts annual lectures by Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners.
  • Harvard Yard’s historic gates and buildings date back over 370 years, making it the birthplace of American higher education.
• Longwood: 
  • It is home to Harvard Medical School, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. 
  • The Harvard Medical School, located on this campus, has 16 Nobel Prize winners among its faculty.
  • It is the site where CRISPR gene-editing technology was first developed.
  • Leads U.S. biomedical research funding, receiving over $1 billion annually from the NIH.
• Allston: 
  • It houses the Harvard Business School, ranked #1 globally for its MBA program and executive education.
  • Hosts the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, a leader in quantum computing and sustainable technology research.
  • It is home to Harvard Innovation Labs, which incubates over 150 startups annually.

After exploring Harvard University's campuses, let's examine the details of the admission process.

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Harvard is one of the most competitive schools, with an overall acceptance rate of 3.64% across programs. Highly competitive programs like medicine and computer science have even lower acceptance rates.  

You can apply through either Restricted Early Action or Regular Decision by submitting required documents, such as transcripts  and letters of recommendation. 

Below is a breakdown of the admission requirements and deadlines for Harvard University: 

Admission Requirements

Harvard requires SAT  or ACT scores, along with academic records such as the final school transcript. International students can also submit English language test scores, like TOEFL, although it's not compulsory. Once admitted, international students must apply for a U.S. student visa to study in the United States. 

Here's a look at the different admission criteria for Harvard University:

Academic Qualification

Academic criteria include a GPA score along with documents such as transcripts and recommendation letters. Additionally, programs like MBA or Architecture may require a resume or portfolio. 

Here are the academic requirements:

Criteria	Details
Minimum GPA	No minimum GPA (average of 3.9 to 4.2)
Transcripts	Final School Report and transcript Secondary and midyear school reports
Recommendation Letters	Two recommendation letters from teachers
Degree	Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (for PG programs)

Note: Requirements vary by course. Please check the official website for more details.

Language Proficiency

Strong English proficiency is crucial for studying at Harvard. While an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) is not required, you may choose to submit scores. 

Competitive Exams

ACT and SAT scores must be submitted for undergraduate admissions, while GRE or GMAT scores are required for graduate programs such as MS and MBA. Harvard University does not specify minimum score requirements for these exams. 

Here are the competitive exams required for Harvard University:

Criteria	Average Score (Based on Trends)
SAT	1500 - 1580
ACT	34 - 36
Advanced Placement	N/A
International Baccalaureate (IB)	N/A
GCSE	N/A
A-Level	N/A
GRE	Verbal Reasoning: 145 - 170 Quantitative Reasoning: 146 - 170
GMAT	540 - 790

Note: The ACT and SAT are standard test options for admission. Other exam scores must be submitted only if requested.

Visa Requirements 

In recent years, there has been a 38% reduction in student visas issued to Indian applicants, reflecting stricter requirements. To avoid rejection, be sure to submit documents such as the letter of acceptance and apply for an F-1 student visa by providing your passport and proof of funds.

Here are the visa requirements to study at Harvard University:

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
Letter of Acceptance	Official admission letter issued by Harvard University.
Proof of Funds	Bank account statements, affidavits, or scholarship letters showing financial support for at least one academic year.
Form I-20	Issued by Harvard after admission and financial documents are approved. Required for the F-1 visa application.
Passport-size Photograph	Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements for filling out the DS-160 form.

The above criteria generally apply to different programs at Harvard University. For program-specific requirements, check out the Harvard University Admissions page. 

Now, let's check out the admission dates and intakes for Harvard University.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Currently, Harvard has 24,596 students enrolled. You can apply through Harvard's Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision programs. This allows you to compare admission and financial aid offers from other schools and wait until May 1 to make your final college decision.

Here's a look at the admission deadlines for international students to get into Harvard from India: 

Type	Application Deadline	Confirmation
Restrictive Early Action	November 1	Mid-December
Regular Decision program	January 1	End of March

Now that you’ve reviewed the admission requirements and application deadlines for studying at Harvard University, let’s take a look at the different programs offered.

Harvard University offers 3700 courses in streams ranging from sciences, business, engineering, arts, and humanities. Besides STEM programs (computer engineering, medicine, mathematics), Harvard offers courses in emerging fields like cybersecurity and biochemistry.

Here are some popular courses in different streams:

Stream	Programs
Engineering and Applied Science	Master of Science (Data Science)  Bachelor of Arts (Applied Mathematics)  Bachelor of Arts (Computer Science)
Medicine	Master of Science (Clinical Research)  Doctor of Medicine  Master of Science ( Healthcare Quality and Safety)
Law	Masters in Law  Doctor of Judicial Sciences  Juris Doctor (JD)
Business	MBA in Business Administration  Ph.D in Business Economics
Arts	Master of Arts in English  Bachelor of Arts (Economics)  Bachelor of Arts (English)  Bachelor of Arts (History)
Life Sciences	Master of Science in Neuroscience  Bachelor of Arts (Neuroscience)  Bachelor of Arts (Molecular and Cellular Biology)
Public Policy	Master in Public Administration  Master in Public Policy  Bachelor of Arts in Government

Now that you’ve reviewed the programs offered and admission details, let’s explore the tuition fees for different courses.

Cost of Studying at Harvard University 

Understanding the total cost, such as tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, helps you choose which universities fit your budget. Harvard's tuition fees are relatively high, making it one of the world's top private institutions. The total cost of studying at Harvard can go up to $82,950 (INR 71.3L)

Living expenses, including housing, transportation, and miscellaneous costs, make up approximately 23% to 25% of the annual cost of study in the US. 

Here are the tuition fees for different streams: 

Course	Annual Tuition Fees ($)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
Business	UG: $59,320	INR 51L
	PG: $78,700	INR 67.6L
Medicine	$73,874	INR 63.5L
Law	$80,760	INR 69.4L
Arts and Humanities	$57,328	INR 48.2L
Engineering	UG: $57,328	INR 49.2L
	PG: $65,536	INR 56.3L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Beyond tuition fees, you will need to factor in the cost of accommodation, meals, and course materials. Let's take a look at these expenses.

Cost of Living 

Beyond tuition fees, expenses like transport, housing, food, and course materials add to the overall cost of studying in the US. The amount spent on living expenses can vary depending on the city. Living in Boston may cost less compared to San Francisco but more than Dallas. 

Here are the additional costs associated with studying at Harvard University:

Purpose	Annual Cost ($)	Annual Cost (INR)
Housing	$13,532	INR 11.6L
Food	$8,598	INR 7.4L
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment	$1,000–$1,500	INR 86K - INR 1.3L
Transportation	$1,000–$1,500	INR 86K - INR 1.3L
Health Services	$1,800	INR 1.5L
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (e.g., internet)	$2,000–$3,000	INR 1.7L - INR 2.6L

To help ease the burden of tuition costs, Harvard offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let's check out some popular scholarships.

Understanding the total cost, such as tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, helps you choose which universities fit your budget. Harvard's tuition fees are relatively high, making it one of the world's top private institutions. The total cost of studying at Harvard can go up to $82,950 (INR 71.3L)

Living expenses, including housing, transportation, and miscellaneous costs, make up approximately 23% to 25% of the annual cost of study in the US.

Here are the tuition fees for different streams: 

Course	Annual Tuition Fees ($)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
Business	UG: $59,320	INR 51L
	PG: $78,700	INR 67.6L
Medicine	$73,874	INR 63.5L
Law	$80,760	INR 69.4L
Arts and Humanities	$57,328	INR 48.2L
Engineering	UG: $57,328	INR 49.2L
	PG: $65,536	INR 56.3L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Beyond tuition fees, you will need to factor in the cost of accommodation, meals, and course materials. Let's take a look at these expenses.

Cost of Living 

Beyond tuition fees, expenses like transport, housing, food, and course materials add to the overall cost of studying in the US. The amount spent on living expenses can vary depending on the city. Living in Boston may cost less compared to San Francisco but more than Dallas.

Here are the additional costs associated with studying at Harvard University:

Purpose	Annual Cost ($)	Annual Cost (INR)
Housing	$13,532	INR 11.6L
Food	$8,598	INR 7.4L
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment	$1,000–$1,500	INR 86K - INR 1.3L
Transportation	$1,000–$1,500	INR 86K - INR 1.3L
Health Services	$1,800	INR 1.5L
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (e.g., internet)	$2,000–$3,000	INR 1.7L - INR 2.6L

To help ease the burden of tuition costs, Harvard offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let's check out some popular scholarships.

About 55% of students receive need-based scholarships, and 1 in every 4 students studies at Harvard with little or no cost. Harvard offers individualized financial aid packages based on students' needs, including university scholarships and federal grants such as the Federal Pell Grant.

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available, including fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students: 

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are funded from Harvard's own resources or provided by more than 2000 individual endowments. Harvard students can apply for internal scholarships, such as Harvard scholarship funds, and government-funded scholarships, like Pell Grants.

Here are some internal scholarships to study at Harvard for Indian students: 

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Harvard Scholarship Funds	Need-based University Scholarship	Eligibility: Students with financial hardship. Benefits: 100% of financial need is covered.
University-Administered Federal Pell Grant	Need-based	Eligibility: Low-income undergraduate students Benefits: Covers part of tuition and educational expenses
University-Administered Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)	Need-based	Eligibility: Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need Benefits: Provides additional funds to help cover tuition and expenses
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	Merit-based, foundation	Eligibility: MBA students showing exceptional academic achievement and leadership Benefits: $10,000 (INR 8.6L) stipend.

Apart from the university's own scholarships, students can explore awards offered by external foundations, such as the Inlaks Scholarship.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are funded by either the government or private foundations. Indian students studying at Harvard can apply for scholarships like the Fulbright scholarships and the Inlaks scholarships, which cover tuition fees and living expenses. 

Below are some external scholarship options:

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship	Merit-based, Government-funded	Eligibility: Indian students pursuing graduate studies or research in the US. Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and other associated costs.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships	Merit-based	Eligibility: Students pursuing graduate-level coursework or research in Rotary's focus areas. Benefits: Minimum funding of $30,000 (INR 25.6L) to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Inlaks Scholarships	Merit-based, foundation	Eligibility: Indian students with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements. Benefits: Financial support that covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs.

These scholarships help reduce your financial burden, ensuring you can complete your studies without any issues. Now, let's take a look at placement at Harvard.

The Mignone Center for Career Services at Harvard provides comprehensive placement opportunities for students across all disciplines. 

The most job-oriented degree at Harvard is the MBA. About 85% of job applicants have received an offer, with a median salary of $175,000.

To help students succeed, Harvard offers placement services, including:

• Internship Exploration: It offers workshops and guidance to help students find internships that align with their academic interests and career goals.
• Building Your CV: The center offers one-on-one advising and workshops to help students craft strong resumes and CVs that highlight their skills, experience, and accomplishments. 
• Engaging with Employers: Harvard students have access to various employer networking events, career fairs, and recruiting events organized by the Mignone Center. 
• Access to Resources: The center provides a wealth of resources, including a career library, job boards, and online platforms where students can explore job postings, access career advice, and connect with alumni.
• Negotiating Offers: Career advisors help students navigate salary negotiations, benefits, and other terms to ensure they make informed decisions when accepting job offers.

Placement services at Harvard University prepare students for job opportunities with top companies such as Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Google, and other leading firms. 

Top Recruiters

Harvard ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is known for its rigorous academics and influential research. This strong reputation drives high demand for its graduates in all industries.

Here are some top recruiters:

• Deloitte: Graduates are hired for roles in technology, strategy, and risk management.
• Bain & Co.: Business, economics, and engineering students are hired for consulting positions.
• McKinsey & Company: Individuals with strong academic backgrounds in business, economics, or engineering are chosen for strategy and management consulting roles.
• JPMorgan Chase: Students from finance, economics, and STEM backgrounds are hired for management roles.
• Google: Targets students from computer science, engineering, and data science for roles in software engineering, product management, and data analysis.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Targets students interested in business, economics, or engineering.

Now, let's look at internship and co-op opportunities available for students at Harvard University.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

About 85% of Harvard students participate in internships and co-ops during their studies, gaining valuable experience in fields such as engineering, management, and consulting. 

Here's how you can begin your internship search:

• Explore Crimson Careers: Harvard's dedicated career platform for current students and recent alumni to find internship listings tailored to various fields.
• Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter: Make sure your application documents are polished and customized for each opportunity.
• Craft a Professional LinkedIn Profile: A strong LinkedIn presence helps with networking and getting noticed by potential employers.
• Connect with Alumni via MCS Firsthand Advisors: Use Harvard's alumni network to gain insights, mentorship, and potential referrals.
• Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events: Engage directly with recruiters and industry professionals at Harvard-hosted events.
• Consult with an MCS Advisor: Meet with a career advisor to create a personalized internship plan and get expert guidance.

International students can improve their internship search by using Interstride, a platform that provides webinars on visa regulations and work authorization.

Beyond these, Harvard College undergraduates have additional opportunities, such as Harvard-funded summer programs that include internships, research projects, and study abroad.

After checking out the placement services offered at the university and the top recruiters, let's compare Harvard University with its competitors.

Harvard University Vs Yale University Vs Stanford University 

Comparing similar universities helps prospective students make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, top courses, and potential career outcomes. For example, Harvard graduates have an average starting salary of $175,000 (INR 1.5 crore), which is higher than Yale graduates' average of $160,000 (INR 1.3 crore).

To get a clear picture, here's a comparison of Harvard University with similar ones like Yale University and Stanford University.

Parameters	Harvard University	Yale University	Stanford University
QS World Rankings 2025	4	23	6
Tuition Fees	UG: $56,550 (INR 49L)	UG:  $67,250 (INR 58.2L)	UG: $86,836 (INR 75.2L)
	PG: $63,624 (INR 55.1L)	PG: $51,250 (INR 44.4L)	PG: $80,000 - $1,00,00 (INR 69.3L - 86.6L)
Number of Courses	UG: NA	UG: 73	UG: 66
	PG: NA	PG: 80	PG: 80
Popular Courses	UG:  Juris Doctor BA History	UG:  BA Applied Mathematics BA Economics	UG:  BA Computer Science BS Electrical Engineering
	PG:  MS in Computer Science Master of Architecture (M.Arch)	PG:  Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Environmental Management	PG:  Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Master of Laws (LLM)
Placement (Average)	$175,000 (INR 1.5 CR)	$1,60,000 (INR 1.3 CR)	$185,000 (INR 1.6 CR)
Post-study Work Visa Opportunity	Apply for up to 12 months post-graduation through OPT	Offers 12 months of post-study work via OPT	Provides 12-month OPT work authorization after graduation
Scholarships	Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	Yale Graduate Fellowships	Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.

Harvard's QS rank of #4 is significantly higher than Stanford (#6) and Yale (#23), reflecting its stronger global reputation. Harvard also offers a competitive undergraduate tuition fee of $56,550, which is lower than Stanford's $86,836 but higher than Yale's $67,250. 

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and popular courses with similar universities, let's look at campus life.

Comparing similar universities helps prospective students make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, top courses, and potential career outcomes. For example, Harvard graduates have an average starting salary of $175,000 (INR 1.5 crore), which is higher than Yale graduates' average of $160,000 (INR 1.3 crore).

To get a clear picture, here's a comparison of Harvard University with similar ones like Yale University and Stanford University.

Parameters	Harvard University	Yale University	Stanford University
QS World Rankings 2025	4	23	6
Tuition Fees	UG: $56,550 (INR 49L)	UG:  $67,250 (INR 58.2L)	UG: $86,836 (INR 75.2L)
	PG: $63,624 (INR 55.1L)	PG: $51,250 (INR 44.4L)	PG: $80,000 - $1,00,00 (INR 69.3L - 86.6L)
Number of Courses	UG: NA	UG: 73	UG: 66
	PG: NA	PG: 80	PG: 80
Popular Courses	UG:  Juris Doctor BA History	UG:  BA Applied Mathematics BA Economics	UG:  BA Computer Science BS Electrical Engineering
	PG:  MS in Computer Science Master of Architecture (M.Arch)	PG:  Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Environmental Management	PG:  Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Master of Laws (LLM)
Placement (Average)	$175,000 (INR 1.5 CR)	$1,60,000 (INR 1.3 CR)	$185,000 (INR 1.6 CR)
Post-study Work Visa Opportunity	Apply for up to 12 months post-graduation through OPT	Offers 12 months of post-study work via OPT	Provides 12-month OPT work authorization after graduation
Scholarships	Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	Yale Graduate Fellowships	Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.

Harvard's QS rank of #4 is significantly higher than Stanford (#6) and Yale (#23), reflecting its stronger global reputation. Harvard also offers a competitive undergraduate tuition fee of $56,550, which is lower than Stanford's $86,836 but higher than Yale's $67,250. 

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and popular courses with similar universities, let's look at campus life.

Education at Harvard extends beyond the classroom. With over 450 student clubs and organizations, intramural athletics, and numerous leadership and service opportunities, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Here are some activities you can explore:

• Sport and Athletics: The Harvard Crimson teams compete in the Ivy League, and students can participate in sports like football, basketball, rowing, and soccer.
• Music and Visual Arts: You can be part of the Harvard College Opera Society, Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, and Harvard Jazz Band. Additionally, the Harvard Dance Program provides a range of courses and performance opportunities in dance.
• Public Service: Through Harvard Public Service Network, you can get involved in local community service, education outreach, or international development projects.
• Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC): Harvard offers ROTC programs in partnership with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, allowing students to receive military training while earning their degrees.
• Leadership and Service: The Harvard Leadership Institute and student organizations, such as Harvard Student Agencies, offer leadership skills and opportunities to make an impact.

Through extracurricular activities, Harvard strives for holistic development in addition to academic excellence. Now, let's explore popular alumni from Harvard.

With 420,000 alumni from over 200 countries, Harvard graduates have made significant contributions across fields ranging from business to the arts. Notable alumni include political leaders like John F. Kennedy, tech pioneers such as Bill Gates, and acclaimed artists like Matt Damon.

Here are some popular Harvard alumni.

Alumni	Field Work	Details
John F Kennedy	Politics	35th U.S. President known for leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Barack Obama	Politics	44th U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg	Jurist	Late U.S. Supreme Court Justice and champion of gender equality.
Ratan Tata	Business	Indian industrialist and former chairman of the Tata Group.
Matt Damon	Movie-making	Academy Award-winning actor known for movies like Good Will Hunting.
Mark Zuckerberg	Entrepreneur	Co-founder and CEO of Facebook.
Bill Gates	Entrepreneur	Founder of Microsoft and a leading global philanthropist.
Amartya Sen	Academic	Nobel laureate economist, renowned for work on welfare economics.

 

Beyond tuition fees, expenses like transport, housing, food, and course materials add to the overall cost of studying in the US. The amount spent on living expenses can vary depending on the city. Living in Boston may cost less compared to San Francisco but more than Dallas.

Here are the additional costs associated with studying at Harvard University:

Purpose	Annual Cost ($)	Annual Cost (INR)
Housing	$13,532	INR 11.6L
Food	$8,598	INR 7.4L
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment	$1,000–$1,500	INR 86K - INR 1.3L
Transportation	$1,000–$1,500	INR 86K - INR 1.3L
Health Services	$1,800	INR 1.5L
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (e.g., internet)	$2,000–$3,000	INR 1.7L - INR 2.6L

To help ease the burden of tuition costs, Harvard offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let's check out some popular scholarships.

The average tuition fee at Harvard is $61,676, which is 22% higher than the national average of $47,890. Despite this, the university enrolls students from diverse backgrounds. An MS program costs you around $65,536 (INR 56.3L), whereas an MBA costs $78,700 (INR 67.6L).  

Here are details of intakes at Harvard for different programs:

Base Course	Annual Tuition Fee
MS	$65,536 (INR 56.3L) 1st year $32,768 (INR 28.1L) 2nd year
MBA	$78,700 (INR 67.6L)
BA	$57,328 (INR 49.2L)
BTech	$57,328 (INR 49.2L)

Note: 

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please refer to the official Harvard University website for the most up-to-date information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you’ve reviewed the programs offered and admission details, let’s explore the tuition fees for different courses.