Aspiring to study at Harvard? FAQs of international applicants are answered here
Harvard University clears the air about frequently asked questions by international students so that they are not stressed about the application process
Where to start? How to apply? What are the important documents needed to apply? An international student who is applying to various universities globally would likely ask many more such questions.

Many students search tirelessly for answers from trusted sources so that they can apply to the universities of their choice and fulfill their dream of studying abroad.
Harvard University clears the air about such frequently asked questions for international students so that they are not stressed about the application process and can confidently go forward with their submission.
Here are some of the commonly asked questions by the students who look forward to applying to Harvard:
How to apply at Harvard University?
“ The application requirements are the same for all applicants whether a student attends high school inside or outside the U.S. All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application along with the required supplements. We have no preference and each application is treated equally by the Admissions Committee,” informed Harvard.
If the candidate is applying via the common application, they must submit their application before their supporting materials (Secondary School Report, Teacher Recommendations, etc.) can be released to a college.
If the candidate is applying through the coalition application, they must submit the separate Harvard supplement in addition to the application by the application deadline for their application to be considered complete.
Also Read: Role of effective counselling in overcoming exam stress
Which standardized tests are required to apply at Harvard?
The following are the standardized tests required to apply at Harvard:
- SAT or ACT
In exceptional cases, when those are not accessible for a student, one of the following can meet the requirement:
- AP exam results
- IB Actual or Predicted Scores
- GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results
- National Leaving Exams Results (externally assessed) or Predictions
Regarding TOEFL, First-year and transfer applicants are not required to take an English proficiency exam, but they may submit scores if they wish to do so. However, visiting undergraduate student program applicants are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exams.
Also Read: Beyond IITs: Some other institutes and courses you can apply for with JEE Advanced score
Are there any quotas for international applicants?
There are no quotas or limits of any kind at any point in the admissions process.
Are there admission application fee waivers for international students?
Applicants can request an admission application fee waiver if they meet the respective indicators of economic need. Even if they do not meet the indicators, they can still request a fee waiver.
Can applicants who receive financial aid expect travel expenses to be paid by Harvard?
“ All students, American and international, who are on financial aid have a travel allowance included in their financial aid award to help cover the cost of travel to and from Cambridge. Overseas students are advised to seek information from the nearest U.S. Cultural Affairs Office about travel grants and other financial assistance available to qualified students from various foundations and from the U.S. government,” informed the university.
For more information, visit the official website.
ABOUT THE AUTHORHT Education DeskFor over a decade, the Hindustan Times Digital Streams – Education Desk has been a trusted source for accurate, in-depth, and timely news on education and careers. We bring the latest updates on board exams, competitive exams, results, employment news, study abroad, scholarships, and school and college admissions, helping students, job seekers, and educators make informed decisions. Our Coverage Areas 1. Board Exams & Results: Comprehensive reporting on CBSE, CISCE, and state board exams (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and others), including schedules, admit cards, answer keys, results, and career opportunities. 2. Competitive Exams: Insights into major exams like UPSC, JEE, NEET, GATE, CAT, SAT, and state and central government services. Exam Results: Timely updates on UPSC, SSC, SBI, IBPS, NTA, IIMs, and other competitive exam results. 3. Employment News: Notifications on government and private sector jobs, vacancies, eligibility, application processes, and results. 4. Study Abroad: Information on top universities, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, visa regulations, and career prospects for international students. Features & Analysis: Opinion pieces, expert explainers, deep-dive reports, and interviews with key figures in education. 5. Breaking Education News: Real-time updates on major policy changes, institutional reforms, and trends shaping the education sector. 6. With a commitment to factual, unbiased journalism, HT Digital’s Education Desk has seen continuous growth in readership, offering credible and engaging content tailored for students, parents, and professionals. Meet the Team 1. Nilesh Mathur – News Editor A journalist with 24 years of experience, including 18+ years at Hindustan Times, Nilesh leads editorial planning, ensures factual accuracy, and enhances audience engagement through strategic content. 2. Papri Chanda – Deputy Chief Content Producer With over a decade of experience in education journalism, Papri specializes in exam-related content, study abroad insights, and education trends. She also explores new opportunities in education that benefit students. 3. Bishal – Senior Content Producer Active in the education and jobs sector since 2019, Bishal focuses on tracking developments, analyzing trends, and crafting informative content for students and job aspirants. 4. Gaurav Sarma – Deputy Chief Content Producer A multimedia journalist with 9+ years of experience, Gaurav is skilled in research-based storytelling, feature writing, and reporting on competitive exams, online courses, and education trends. At Hindustan Times Digital Streams – Education Desk, we strive to be the go-to platform for students and professionals navigating the dynamic world of education and careers.Read More

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