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Harvard
University

One of the world's most prestigious universities — renowned for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, exceptional faculty, and a global alumni network spanning every major industry.

QS Rank #5 Cambridge, Massachusetts Private Ivy League University
Quick Facts
Established
1636 — Oldest university in the United States
Total Students
25,000+ (including 5,000+ international students)
Tuition Fees
Approx. USD 56,000 – 60,000 / year
Primary Intake
Fall (August / September)
English Requirement
TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent English proficiency accepted (requirements vary by program)
✦ Overview

About Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the world's most prestigious institutions, renowned for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and global leadership.

Harvard University Campus
🏫
Est. 1636 Cambridge, Massachusetts

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and a founding member of the prestigious Ivy League.

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from Boston, Harvard's historic campus combines centuries-old architecture with cutting-edge laboratories, libraries, and innovation hubs.

For Indian students, Harvard offers an intellectually stimulating and multicultural environment with students representing more than 150 countries. The university provides exceptional research opportunities, world-class faculty, and access to one of the largest academic library systems in the world.

With outstanding programmes across business, engineering, law, medicine, computer science, public policy, and the humanities, Harvard continues to produce influential leaders, Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, and innovators across every field.

Ivy League Member Founded in 1636 Research Excellence Global Top University World-Class Faculty
✦ Rankings

Global Rankings 2026

Harvard University consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide across major international ranking systems.

#5
QS World University Rankings
2026 Edition
#3
Times Higher Education (THE)
World University Rankings 2026
#1
Best University in the United States
Multiple Global Rankings
Top 5
Graduate Employability
Global Employability Rankings
Subject Rankings

Harvard is globally recognized among the Top 10 for Business, Law, Medicine, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Biological Sciences, and Education. It also ranks among the world's leading institutions for Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Public Health, and Arts & Humanities.

✦ Courses & Fees

Popular Courses for Indian Students

Explore some of the most sought-after undergraduate, graduate, and research programmes at Harvard University for international students.

Undergraduate
Graduate
PhD / Research
Bachelor of Computer Science
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 59,000 – 61,000 / year
Bachelor of Economics
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 59,000 – 61,000 / year
Bachelor of Engineering Sciences
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 59,000 – 61,000 / year
Bachelor of Applied Mathematics
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 59,000 – 61,000 / year
Bachelor of Government & Political Science
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 59,000 – 61,000 / year
Bachelor of Biology
4 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 59,000 – 61,000 / year
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 78,000 – 80,000 / year
Master in Data Science
2 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 58,000 – 65,000 / year
Master of Public Administration
2 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 55,000 – 60,000 / year
Master of Education (Ed.M.)
1 year Fall Intake On-campus
USD 56,000 – 60,000 / year
Master of Public Health (MPH)
2 years Fall Intake On-campus
USD 60,000 – 66,000 / year
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
1 year Fall Intake On-campus
USD 75,000 – 78,000 / year
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
4–6 years Annual Intake
Fully Funded for Most Admitted Students
PhD in Computer Science
5 years Fall Intake
Funding with Tuition Waiver & Stipend
PhD in Engineering & Applied Sciences
5 years Fall Intake
Research Assistantship Available
PhD in Biological Sciences
5 years Fall Intake
Full Funding Available
✦ Cost Overview

Estimated Cost of Study

Approximate annual expenses for Indian students studying at Harvard University.

Expense Annual Cost (USD) Annual Cost (INR approx.)
Tuition Fees (avg.) USD 59,000 – 80,000 ₹50L – ₹68L
Accommodation & Housing USD 15,000 – 20,000 ₹13L – ₹17L
Food & Meal Plans USD 7,000 – 9,000 ₹6L – ₹7.7L
Health Insurance USD 4,000 – 5,000 ₹3.4L – ₹4.3L
Books & Academic Supplies USD 1,000 – 1,500 ₹85K – ₹1.3L
Transportation USD 1,000 – 2,000 ₹85K – ₹1.7L
Personal & Miscellaneous USD 3,000 – 5,000 ₹2.5L – ₹4.3L
Total Estimated Annual Cost USD 90,000 – 120,000 ₹76L – ₹1.02Cr
💡 Student Employment

International students on an F-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during official university breaks. Harvard also offers numerous on-campus employment opportunities and research assistantships to eligible students.

✦ Admission

Admission Requirements

Everything Indian students need to know before applying to Harvard University — eligibility, required documents, and application timelines.

Eligibility & Requirements

Academic Qualification
Undergraduate applicants should demonstrate exceptional academic performance in Class 12 (typically 90%+ or equivalent). Graduate applicants require a recognized bachelor's degree with an excellent academic record.
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores are recommended for non-native English speakers. Competitive applicants generally score TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.5+.
Personal Essay / Statement
Undergraduate applicants submit Common App essays, while graduate programs require a Statement of Purpose outlining academic interests, achievements, and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Usually 2–3 strong academic or professional recommendation letters are required depending on the program.
Passport & Academic Documents
Valid passport, official transcripts, mark sheets, certificates, and English translations (if applicable) must be submitted.
Work Experience (MBA & Select Programs)
Harvard Business School MBA applicants generally have 2–5 years of professional experience. Other master's programs may not require work experience.

Key Dates — 2026 / 2027

1
Applications Open
August 2026
2
Early Action Deadline
November 1, 2026
3
Regular Decision Deadline
January 1, 2027
4
Admission Decisions
March – April 2027
5
Visa & Enrollment
May – July 2027
6
Fall Semester Begins
Late August / Early September 2027
📌 Application Portal

Undergraduate applicants apply through the Common Application, while graduate applicants submit applications through Harvard's respective school portals. Nomad Scholar can assist with SOPs, essays, document preparation, and complete application support.

✦ Scholarships

Scholarships for Indian Students

Harvard University provides one of the world's most generous need-based financial aid systems for international students, including applicants from India.

Harvard Financial Aid
Up to Full Cost
Need-based aid covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and other educational expenses depending on family income.
University Undergraduate Need Based
Harvard Griffin GSAS Fellowships
Full Funding
Provides tuition coverage, living stipend, and health insurance for eligible PhD students across multiple disciplines.
Graduate PhD Fully Funded
Harvard Business School Fellowships
USD 20,000–40,000/year
Need-based fellowships awarded to MBA students based on financial circumstances and academic merit.
Business School MBA Need Based
External Scholarships (Fulbright-Nehru)
Varies
Indian students may also receive support through prestigious external funding programs including Fulbright-Nehru fellowships.
External Graduate Competitive
✦ Campus Life

Life at Harvard University

Harvard offers an intellectually stimulating campus experience with historic traditions, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant multicultural community.

Accommodation
Undergraduate students typically live in Harvard Yard before moving into residential Houses. Graduate housing options are also available across Cambridge and nearby Boston.
Indian Student Community
Active Indian student organizations host Diwali celebrations, networking sessions, cultural festivals, and mentorship programs throughout the year.
Libraries & Research
Harvard maintains over 70 libraries including the iconic Widener Library, offering one of the largest academic collections in the world.
Sports & Recreation
NCAA Division I athletics, fitness centers, rowing facilities, swimming pools, and numerous recreational clubs are available for students.
Career Services
Students receive career counseling, internship support, employer networking opportunities, startup resources, and access to Harvard's extensive alumni network.
Location & Transport
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard enjoys easy access to Boston via the MBTA subway and bus network, connecting students to internships and cultural attractions.
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