Top 10 Harvard University Scholarships for International Students (2026–2027)

Dreaming of studying at Harvard University? One of the biggest concerns for many students is the cost of tuition and living expenses. Fortunately, Harvard University is committed to making education affordable through generous financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, and funding opportunities for both domestic and international students.

Unlike many universities, Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students. Instead, it provides need-based financial aid and meets 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated financial need, regardless of nationality. International students are eligible for the same financial aid policies as U.S. students. Additionally, Harvard’s graduate schools offer a variety of fellowships and scholarships based on merit, financial need, leadership, and academic excellence.

In this article, we have compiled the Top 10 Harvard University Scholarships and Funding Opportunities for International Students in 2026–2027.

1. Harvard Financial Aid (Need-Based Scholarship)

Harvard’s flagship financial aid program provides generous need-based scholarships for undergraduate students. The university follows a need-blind admission policy for all applicants, including international students, and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Benefits

• Full tuition support
• Housing and meals (based on need)
• Health insurance support
• Books and personal expenses
• No repayment required

Official Website: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works

2. Harvard College Scholarship Program

The Harvard College Scholarship Program consists of more than 2,000 endowed scholarship funds established by alumni and donors. Eligible undergraduate students automatically receive consideration through their financial aid application.

Benefits

• Full or partial tuition coverage
• Living expense support
• Renewable throughout undergraduate study

Official Website: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works/types-aid

3. Harvard Kennedy School Scholarships

The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) offers numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships for students pursuing master’s degrees in public policy, public administration, and international development.

Benefits

• Partial or full tuition scholarships
• Living stipend
• Leadership fellowships
• Research funding

Official Website: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/funding-your-education/scholarships-fellowships

4. Harvard Committee on General Scholarships (CGS)

The Harvard Committee on General Scholarships administers various fellowships and scholarships for graduate students, including international students enrolled in eligible Harvard programs.

Benefits

• Tuition assistance
• Living allowance
• Research support

Official Website: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/funding-your-education/applying-financial-aid

5. Harvard Graduate School of Education Scholarships

Students enrolled at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) may qualify for institutional scholarships and external funding opportunities, including awards administered through the Committee on General Scholarships.

Benefits

• Tuition grants
• Fellowships
• External scholarship opportunities

Official Website: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid

6. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Scholarships

The Harvard Chan School offers merit- and need-based scholarships for eligible master’s and doctoral students studying public health and related disciplines.

Benefits

• Tuition assistance
• Need-based grants
• Merit scholarships
• Fellowship opportunities

Official Website: https://hsph.harvard.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/

7. Harvard Business School (HBS) Fellowships

Harvard Business School provides generous need-based fellowships for MBA students. Fellowship awards vary according to financial need and are available to both domestic and international students.

Benefits

• Significant tuition assistance
• Living expense support
• Renewable funding during the MBA program

Official Website: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/financial-aid

8. Harvard Griffin Graduate School Fellowships

Doctoral students admitted to Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences receive comprehensive funding packages that generally include tuition, health insurance, and annual living stipends for multiple years.

Benefits

• Full tuition waiver
• Annual living stipend
• Health insurance
• Research support

Official Website: https://gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support

9. Harvard University Academy Scholars Program

The Harvard Academy Scholars Program supports outstanding early-career scholars conducting research in the social sciences and law, particularly those with expertise in international and regional studies.

Benefits

• Annual stipend
• Research funding
• Faculty mentorship
• Two-year appointment

Official Website: https://academy.wcfia.harvard.edu

10. External Scholarships Accepted at Harvard

Harvard encourages students to apply for prestigious external scholarships and fellowships, including:

• Fulbright Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars
• Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship
• Rotary Peace Fellowship
• Commonwealth Scholarships

These awards can be combined with Harvard financial aid according to university policies.

Why Choose Harvard University?

Harvard University consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and offers:

• World-class faculty
• Global research opportunities
• Outstanding career outcomes
• Extensive alumni network
• Generous financial aid for international students
• Need-blind admissions for undergraduate applicants regardless of nationality

Can International Students Get a Full Scholarship at Harvard?

Yes. International students are eligible for the same need-based financial aid as U.S. students. If admitted, Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it possible for many students to study with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Undergraduate financial aid is based on financial need rather than academic merit, while many graduate schools also offer merit-based fellowships.

Final Thoughts

Harvard University remains one of the most generous universities in the world when it comes to supporting talented students. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, a master’s program, or a PhD, there are numerous funding opportunities available to help reduce or fully cover the cost of your education.

If you aspire to study at one of the world’s leading institutions, explore these scholarship opportunities early, prepare a strong application, and submit all required financial aid documents before the deadlines.