Does Harvard accept and enroll international students?
I'm an 11th grader from Mexico and I've really been interested in applying to Harvard, but I'm not sure if they actually accept international students. I know some colleges in the US have limits or different requirements for international applicants, and I'm worried it might be harder or even impossible for me to get in because of where I'm from.
Is Harvard open to students from outside the US? If so, does anyone know if the process or the financial aid options are a lot different for international students? I've heard mixed things and I want to make sure I'm prepared before I start my application.
If anyone here has experience as an international applicant to Harvard specifically, could you share what it was like or any advice?
Is Harvard open to students from outside the US? If so, does anyone know if the process or the financial aid options are a lot different for international students? I've heard mixed things and I want to make sure I'm prepared before I start my application.
If anyone here has experience as an international applicant to Harvard specifically, could you share what it was like or any advice?
3 weeks ago
•
17 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
Harvard absolutely accepts and enrolls international students every year. In fact, their student body is quite diverse, with about 10-12% of each entering undergraduate class made up of students from outside the United States. There are no strict quotas or limits for international applicants, so your nationality by itself won’t prevent you from being admitted.
The application process itself is very similar for all applicants, whether domestic or international. You'll apply using either the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal College Application, and all students submit the same essays and recommendations. The required standardized tests (if you choose to submit them) and transcripts may require translation if not in English, but the rest of the process closely mirrors what US applicants experience.
One area where Harvard stands out is financial aid. Harvard promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. There’s no separate or limited pool of financial aid for international students, which is rare among US universities. For example, if admitted, the cost of attendance can be fully covered by grants (not loans) based on your family’s financial circumstances. You'll submit financial aid forms like the CSS Profile and possibly additional documentation—this is the main difference beyond the general admissions process. International students should be prepared to provide more detailed financial documentation, as requirements can vary by country.
The application process itself is very similar for all applicants, whether domestic or international. You'll apply using either the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal College Application, and all students submit the same essays and recommendations. The required standardized tests (if you choose to submit them) and transcripts may require translation if not in English, but the rest of the process closely mirrors what US applicants experience.
One area where Harvard stands out is financial aid. Harvard promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. There’s no separate or limited pool of financial aid for international students, which is rare among US universities. For example, if admitted, the cost of attendance can be fully covered by grants (not loans) based on your family’s financial circumstances. You'll submit financial aid forms like the CSS Profile and possibly additional documentation—this is the main difference beyond the general admissions process. International students should be prepared to provide more detailed financial documentation, as requirements can vary by country.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years