What are the scholarship options at Harvard for international students?

I'm an international student dreaming about applying to Harvard, and I'm curious about the scholarships they offer. Could someone share insights on the types of scholarships available and how competitive they are for international students?

Harvard University operates on a need-based financial aid policy, and this extends to international students, much like their domestic peers. The university is dedicated to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students who are admitted, including international students.

Harvard's financial aid does not involve any merit or athletic scholarships; all of their aid is need-based. The financial aid package they offer typically consists of a combination of grants and work-study, ensuring students do not need to take out loans to fund their education. The university determines your level of need based on your family's financial circumstances - their income, assets, expenses, and family size all play a role.

One thing to note regarding Harvard's need-based financial aid is that the family contribution is scaled. Families with an income less than $85,000 are expected to contribute nothing to the cost of attendance, while those with incomes between $85,000 and $150,000 are expected to contribute from 0-10% of their income.

The acceptance rate at Harvard is very competitive, so receiving an admission offer (and subsequently financial aid) as an international student will be challenging. Still, if you are admitted and demonstrate need, you can expect Harvard to meet that need fully.

Remember to submit all necessary financial aid documents on time to ensure your aid eligibility is considered. The documents usually required for international students include the CSS Profile and tax returns or wage statements, if available.

I hope this provides a bit of clarity on Harvard's financial aid system for international students. It's a competitive process, but if you're admitted and demonstrate financial need, Harvard can offer significant support. Best of luck with your application!