I’m currently a junior aiming to apply to Harvard University, though funding is a concern. Can anyone share information about international scholarships that might help cover costs specifically for undergraduates intending to attend Harvard?
Harvard University, as you might know, is committed to making its programs accessible to students from all walks of life, including international students. They follow a need-blind policy regarding admissions. What this means is that your ability to pay does not affect their admissions decision. The financial aid policy at Harvard is designed around the philosophy that education should be affordable for all deserving students.
The good news is that this policy extends to international students as well. When considering your admission, Harvard calculates your family contribution - what your family is expected to be able to afford - and covers the rest. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, and some personal expenses.
Moreover, families with an yearly income of less than $85,000 are typically expected to contribute nothing towards the cost of attendance. While this financial aid program is available for both domestic and international students, keep in mind that the thresholds might not be applicable in the same way in all countries due to differences in living expenses.
Additionally, a handy thing about Harvard's financial aid is that it is not wrapped in loans - it's straight-up grant aid, meaning you don't have to pay it back.
In terms of scholarships outside of Harvard specific to international students, there are numerous options, though a lot depends on your home country, your intended field of study, and specific conditions of the scholarship. I recommend checking reliable scholarship search platforms or connect with an educational advisor.
In short, don't let your international status deter you from applying to Harvard or other such top-tier schools. Many of them, including Harvard, are very committed to supporting international students and making an American college education accessible to as many people as possible. Best of luck!
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