Are there fully funded scholarships for international students at Harvard?

I'm an international student interested in applying to Harvard University. Are there any fully funded scholarships available? How competitive are these, and what are the application requirements? Any current students or applicants willing to share their experiences?

Yes, Harvard University does offer financial aid to international students. It operates under what's called a need-blind admissions policy for all students, including international ones. This means the university does not consider an applicant's financial circumstances during the admission process.

Furthermore, Harvard guarantees to meet 100% of the demonstrated need for all admitted students. This essentially means that Harvard commits to covering your education costs, including tuition, room, board, and other expenses, if you're unable to pay for these costs yourself. This policy applies to all accepted students, including international ones.

Note, however, that the scholarship is not separate from admission. Rather, it's part of your financial aid package once you're accepted to the university. Once you're admitted, the financial aid office will assess your family's financial circumstances to determine your demonstrated need.

In terms of competitiveness, it's worth noting that Harvard is one of the most selective universities in the world. The admission process is highly competitive, but remember that it doesn't consider your financial situation in making admissions decisions, so your ability to pay or your need for financial aid won't affect your chances.

Each financial aid package is tailored to the individual student’s circumstances, so there aren’t any specific application requirements for the financial aid itself beyond the standard documentation needed to demonstrate your financial situation. These requirements are provided to you once you’re admitted.

I've heard from many students who were pleasantly surprised at how generous Harvard's financial aid can be. It's not uncommon for Harvard students to graduate debt-free, even those from low-income families. While every experience is different, the vast majority of students find the financial aid process at Harvard to be fair and reasonable.

When applying to Harvard, focus on putting forward your best application and demonstrating your academic abilities, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. Don't let concerns over finances deter you from applying. Best of luck in your application process!