What are the Harvard scholarship opportunities for international students?

I'm a high school junior looking into applying to Harvard as an international student. I'm curious about the scholarship opportunities available for international students. What kind of scholarships does Harvard offer, and what are the requirements?

Harvard offers generous financial aid to all its students, including international applicants. This aid primarily comes in the form of need-based scholarships or grants, which do not need to be repaid.

When Harvard assesses your application, it considers your financial situation to ensure you receive sufficient aid to make attending financially feasible. The university's financial aid program covers 100% of demonstrated need and approximately 55% of its undergraduate students receive need-based scholarship aid. The average annual grant for those receiving aid has been around $53,000.

In terms of requirements, you will need to submit a financial aid application including details like family income, assets, and other pertinent information for Harvard to accurately assess your need. International students should complete the International Student Financial Aid Application, which is similar to the FAFSA form for U.S students. You should also complete the Certification of Finances form. Harvard does not require international applicants to submit the CSS Profile.

Another notable policy of Harvard's financial aid program is that families with an annual income below $85,000 are not expected to make any financial contribution to their student's education. For families earning between $85,000 and $150,000, the contribution is between zero and 10% of their income.

Remember, all students, regardless of their financial situations, are accepted on a need-blind basis, meaning your financial situation won't affect your admission decisions. This policy also applies to international students.

For any additional scholarships or grants, you might need to seek external opportunities. Many countries and organizations offer scholarships for students studying in the U.S., so it might be worth conducting a search to see what's available in your home country.

Lastly, it's crucial to note that deadlines are quite important. The financial aid application and documents should be submitted alongside your application for admission. Keep an eye on the official Harvard website to note any updates in deadlines or requirements.

To summarize, Harvard offers generous, need-based financial aid to international students, and you are encouraged to apply for financial aid when you apply for admission to give yourself the best chance of securing financial support.