Harvard University offers generous need-based financial aid to admitted undergraduate students, including international students. The amount of aid depends on a studentβs demonstrated financial need rather than academic merit alone.
For the 2027 intake, prospective first-year students must first apply for admission to Harvard College. Eligible students can then receive financial aid that may cover tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and other educational expenses depending on their familyβs financial circumstances.
Harvard University Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- University: Harvard University
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Type: Need-Based Financial Aid
- Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance and other educational expenses, depending on demonstrated financial need
- Deadline: November 1, 2026
Harvard University Scholarship Details
Harvard’s undergraduate financial aid is primarily need-based. This means the university determines the amount of financial assistance a student receives based on their family’s financial circumstances rather than awarding the aid simply because of high grades or extracurricular achievements.
International students are eligible to receive financial aid on the same basis as U.S. students. Students must first gain admission to Harvard College before their financial aid package can be determined.
Harvard’s admissions process is highly competitive. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular engagement and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the Harvard community.
Harvard University Financial Aid Benefits
Harvard’s financial aid can substantially reduce or eliminate the cost of attending the university.
Depending on the family’s demonstrated financial need, the financial aid package may cover:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Food
- Health insurance
- Other education-related expenses
For families with lower incomes, Harvard may cover the full cost of attendance. The exact amount is determined individually after the university reviews the family’s financial circumstances.
Therefore, it is more accurate to describe Harvard’s undergraduate funding as need-based financial aid rather than a single “fully funded scholarship” awarded to every admitted student.
Eligibility Requirements for Harvard University Financial Aid
To apply for Harvard College admission and be considered for financial aid, applicants should:
- Be completing secondary school or have completed secondary education.
- Be seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
- Apply to Harvard College as a first-year applicant.
- Complete the required admission application and supplements.
- Demonstrate strong academic preparation.
- Submit the required standardized testing or qualifying alternatives where applicable.
- Complete the required financial aid application if seeking need-based aid.
- Demonstrate financial need if requesting need-based financial assistance.
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply as first-year undergraduate students.
How to Apply for Harvard University Scholarships 2027
Step 1: Prepare your application
Gather your academic records, extracurricular activities, recommendations, personal essay and other required materials before beginning your application.
Step 2: Create your application account
Applicants can apply to Harvard through the Common Application or another application platform accepted by Harvard.
Step 3: Complete the Harvard application
Complete the main application and all Harvard-specific questions and supplements. Make sure all information is accurate and consistent with your academic records.
Step 4: Submit your financial aid application
If you need financial assistance, complete the financial aid application and provide the required financial information. Harvard uses this information to determine your demonstrated financial need.
Step 5: Choose your admission plan
Applicants can apply through either:
- Restrictive Early Action: November 1, 2026
- Regular Decision: January 1, 2027
Applicants should choose the admission plan that best fits their circumstances and application readiness.
Step 6: Submit your application
Review your application carefully, pay the application fee or request a fee waiver if eligible, and submit before the applicable deadline.
Step 7: Await the admission and financial aid decision
If admitted, Harvard will provide a financial aid package based on the student’s demonstrated financial need.
Important Note About the “Fully Funded” Claim
The original listing describes Harvard’s financial aid as a fully funded scholarship. However, Harvard does not have one universal “Harvard University Fully Funded Scholarship 2027” that applicants apply for separately.
Instead, Harvard College provides need-based financial aid to admitted students. The amount varies according to each family’s financial circumstances.
This distinction is important because admission to Harvard and receiving financial aid are separate parts of the process. Applicants should focus first on submitting a competitive admission application and then complete the appropriate financial aid requirements.
π Required Documents
- Personal essay
- High school transcript
- Two teacher recommendations
- Completed Application Form
- Harvard College supplemental questions
- Activities list
- School Report and counselor recommendation
- Midyear School Report
- Financial aid documents for applicants seeking need-based aid
- SAT or ACT scores, subject to Harvard's current testing policy