Harvard University offers some of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for students worldwide. For those aiming to study at this Ivy League institution in 2026, the good news is that Harvard provides fully funded scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Here’s what you need to know about securing a scholarship at Harvard in 2026.
1. Harvard University Financial Aid
Harvard University’s financial aid program is designed to make education affordable for students from all economic backgrounds. They use a need-blind admission process for U.S. students, meaning your ability to pay will not affect your chances of being admitted. For international students, the process is need-aware, but the university still provides generous financial aid.
- Eligibility: Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, not merit. Harvard’s aid is awarded to families earning less than $65,000 annually, where the expected family contribution is zero.
- Coverage: Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, ensuring that students do not have to take out loans. The scholarship includes full coverage of tuition fees, housing, and meals, as well as a stipend for personal expenses.
2. Harvard College Scholarship
For undergraduate students, Harvard College offers fully funded scholarships based on need. The university does not offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduates, but they provide extensive support to ensure students can attend without the burden of student loans.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students can apply. International students must also demonstrate financial need.
- Benefits: The scholarship can cover up to the entire cost of attendance. In many cases, students from low-income families receive a full ride to cover all costs for four years.
3. Graduate Scholarships
For graduate students, Harvard offers a variety of fully funded scholarships, including those through Harvard’s graduate schools such as the Law School, Medical School, and Business School. These scholarships are often a mix of fellowships, research assistantships, and grants.
- Eligibility: Scholarships are available for students pursuing graduate programs across disciplines, including business, law, and medicine. Eligibility criteria depend on the specific program and the student’s financial need.
- Coverage: Graduate scholarships typically cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, and some may offer additional research funding or stipends.
4. Harvard Kennedy School Scholarships
The Harvard Kennedy School offers fellowships and scholarships for graduate students interested in public policy, international affairs, and related fields. Some of these scholarships are fully funded, providing financial assistance for tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Scholarships are generally available to students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and meet specific program requirements.
- Coverage: Some scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
5. How to Apply for Harvard Scholarships
To apply for a scholarship at Harvard, you must first apply for admission to the university. Upon admission, you will need to submit financial aid documents, including tax returns and other financial information. Harvard uses these documents to assess your family’s financial situation and determine your eligibility for scholarships.
- Deadline: For most scholarships, the application deadline coincides with the admission deadline, typically in January for undergraduates and graduate students.
Conclusion
Harvard University offers substantial financial support through fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. By demonstrating financial need, students from around the world can attend one of the best universities without worrying about tuition and living expenses. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and submit all necessary documentation on time to be considered for these generous opportunities in 2026.