Scholarships for international students applying to Harvard?

Harvard is my dream school, but I'm also an international student, which makes things harder. Does Harvard offer scholarships specifically for international students, and how can I improve my chances of securing one?

Harvard University does not offer scholarships specifically for international students. Instead, Harvard awards financial aid on a need-based system for all students, including international students. This means that your financial aid package is tailored to your family's financial situation rather than your academic accomplishments or other aspects of your profile.

To improve your chances of securing financial aid, it's crucial to submit all required documents in a timely manner. For international students, these include the CSS Profile, Tax Returns or Wage Statements and any additional documents requested by the financial aid office. Providing complete, accurate, and timely information can ensure that your financial need is assessed correctly and that you receive the aid you qualify for.

Also important to keep in mind is that demonstrating your remarkable academic and extracurricular achievements can solidify your admission chances, which in turn, can make you eligible for need-based financial aid as admitted students. Remember that having a highly-developed specialty or a "spike" can set you apart in the admissions process.

Furthermore, note that Harvard's financial aid is exceptional. At Harvard, families who earn less than $85,000 per year pay nothing towards the cost of attendance. Families who earn between $85,000 and $150,000 per year will pay between 0 and 10% of their annual income. While this threshold may differ based on variations in living costs outside of the U.S., it's illustrative of Harvard's commitment to making education affordable to all admitted students. Hence, do not let the cost deter you from applying if Harvard is indeed your dream school.

Remember that the aid package covers not just the tuition but also other costs like room, board, and fees, truly making it feasible for students to attend regardless of their financial situation.

Good luck with your application process!