How to Get Into Harvard University From India? Requirements, Acceptance Rate, and More

Established in 1636, Harvard University has been ranked ‘3rd’ among National Universities by the US News & World Report Ranking 2025, ‘4th’ by the QS World University Rankings 2025, and ‘3rd’ by THE World University Rankings 2025. Known for its academic excellence around the world, especially among the students considering studying abroad, Harvard is one of the oldest institutions of higher studies in the United States of America. The institution is linked with a Law School, Business School, Medical School, and a School of Engineering and Applied Science. The Institution is known for its MBA and MS courses. Boasting 49 Nobel Laureates, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 32 Heads of State winners as its alumni, Harvard is the most prestigious place when you are planning to study in USA. This blog will be talking about the easiest way to get into Harvard from India.

Why Study at Harvard University from India?

Studying at Harvard University from India is a big deal. It’s like the top of the educational mountain, with a long history of producing amazing leaders and thinkers. Here’s why so many Indians want to go there:

• Harvard has a globally acclaimed faculty and cutting-edge academic programs across diverse fields including STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Law, and Medicine.
• Access to prestigious internships at leading companies and organizations worldwide.
• Engage in cutting-edge research alongside world-class faculty, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.
• A Harvard degree is highly respected worldwide. It can open doors to top jobs in USA, research opportunities, and further studies at the highest levels.
• A Harvard degree significantly enhances career prospects in various sectors, including Technology, Finance, Law, Healthcare, Academia, and Entrepreneurship.
•  Living and studying in a different country can be a life-changing experience.

Harvard Acceptance Rate

Harvard University is renowned for its academic excellence and highly selective admissions process. For the Class of 2027, a record-breaking 56,937 applications were received, resulting in an exceptionally low acceptance rate of 3.41%. This underscores the intense competition for limited spots at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

The admissions process at Harvard considers a holistic range of factors beyond academics, including extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest.

Also read: Harvard Acceptance Rate

How to Get into Harvard University from India?

Getting into Harvard from India is competitive, but it’s definitely achievable with the right preparation and dedication. Here’s a breakdown of the important steps for how to get into Harvard University from India:

• Maintain a consistently high GPA throughout high school. Focus on challenging courses, especially in STEM subjects if you’re interested in those fields.
• Prepare diligently for the SAT or ACT. Aim for high scores in both sections.
• Show leadership qualities by taking on leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or community service organizations.
• Engage in meaningful volunteer work to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
• Submit a well-crafted Common Application, including a compelling personal essay that highlights your unique experiences and aspirations.
• Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and character.
• Prepare thoroughly for potential interviews by practicing common questions and articulating your goals and motivations.

How to Get into Harvard University from India After 12th?

Getting into Harvard University from India after the 12th is competitive. Here’s what you need to focus on:

• Aim for the highest possible grades in your 12th board exams.
• Achieve excellent scores on the SAT or ACT.
• Consider taking SAT Subject Tests in your strongest subjects to further showcase your academic abilities.
• Show leadership roles and deep involvement in extracurricular activities that showcase your interests and commitment.
• Engage in meaningful volunteer work to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
• Craft a strong personal essay that highlights your unique experiences, passions, and aspirations.
• Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers.
• Be prepared for interviews by practicing common questions.

How to Get into Harvard from India with a Scholarship?

Securing a Harvard scholarship from India requires a combination of academic excellence (top grades, high standardized test scores), impactful extracurricular involvement (leadership, community service, passion projects), and a strong financial aid application demonstrating genuine need.

Several scholarships are available for Indian students pursuing higher education, both within India and abroad. Here are a few examples with brief eligibility criteria:

Scholarship Name	Description
The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship	– Exclusively for students engaged in the life sciences field.  – Applicants must show both financial need and outstanding academic excellence.
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship	– Open to students pursuing a graduate degree at Harvard.  – Applicants must show strong leadership potential and commitment to their community.
HGSE Financial Aid	– Available for students enrolled at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. – Eligibility is based on financial need, with additional consideration for academic merit in specific cases.
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship	– For students accepted into the Harvard MBA program.  – Must have a strong academic record and must also show their interest in the developing world.
The Banyan Impact Fellowship	– Show commitment to social impact initiatives.  – Strong academic background and proven leadership qualities.  – It aims to support students working on sustainable development projects.
Aga Khan Scholarship	– It is tailored for students from developing countries, including India.  – Applicants must display financial need and a commitment to making a positive social impact in their communities after completing their studies.
The Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Fellowships	– Open to graduate students in various disciplines within GSAS.  – Eligibility depends on departmental recommendations, academic excellence, and financial need.  – Also, include research or teaching assistantships that provide a stipend and tuition coverage.
Harvard Medical School Financial Aid	– Available for students admitted to Harvard Medical School.  – It is based on show financial need, which is assessed through the application process.
The OPM (Office of Personnel Management) Fellowship	– For graduate students interested in public service and government roles.  – Must have a background in public policy, governance, or related fields and show a commitment to work in public service following their studies.
Kim and Stephen Denning Scholarships	– Offered to graduate students who have shown exceptional promise in their field of study.  – Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social enterprise initiatives or leadership within their communities.
The Zuckerman Fellowship Program	– For outstanding graduate students interested in leadership roles addressing major challenges in our society.  – Must show significant academic achievement and prior leadership experience.
The Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship	– It is for postgraduate study at Harvard for international students with a commitment to their home countries.  – Applicants must have leadership potential and contribute positively to society after their education.
Harvard Kennedy School Financial Aid	– Specifically for students enrolled at the Harvard Kennedy School.  – It is based on financial need, evaluating applicants’ circumstances through their detailed financial disclosures.
The Harvard Business School (HBS) Scholarships	– It focuses on merit and financial need. – Applicants must show outstanding academic performance and show the potential to contribute to the HBS community.
The Edwin S. Webster Fellowship	– For students undertaking graduate study with a focus on improving public service and community engagement.  – Applicants are chosen based on their leadership capabilities and motivation to effect change in their communities.
The Gates Scholarship	– It primarily supports high school seniors from low-income households who show outstanding academic achievement.  – It is open to minority students who have demonstrated leadership and community service.  – Applicants must have a strong academic record, typically reflecting a GPA in the top 10% of their class, alongside impressive SAT/ACT scores.
The R. David Thomas Scholarship	– For students entering the MBA program who show financial need and a commitment to enhancing leadership capabilities within minority communities.

Popular Courses at Harvard University

Here are some popular undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Harvard University that are often pursued by Indian students:

Course Type	Course Name	Duration
Undergraduate (UG)	Computer Science (BA)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	Economics (BA)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	Government (BA)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	History (BA)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	Life Sciences (Various Concentrations)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	Mathematics (BA)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	Physics (BA)	4 Years
Undergraduate (UG)	Psychology (BA)	4 Years
Postgraduate (PG)	Master of Business Administration (MBA)	2 Years
Postgraduate (PG)	Master of Public Health (MPH)	2 Years
Postgraduate (PG)	Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)	2 Years
Postgraduate (PG)	Master of Public Policy (MPP)	2 Years
Postgraduate (PG)	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)	4-6 Years (Varies by department)
Postgraduate (PG)	Law (JD)	3 Years

Also Read: Top Courses at Harvard University

Admission Process at Harvard University for Indian Students

The admission process at Harvard University for Indian students is highly competitive and demanding. Here’s a breakdown of the important aspects:

• Application Forms: Applicants must complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with the required supplemental forms. Both platforms are equally considered by the Admissions Committee.
• Standardized Tests: While the SAT or ACT are preferred, alternative standardized tests may be considered if readily accessible. These may include AP exams, IB scores, GCSE/A-Level results, or national leaving exam results. English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) are not substitutes for standardized tests but can be submitted as supporting documentation.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all high schools attended must be submitted. If transcripts are not in English, accurate translations are required.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid: Harvard’s need-blind admissions policy applies to all applicants, regardless of their citizenship. Scholarship and Financial aid decisions are made separately from admissions decisions and are based on demonstrated financial need.
• Interviews: Interviews are conducted on a limited basis due to logistical constraints. Not being interviewed will not negatively impact your application.
• Additional Documentation: Depending on individual academic backgrounds and school grading systems, some international applicants may be required to submit additional documentation.

Required Documents

Here are the important documents typically required for applying to Harvard University from India:

• Common Application
• Academic Transcripts
• SAT or ACT scores
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Extracurricular Activities List
• Financial Aid Application (if applicable)
• English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable)
• Portfolio

Also Read: Guide to Harvard Admission from India

How To Get Into Harvard Business School

The specific standards for getting into Harvard Business School are mentioned below:

• GMAT/GRE with a score between 700 to 730 is sufficient.
• Having a work experience of four years
• GPA score of 4.0 is a must
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score
• Letters of recommendation, SOP, motivation letter, and similar documents
• Written application with application fees of USD 250
• Clearing the interview round and then the post-interview phase

How To Get Into Harvard Medical School

The specific standards for getting into Harvard Medical School are mentioned below:

• Minimum score of 85% in 10+2
• Minimum score of 70% in CBSE/ICSE
• Filling out the application form through the official website
• Letters of recommendation from the school
• Guardian letter
• Visa copy
• Migration letter from the Medical Council of India
• Reports on HIV and medical test

How To Get Into Harvard Law School

The specific standards for getting into Harvard Law School are mentioned below:

• An up-to-date resume
• LSAT score above 173
• GRE scores above 155 to 170
• GPA above 3.75
• 2 to 3 recommendation letters
• College certifications
• Personal statements

Also Read: Study at University of Oxford

Preparation Tips for Indian Students to Get into Harvard University

Getting into Harvard from India is incredibly competitive, but with meticulous preparation and a strong application, it’s achievable. Here are some important tips for Indian students to get into Harvard University:

• Maintain a consistently high GPA (above 90%) throughout high school. Aim for top marks in your board exams.
• Opt for challenging courses, especially in subjects that align with your interests. Consider Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs if available.
• Achieve excellent scores on the SAT (1500+) or ACT (34+). Aim for scores above the 75th percentile.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and deep involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Engage in meaningful volunteer work to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on society.
• Craft a strong personal essay that highlights your unique experiences, passions, and aspirations.
• Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well academically and personally.
• Research scholarship opportunities and explore financial aid options to make the high cost of education more manageable.
• Begin your preparation early, ideally in your junior year of high school.

Also Read: Cost of Studying and Fees at Harvard University for Indians

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