Harvard University offers scholarships based on financial need or athletic ability. The reviewer did not receive a scholarship from Harvard but did have a graduate scholarship at New York University (NYU).
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Harvard University runs 20+ scholarship and fellowship streams, of which 15+ are accessible to Indian applicants across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.
Harvard is need-blind for international undergraduates, meaning admission decisions ignore your ability to pay. Families earning below USD 85,000 pay zero tuition, housing, and food.
- Standard UG tuition: USD 62,226 (INR 58.8 Lakhs) per year, with full COA of USD 95,134 (INR 89.9 Lakhs)
- With need-based waiver: As low as USD 0 for families earning below USD 85,000 annually
- Tata Scholarship combined with Harvard aid: Covers full COA of USD 95,134 to USD 100,134 (INR 89.9 to 94.6 Lakhs) for eligible Indian UG students
- Next deadline: Harvard College Regular Decision closes January 1, 2027
Currency Note: All INR conversions use the live rate of 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of October 2026. "Need-blind" means Harvard reviews applications without checking family income. "COA" is the total Cost of Attendance including tuition, housing, food, and fees.
Table of Contents
- Harvard University Scholarships for UG Students
- Harvard University Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
- India-Specific Scholarships at Harvard University
- Harvard University PhD Scholarships
- External Government Scholarships for Harvard University
- Harvard University Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
Harvard University Scholarships for UG Students
Harvard College awards only need-based aid at the undergraduate level, with no merit scholarships offered. The average aid package covers 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted Indian applicants.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (2027 Intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) | Up to USD 95,134 (INR 89.9 Lakhs) covering full COA | Family income below USD 85,000; need-blind for all international applicants | November 1, 2026 (REA); January 1, 2027 (RD) |
| Harvard College Scholarship | Average USD 70,000 (INR 66.2 Lakhs) per year | Admitted undergraduates with demonstrated financial need review | Automatic with CSS Profile and admission application |
| Tata Scholarships for Harvard College Students | Up to full COA, USD 100,134 (INR 94.6 Lakhs) per year | Indian citizens admitted to Harvard College; combined with HFAI | Automatic with Harvard admission by January 1, 2027 |
| Harvard Outside Scholarships Policy | Reduces student work expectation first, not the family contribution | Any Harvard undergraduate receiving outside awards | Report within 10 days of acceptance |
The Tata Scholarship was launched in 2008 with a USD 22.5 million gift from Tata Trusts. It stacks on top of HFAI rather than replacing the Harvard package.
Indian applicants should submit the CSS Profile alongside the Common Application. Harvard asks for three years of parent tax records or an equivalent income affidavit from India.
Indian UG candidates typically prepare:
- CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) with CEEB code 3434
- Three years of parent ITR or Form 16 translated to English
- Harvard International Student Financial Aid Application
- Bank statements showing available liquid funds
See Harvard University Admissions for Indian Students for test score bands, SAT ranges, and interview structure.
Harvard University Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
Harvard Business School awards need-based scholarships averaging USD 42,000 (INR 39.7 Lakhs) per year, with a two-year total averaging USD 100,000 (INR 94.5 Lakhs). GSAS master’s funding stays partial and highly competitive.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (2027 Intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBS Need-Based Scholarship | Average USD 42,000 (INR 39.7 Lakhs) annually; two-year total about USD 100,000 (INR 94.5 Lakhs) | Admitted MBA students; household income and asset review | Round 2: January 6, 2027 |
| Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship (HBS) | USD 10,000 (INR 9.4 Lakhs) stipend plus loan forgiveness support | MBA students pursuing nonprofit or public-sector careers | Round 2: January 6, 2027 |
| Boustany Foundation MBA Harvard Scholarship | USD 95,000 (INR 89.8 Lakhs) over two years plus paid internship | GMAT 700+, top 10% undergraduate rank, Indian or qualifying nationality | Tentative February 20, 2027 |
| HKS Fellowships (need-based) | Average USD 35,000 (INR 33.1 Lakhs) per year | Admitted MPP or MPA students demonstrating financial need | Tentative January 7, 2027 |
| SEAS Teaching and Research Assistantships | Hourly rate of USD 20 to 30 (INR 1,890 to 2,835) | Enrolled SEAS master’s students; faculty-driven selection | Term-based, rolling appointments |
HBS requires household financial documentation from the previous three years. Scholarship decisions arrive about 30 days after the enrollment deposit, not with the admission letter.
Reddit Insight: HBS admits on r/MBA report that Indian students without US tax history can submit Form 16 or Indian ITR documents translated into English for the aid review.
GSAS master’s programs rarely fund international students fully. Most Indian admits combine partial tuition grants with external scholarships like Inlaks or JN Tata Endowment.
Review Harvard University Fees for Indian Students for tuition, housing, and health insurance breakdowns across schools.
India-Specific Scholarships at Harvard University
Five major India-specific scholarships route Indian students to Harvard, together moving over USD 1 million (INR 9.45 Crore) in annual funding. The Tata Scholarship and Boustany Foundation award are the most Harvard-specific of the group.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (2027 Intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Scholarships for Harvard College Students | Up to USD 100,134 (INR 94.6 Lakhs) per year, full COA | Indian citizens admitted to Harvard College undergraduate program | Automatic with admission by January 1, 2027 |
| Boustany Foundation MBA Harvard Scholarship | USD 95,000 (INR 89.8 Lakhs) over two years plus internship | Indian or qualifying candidates; HBS admit; top 10% UG rank | Tentative February 20, 2027 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Up to USD 100,000 (INR 94.5 Lakhs) total funding | Indian citizens under 30, resident in India, with a Harvard offer | Tentative April 30, 2027 |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | INR 10 Lakhs interest-free loan plus INR 7.5 Lakhs gift grant for top 5 awardees | Indian citizens, first-class UG degree, age under 45 | Tentative March 31, 2027 |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | INR 20 Lakhs interest-free loan | Indian citizens under 30; panel interview required | Tentative January 30, 2027 |
The Tata Scholarship supports 5 to 7 new Indian undergraduates annually at Harvard College. The pool is reserved exclusively for citizens of India admitted to the College.
Boustany awards only two scholars every two years, making it the most selective India-linked MBA scholarship. Scholars receive a paid summer internship at Boustany Foundation offices plus mentorship.
Reddit Insight: Indian JN Tata applicants on r/IndiansAbroad say submitting a 1,500-word research proposal with named faculty supervisors improves shortlisting odds for the final interview round.
Harvard University PhD Scholarships
Harvard funds every admitted PhD student for five years, covering tuition, stipend, and health insurance. The total funding package exceeds USD 300,000 (INR 283.5 Lakhs) across the degree.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (2027 Intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griffin GSAS PhD Full Funding | Tuition USD 59,048 (INR 55.8 Lakhs) years 1 and 2; USD 15,352 (INR 14.5 Lakhs) years 3 and 4 plus stipend | All admitted PhD candidates across GSAS departments | Tentative December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 |
| Griffin GSAS Dissertation Completion Fellowship | Stipend of USD 42,000 (INR 39.7 Lakhs) plus full tuition | Final-year PhD candidates completing dissertation | Tentative January 15, 2027 |
| Presidential Scholarship (GSAS) | Additional USD 10,000 (INR 9.4 Lakhs) top-up over standard package | Top-ranked incoming doctoral admits; department nomination required | Automatic with doctoral admission |
| GSAS Merit Fellowships | Varies by department; typically full tuition plus USD 42,000 (INR 39.7 Lakhs) stipend | Field-specific; nominated at admission stage | Automatic with doctoral admission |
| SEAS PhD Full Funding | Tuition USD 67,504 (INR 63.8 Lakhs) plus USD 44,000 (INR 41.6 Lakhs) stipend | Admitted SEAS doctoral candidates in CS, applied math, engineering | Tentative December 15, 2026 |
PhD funding at Harvard is admission-linked. Indian doctoral admits receive the full package automatically, with no separate scholarship application.
Years 1 and 2 cover full tuition; years 3 and 4 charge a reduced rate of USD 15,352 (INR 14.5 Lakhs). The stipend of around USD 42,000 continues through year 5.
Health insurance via Harvard University Student Health Program is included at USD 4,954 (INR 4.7 Lakhs) per year. Dependent coverage is optional and purchased separately.
External Government Scholarships for Harvard University
Four major India-side external scholarships fund Harvard admits each cycle. The Fulbright-Nehru program alone supports 25+ Indian scholars across US universities annually.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (2027 Intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Tuition up to USD 60,000 (INR 56.7 Lakhs) plus living stipend, airfare, insurance | Indian citizens, 3+ years professional experience, first-class UG degree | Tentative May 15, 2026 for Fall 2027 start |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship | Up to USD 50,000 (INR 47.3 Lakhs) for a 6 to 9-month research stay | Indian PhD scholars affiliated with Indian universities or research centres | Tentative July 15, 2026 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme | 50% grant plus 50% loan; up to USD 100,000 (INR 94.5 Lakhs) | Indian citizens under 30; demonstrated need; master’s or doctoral level | Tentative March 31, 2027 |
| Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust | INR 10 Lakhs per year | Indian women graduates with first class and 2 years of work experience | Tentative March 31, 2027 |
| KC Mahindra Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies Abroad | INR 10 Lakhs grant; top awardee receives INR 15 Lakhs | Indian citizens with Harvard offer and strong UG academic record | Tentative March 31, 2027 |
Fulbright-Nehru applicants apply through the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) in New Delhi. The programme covers J-1 visa fees, excess baggage, and medical insurance under the ASPE plan.
Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust funds Indian women specifically. Fields covered include social sciences, education, public health, environmental studies, and women’s rights.
Explore More: Harvard University Overview | Harvard University Rankings | Harvard University Programs
Harvard University Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the maximum scholarship an Indian student can receive at Harvard University?
Ans. An Indian undergraduate can receive up to USD 100,134 (INR 94.6 Lakhs) per year, covering full Cost of Attendance. This stacks HFAI need-based aid with the Tata Scholarship. HBS MBA students average USD 100,000 (INR 94.5 Lakhs) across two years through need-based aid, extendable with Boustany Foundation support.
Ques. When should Indian students apply for Harvard scholarships for the 2027 intake?
Ans. Harvard College Restrictive Early Action closes November 1, 2026; Regular Decision closes January 1, 2027. HBS Round 2 closes January 6, 2027. GSAS doctoral deadlines fall between December 1, 2026 and January 15, 2027. External scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru close around May 15, 2026 for Fall 2027 enrolment.
Ques. Do Indian applicants need to apply separately for Harvard scholarships?
Ans. Harvard College aid is automatic once the CSS Profile is submitted with the admission application. The Tata Scholarship requires no separate form; eligible Indian admits are considered during financial aid review. HBS applicants submit a dedicated financial aid application after admission. External scholarships such as Fulbright-Nehru and Inlaks need standalone applications filed in India.
Ques. What GPA or test score does Harvard require for scholarship consideration?
Ans. Harvard sets no fixed GPA or test cut-off for scholarships, since UG aid is need-based not merit-based. Admitted students typically hold Indian school marks above 90% or GPA 3.9+. SAT ranges land at 1500 to 1580, and TOEFL above 110. HBS average GMAT sits at 740 and GRE Q 164.
Ques. How does the Tata Scholarship work at Harvard?
Ans. The Tata Scholarship, funded by a USD 22.5 million gift in 2008, supports 5 to 7 Indian undergraduates at Harvard College each year. Selection is automatic after admission for Indian citizens with demonstrated financial need. The award combines with HFAI to reach full Cost of Attendance, including tuition, housing, food, and health insurance.
Ques. Does Harvard financial aid cover living costs in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
Ans. Yes, Harvard aid packages cover housing at USD 14,250 (INR 13.5 Lakhs) and food at USD 8,942 (INR 8.5 Lakhs) per year for undergraduates. GSAS master’s students see a separate on-campus living allowance of USD 35,400 (INR 33.5 Lakhs) over ten months. Health insurance via HUSHP at USD 4,954 (INR 4.7 Lakhs) is included.
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Harvard University Scholarships: Students' Opinion
AI-Generated Summary based on 6 Reviews
By Collegedunia’s Personal AI
Scholarships offered
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $100,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Doctorate
- Number of Scholarships: 480
Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $10,000
- Type: College-Specific
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: 10
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $5,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 37
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $10,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
The Google Lime Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $10,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
VueVille Future Technology Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $1,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 1
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6 Reviews Found
Likes
- I loved the open ended nature to study whatever I wished to study.
- I loved the faculty. They were very nice and warm .
Dislikes
- I would have appreciated a rigorous classroom environment.
Likes
- The people are what make it. The university inherently attracts the smartest people in the world and this is what makes your experience. I personally have a great number of smart and kind friends which have made my experience.
Dislikes
- The requirements of the university can be stringent and inflexible at times, but the aim is to become a better researcher. However, it’s an all encompassing requirement and I think each person should choose individually how they wish to spend their time.
Scholarship
None.
The experience so far has been great. Being surrounded by such excellent people is really where the benefit comes from. This enables one to fuel their research in a collaborative environment getting ideas from many people and making progress all the time.
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Getting into Harvard is somewhat difficult because of its low admission rate of 3.44%. You need to have a GPA of above 4.22 and a TOEFL score of above 90 to have a fair chance of admission. You should get an SAT score of above 1500 to enhance your chances of admission.
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Scholarship
NA
It's the best like no other University as good as Harvard in the world rankings. The computer was chosen by me because I found its content interesting.
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Scholarship
I had a graduate scholarship at NYU and Harvard.
Brand name, Course structure, Location, Academic excellence, Entrepreneurial opportunities, Cross registration opportunities, Faculty, Career opportunities
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Scholarship
I did not get a scholarship to Harvard, they base scholarships off of financial need or athletic ability.
I decided to attend Harvard because I saw it as an opportunity for a new experience. I wanted to go abroad, and I wanted to attend a university with some renown and where I was sure I would be supported. Harvard does not require that you apply to a specific major: they let you in based on potential and then you choose what you want to do in your second year, and that appealed to me.
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