International Applicants - Harvard College Scholarships

 International Applicants - Harvard College Scholarships

Harvard Standardized Testing Requirement – Simplified Explanation

To apply to Harvard, students are generally required to submit SAT or ACT test scores.

What Can Be Submitted Instead (in Exceptional Cases):

If you are unable to take the SAT or ACT due to financial difficulty or lack of access to a test center, you may submit one of the following:

• AP exam results
• IB actual or predicted scores
• GCSE or A-Level actual or predicted results
• National Leaving Exam results or predicted grades

These alternatives are only acceptable in exceptional cases, such as:

• No nearby test centers are available before the application deadline
• The cost of the test is unaffordable, and you are not eligible for a fee waiver

Applicants will be able to explain their situation in the application.

Important Notes:

• If you can access and afford the SAT or ACT, you are still expected to take and submit it, even if you also have AP, IB, or other exam results.
• English language proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) do not fulfill the standardized testing requirement. However, you may submit them in addition to other documents.

Self-Reporting:

Students are allowed to self-report their SAT or ACT scores on their application. Official reports may be required later.

For Low-Income and International Students:

• Domestic (U.S.) students from low-income families may qualify for fee waivers from the College Board or ACT.
• International students typically do not qualify for fee waivers. However, if you cannot afford the test, you are still encouraged to apply and submit other available standardized test results such as AP, IB, A-Level, or national exam scores.

English Language Requirements – Harvard University

A strong command of English is important for success at Harvard. Students must be able to understand and communicate ideas clearly and quickly.

• For first-year and transfer applicants:
  English proficiency tests (like TOEFL or IELTS) are not required, but you may submit scores if you choose.
• For the Visiting Undergraduate Students Program:
  TOEFL or IELTS scores are required.

 

Harvard University – Application Requirements for All Applicants

Harvard’s application process is the same for all students, whether you attend high school in the U.S. or internationally.

All first-year applicants must complete one of the following:

• Common Application
• Coalition Application

Each application must also include the required Harvard supplements.

Harvard has no preference between the two application platforms. Both are treated equally by the Admissions Committee.

You can view the full details and required documents by visiting Harvard's official application requirements page.

No Quotas or Limits – Harvard Admissions

Harvard does not have any quotas or limits based on citizenship or school location.

• All applicants are considered equally in the same pool, no matter where they are from or what school they attend.
• Admission and financial aid decisions are not affected by your nationality or your high school’s location.

Harvard Application Fee Waiver Policy

Harvard wants the application process to be accessible for everyone.

• If the application fee is a financial burden for you or your family, you can request a fee waiver.
• You can do this directly through the Common Application or Coalition Application (Powered by Scoir) if you meet their economic need criteria.
• If you don’t meet those criteria, you can still request a waiver by following the steps on Harvard’s website.
• Requesting a fee waiver will not hurt your application in any way.

Everyone is welcome to apply, regardless of financial situation.

Travel Support for Harvard Students

All students—American and international—who receive financial aid also get a travel allowance.
This helps cover the cost of traveling to and from Harvard’s campus in Cambridge.

If you're an international student, you should also check with your local U.S. Cultural Affairs Office.
They may offer travel grants or other financial help from foundations or the U.S. government.

This support helps make studying at Harvard more affordable for students from around the world.