Testing, Language Proficiency, and Financial Aid Information
We are often asked by prospective students, “Do you count me as an international applicant?” Because applicants from outside the United States go through the same admissions process as American students, we do not categorize individual applicants in such a way. We have no quotas of any kind for admission, all applications are evaluated by the same criteria, and financial aid is equally available to all students regardless of citizenship.
When we refer to “international admissions,” we are generally referring to applicants who apply from schools outside the United States. In general, if you are applying from a school abroad, you will follow the same procedures and timetables as candidates applying from schools located in the United States.
The Harvard Club of the UK has created a website to answer specific questions for those applying from the United Kingdom. You may find it a useful source of supplemental information.
Required standardized tests
We require standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT (with Writing), and normally require two SAT subject tests. Note that the SAT II English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is not acceptable as one of the two SAT Subject Tests.
More information about standardized testing is included in our application process. You are only exempt from this requirement if your country does not offer these tests and traveling to take them would be difficult.
English language proficiency
A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard, including the ability to understand and express thoughts quickly and clearly. Although you are not required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other proficiency exams, you may submit your scores if you have done so.
Interviews
We encourage interested international applicants to have an interviewif possible. If an interviewer is not available sufficiently close to you to make an interview possible, the absence of an interview will not adversely affect your candidacy.
Financial aid
The financial aid policies for foreign citizens are exactly the same as those for U.S. citizens. All aid is need-based, and admissions decisions are made without regard to whether an applicant has applied for financial assistance.
When you apply for aid, we work directly with your family and factor in additional expenses for international students. Harvard meets each family’s demonstrated need.
If you are admitted and not applying for financial aid, you will be asked to complete an “I-20 Certification of Finances,” without which we cannot issue visa documents.
Translated materials
If you wish to provide translations of the recommendations submitted on your behalf, please note:
All translations must include the name of the translator
A copy of the original (untranslated) reports should accompany the translation
Details for Freshmen, Transfer, and Visiting Students
Freshman applicants
All freshman applicants—both international and U.S. candidates—must complete the Common Application or Universal College Application, along with the required supplements. You will need to submit:
Common/Universal College Application
Harvard College Questions for the Common Application or the Universal College Application Harvard supplement
$75 fee or a fee waiver
SAT or ACT with Writing
Normally, 2 SAT Subject Tests
School Report and high school transcript
Teacher Report (2)
Mid-Year School Report
Final School Report
Transfer applicants
All transfer applicants must complete an application, along with our Supplement and some special forms for transfers. This includes:
Common/Universal College Transfer Application
Harvard College Questions and Writing Supplement for the Common Application
$75 fee or a fee waiver
SAT or ACT with Writing
TOEFL (if you did not attend high school in the US or an English-language high school)
College (or Registrar’s) Report
College Transcript
College Instructor Recommendation (2)
High School Transcript
Visiting undergraduate applicants
There is a unique application for Visiting Undergraduate Students from another institution who spend a semester or year studying at Harvard. The requirements include:
VUS Application
$75 application fee
Tentative Plan of Study
TOEFL (if your native language is not English)
Statement of Purpose
Dean’s Letter of Permission
Faculty Recommendation (2)
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Official high school transcript
Official university transcript
