How Much Is Harvard for 4 Years? Complete Breakdown & Scholarship Guide
For Indian students dreaming of a top-tier international education, understanding the Harvard University Fees is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Harvard is an internationally renowned Ivy League institution, and while the cost of attendance is high, comprehensive financial aid opportunities make this elite university surprisingly accessible—including for academically bright Indian students.
Harvard University Fees 2025: Quick Overview for Indian Students
| Category | 2025 Fee (USD) | 2025 Fee (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $59,000/year | ₹49.2 lakhs/year |
| Living Expenses | $20,000/year | ₹16.7 lakhs/year |
| Total Yearly Cost | $79,000/year | ₹65.9 lakhs/year |
| Popular Scholarships | Need-based; up to 100% coverage | Varies |
With comprehensive scholarships and financial aid, many Indian students pay far less than the list price. A thorough understanding of course-wise fees, living costs, application process, and funding options is key to effective financial planning.
Is Harvard University Worth It? Rankings & Career Outcomes
| Parameter | Harvard University | Peer Universities |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rank 2025 | 4th | MIT – 1st, Stanford – 2nd, Oxford – 3rd |
| Graduate Employability | Top 3 Globally | MIT, Stanford, Cambridge |
| Popular with Indian Students | Yes (ranked in top study abroad preferences) | MIT, Stanford, Oxford |
| Average Post-Grad Salary (MBA) | $160,000+ | Comparable (varies by field) |
Harvard graduates have excellent global mobility and are recruited across the highest-paying sectors. For a detailed comparison, check out global top-ranked universities worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria & Entrance Exams for Harvard University 2025
- Academic Excellence: High GPA/grades; Indian students should aim for 90%+ in Class 12 or CGPA above 9 on 10 (undergraduate) or a strong Bachelor’s GPA for postgrad.
- English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL iBT (100+), or equivalent.
- Standardised Tests: SAT/ACT for UG, GRE/GMAT for many PG & MBA programs.
- Application Documents: Academic transcripts, LORs, SOP, CV/resume, extra-curriculars.
- Application Deadlines: Early Action – 1 Nov; Regular Decision – 1 Jan (deadlines vary for some PG programs).
Harvard does not set a minimum cutoff, but competitive profiles are standard. To maximize your chances, understand the Harvard admission process for Indian students.
Course-Wise Fees & Living Costs at Harvard University (2025)
| Programme | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR)* | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA/BSc (Undergrad) | $59,000 | ₹49.2 lakhs | 4 years |
| MBA (Harvard Business School) | $73,000 | ₹60.9 lakhs | 2 years |
| Masters/PhD (General) | $54,000–$65,000 | ₹45–54 lakhs | 1–2 years |
| MBBS Equivalent (Medical/Health Science) | $69,000–$81,000 | ₹57–67 lakhs | 4 years |
- Living Costs (typical, all programs): $20,000/year (~₹16.7 lakhs/year) covering housing, meals, books, and personal expenses.
- Application Fee: $85 (~₹7,000) per application.
*INR conversion at approx. ₹83.5/USD; check latest rates for precise calculations. If you want to compare grading systems or anticipate your eligibility, see: What is CGPA?
Scholarships & Financial Aid: Can Indian Students Study at Harvard for Free?
- Need-Based Aid: Harvard grants millions of dollars yearly in financial aid—based on your family income and assets. Over 20% of international students receive a 100% tuition waiver.
- Merit Scholarships: Rare, but available in niche programs/professional schools.
- Popular Scholarships for Indians: Tata Scholarship, Inlaks, J.N. Tata Endowment, Fulbright-Nehru, and government schemes for high-performing students.
- Part-Time Work: On-campus jobs up to 20 hours/week help offset living costs.
Full-ride scholarships are extremely competitive but possible, especially for undergraduates from modest backgrounds. See all funding options on the global scholarships resource.
US Student Visa & Work Opportunities after Harvard
- Visa Type: F-1 (academic) for full-time students; allows limited on-campus work.
- Application Timeline: Obtain I-20 from Harvard after admission, then apply at US Embassy; recommended 3-6 months before term starts.
- Work Options: Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12–36 months post-graduation work for STEM students.
- Stay Back Opportunities: Several Harvard grads pursue H-1B and Green Card routes after studies.
Learn more about the cost of living in the US for Indian students and visa pathways when planning your study abroad.
Student Life & ROI: Salaries after Graduating from Harvard
- Average Starting Salaries: $80,000+ for undergraduates; $160,000+ for MBA graduates (varies by field).
- Top Employers: Google, Apple, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, BCG, leading hospitals & research labs.
- Alumni Network: 370,000+ alumni, including Nobel laureates, CEOs, Supreme Court judges.
- Career Support: Harvard's placement services help with internships, global jobs, networking, and guidance specific for international students.
Considering long-term outcomes, Harvard's ROI is among the best globally, and the extensive alumni network opens doors worldwide. Discover more about top-paying global careers post-study.
In summary, Harvard University represents one of the most prestigious, challenging, and rewarding international destinations for Indian students. Thoughtful financial planning—factoring in tuition, scholarships, and living costs—combined with a strong admission profile, can help you turn your Ivy League dream into reality. Research, prepare, and apply boldly!
FAQs on Harvard University Fees 2025: Tuition, Scholarships, and Costs
1. How much does it cost to go to Harvard University for 4 years?
The total estimated cost to attend Harvard University for 4 years as an undergraduate is approximately $320,000 USD. This includes annual tuition, fees, room, board, personal expenses, and books. Costs may vary based on personal choices and inflation.
2. What are the annual fees at Harvard University?
The annual cost to attend Harvard University is about $80,000 USD, covering tuition (around $59,000), fees, room, and board. This does not include travel, personal expenses, or optional activities.
3. Can I get a 100% scholarship at Harvard?
Yes, Harvard University offers generous need-based scholarships for students from all countries. If your family's annual income is below a certain threshold (currently around $85,000 USD), you may receive full financial aid covering 100% of your costs.
4. How much do international or foreign students pay at Harvard University?
The fees for international students at Harvard University are the same as for domestic (US) students. For 2024-2025, the total cost is about $80,000 USD per year, but generous financial aid is available for qualifying international students.
5. What is the Harvard University fee for Indian students in rupees?
For Indian students, the annual cost of attending Harvard University is roughly ₹66 lakhs per year (1 USD ≈ ₹83). This includes all tuition, fees, and living expenses. Generous financial aid is available for Indian students based on need.
6. How much are the fees for Harvard University in rands (South Africa)?
For students from South Africa, the total estimated annual cost is around ZAR 1,520,000 per year (1 USD ≈ ZAR 19), including tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid may significantly lower these costs for eligible students.
7. What are the fees for Harvard University for MBA students?
The Harvard MBA program (Harvard Business School) costs approximately $112,000 USD per year, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The full program lasts two years. Scholarships and fellowships are available based on need.
8. Does Harvard University offer MBBS courses, and what are the fees?
Harvard University does not offer the MBBS degree. Instead, it offers an MD (Doctor of Medicine) program at the Harvard Medical School. The typical annual cost for the MD program is about $70,000 USD, with financial aid options for eligible students.
9. Are there BTech courses at Harvard University, and what are their fees?
Harvard University offers engineering degrees such as a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering, not BTech. The annual cost is the same as for other undergraduate programs, about $80,000 USD per year.
10. What courses are available at Harvard University?
Harvard University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as Sciences, Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law, Arts, Social Sciences, and more.
11. What is the semester-wise fee at Harvard University?
Harvard University charges fees annually, not per semester. The annual undergraduate fees are about $80,000 USD, which can be divided by two for an approximate semester-wise cost.
12. What is included in Harvard University's room and board cost?
The room and board cost at Harvard University typically includes on-campus housing and meal plans. For 2024-2025, this is about $21,000 USD per year.
