Harvard University Admissions 2026: Deadlines & Requirements for International Students

Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Harvard University remains one of the most competitive institutions in the world, with an exceptionally low undergraduate acceptance rate. For the Class of 2028 (admitted in 2024), Harvard received 54,009 undergraduate applications, out of which only 1,970 applicants were offered admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of just 3.64%.

Among those admitted, 1,647 students enrolled, while 41 candidates were accepted from the waitlist.

This reflects Harvard's continued commitment to selecting students with exceptional academic records, leadership qualities, and global impact potential. The university evaluates applicants holistically, considering not just grades and test scores but also extracurricular achievements, essays, and recommendations.

Key Harvard Admissions Statistics – Class of 2028

• Total Applications Received: 54,009
• Students Admitted: 1,970
• Students Enrolled: 1,647
• Admitted from Waitlist: 41
• Acceptance Rate: 3.64%

Note for Indian applicants: The competition is even more intense for international students, as they comprise roughly 12–18% of the undergraduate class. Successful Indian applicants typically have top scores (SAT 1500+, ACT 33+), strong academic backgrounds, and impactful profiles.

Also Check: Acceptance Rate for US Colleges

Harvard University Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Here is an overview of the eligibility criteria for international students seeking admission to undergraduate courses:

Application Portal: Common Application or Coalition Application

Application Fee: $85 (₹7,412)

Admission Requirements:

• School report and high school transcript
• Teacher report (2)
• Midyear school report (after the first semester grades)
• Final school report
• SAT or ACT (optional for 2022-2026 applicants, but recommended)
• English Proficiency Test- Not Required for First-year Undergraduate Students

Note: If your college does not issue mark sheets or transcripts, submit an official letter from them listing courses and examinations taken, grades, and degrees and dates of degrees received.

Harvard University Top Programs

Harvard University offers a variety of top graduate programs designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills. Below is a list of key programs, including their tuition fees and important deadlines for international students.

*To know more about other courses, click here.

Harvard University Admission Requirements

Applying to Harvard as an Indian student, involves a few essential steps. Here are some general admission requirements you need to know to make your application process smooth:

For detailed instructions, students can also visit Harvard College Admissions.

Harvard University Admissions Decision Dates

Harvard provides notification for restrictive early action by mid-December. Regular decision applicants hear the decision by the end of March. Students can watch their application decisions on the application portal.

Once the decision is released, students get a notification email as a reminder to check their application status. Students can check the applications after 15 minutes of the decision release. If the students stay logged in while the decisions are released, they might not receive the reminder email.

Harvard University Students Review

Here’s what students say about their experience at the Harvard University:

Aadithya Ganeshram (Batch 2024) says "Harvard brings together some of the smartest people in the world, making the experience truly enriching. The research environment is highly collaborative, and you constantly get new ideas from brilliant minds. However, the academic requirements can be strict and sometimes inflexible, leaving little room for personal preferences. Overall, being surrounded by such excellence makes the journey worthwhile."

Course: PhD in Chemical Physics

Rating: 6.5/10

Preeti (Batch 2017) says “Getting into Harvard is tough, with a low acceptance rate, but the academic experience is worth it. A high GPA, strong TOEFL/SAT scores, and a solid application are essential. The coursework is demanding, but the faculty and extracurriculars make it a fulfilling experience. The competitive environment pushes you to excel, but it can also be stressful at times.”

Course: B.A Computer Science

Rating: 7.5/10

Krish Sreedevi says “Harvard offers an incredible academic environment with top-notch faculty, career opportunities, and entrepreneurial resources. The flexibility in courses and cross-registration with other institutions is a plus. The workload is intense, but the exposure and opportunities make up for it. If you can handle the pressure, Harvard is an academic utopia.”

Course: Ed.M. in Technology Innovation and Education

Rating: 8.3/10

*To read full review on Harvard, including college life, placements, and admissions: Click Here

Harvard University offers 50+ UG, 134 graduate & over 9 doctorate programs with a ~3.4% acceptance rate, demanding strong academics and impactful extracurriculars. Standardized test scores are mandatory for Fall 2025. While tuition is high, generous need-based aid makes it accessible. Students praise Harvard’s faculty, research, and career opportunities, though the environment can be highly competitive. Harvard remains a top choice for ambitious, high-achieving students.