International Applicants
The transfer admissions process is similar toInternational students have various options when it comes to applying to Harvard. For example, you can use it as an international student who plans to study in the United States and then apply for a status change once you arrive at Harvard. Or you could apply as an international student who intends to study abroad but is interested in taking classes at Harvard. At the same time, abroad (in this case, you would not be eligible for F-1/J-1 visa status). If you choose any of these options, we strongly recommend you carefully read our advice below on navigating the application process. regular admissions, but critical differences exist. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what it takes to be admitted as a transfer student and give some tips on how best to navigate the process.
Application Requirements
The University requires that you have a minimum of two years’ work in college-preparatory courses (including one year each of English, math and science).
- High school transcript: You may submit your transcript electronically via the Common Application or by submitting an official copy directly to Harvard admissions (with an application supplement). If you submit your transcripts electronically, they must be sent directly from your high school to the Harvard University Office of Admissions, with a copy sent to all schools where you are applying.
- SAT or ACT scores: You must take either the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Assessment before December 31st of your senior year for us to receive them by February 1st following graduation.
Eligibility
International applicants must be at least 18 and have valid passports. International students are not eligible for financial aid, so you’ll need to show that you can afford the cost of attendance before being admitted as an international student.
International applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must meet specific requirements:
- Minimum English proficiency – TOEFL scores (550 paper-based; 80 iBT), IELTS scores (6), PTE Academic scores (50) or CAEL Academic scores (50).
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses for one year at Harvard University ($70-75K per year).
Application Fee
- The application fee is $80 and can be paid online or by check.
- The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether you apply to Harvard.
- If you’re taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the test centre will charge an additional $205 ($385 for international applicants). This does not count toward your application total; it’s just something extra that has to be paid separately by you or someone else on your behalf if they take this test on behalf of an applicant who has been admitted but has not yet enrolled in classes at Harvard University International Applicants.
Tests and eligible score
- TOEFL or IELTS: TOEFL exams are required for applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated in the United States. If you apply as an international student, your score must be at least 90. If you take IELTS, it must be 7.0 or higher.*
A minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS exam is required for admission to Harvard College; however, we recommend that all candidates aim for a score of 7.5 or higher.* For more information about these tests and how to register for them, please visit our International Applicants page.*
International Interviews
International applicants who are interviewed will be asked to schedule an interview with a member of the admissions committee. The interviews are conducted in person or via Skype and are designed to enable us to get to know you as a person and not just as an applicant. Our interviewers are trained to ask questions that allow them to learn about your interests and experiences outside of academics, so don’t be surprised if some questions seem unrelated to your application!
Interviewers do not test knowledge; instead, they ask questions that allow them to understand who you are as an individual (for example: “What do you like about [topic]?”). At Harvard University, applicants are considered for admission based on their unique qualities and potential contribution toward creating a diverse campus community. These personal interactions during our recruitment process will help show us who you are!
privacy Information
- Harvard University is committed to protecting the privacy of our applicants. We will not share your personal information with any third parties other than those listed below:
- The Harvard University Office for Financial Aid will use it to determine your eligibility for financial aid and to help manage that process;
- Your school counsellor or college admissions office, if you choose to share it with them;
Other schools you have applied to, if they request it from us for them to, send their materials (such as printed brochures).