Studying at Harvard University is more than just a school—it’s a symbol of intellectual rigor, innovation, and global leadership. For graduate students around the world, earning a degree from Harvard University represents a life-changing opportunity. Harvard offers world-class faculty and interdisciplinary programs. The career connections provided are unmatched. The graduate experience at Harvard is truly one of a kind.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes Harvard the ultimate destination for graduate studies.
🏫 Harvard’s Graduate Schools: Diverse, Specialized, and Prestigious
Harvard is made up of 12 prestigious graduate and professional schools, each offering a unique academic focus:
- Harvard Business School (HBS) – Renowned for its case-study method and leadership training.
- Harvard Law School (HLS) – Offers J.D., LL.M., and S.J.D. programs with a focus on legal theory, international law, and public interest.
- Harvard Medical School (HMS) – A leader in medical education, biomedical research, and clinical innovation.
- Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) – Focuses on transforming education through evidence-based policy and practice.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Pioneering research and leadership in global health, epidemiology, and policy.
- Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) – Ideal for those pursuing public policy, administration, or international development.
- Harvard Divinity School, Design School, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (SEAS) and more.
Many programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to collaborate across schools.
✨ Benefits:
- A tailored curriculum that aligns with career goals
- Flexibility to pursue joint degrees (e.g., MBA + JD, MD + PhD)
- Collaboration opportunities with MIT, located just across the river
- Access to Harvard’s vast research centers and initiatives
📝 Admissions: What You Need to Apply
Admissions vary by program, but the process is designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic excellence, leadership qualities, and potential to contribute to society.
General Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or international equivalent
- Academic transcripts with a competitive GPA
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT) if required
- Statement of Purpose that reflects your goals and passion
- Letters of Recommendation from faculty or professionals
- Resume or CV
- TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native English speakers)
Some programs may also require:
- Writing samples (for PhDs in humanities or social sciences)
- Portfolios (for design or architecture)
- Research proposals (especially for doctoral tracks)
🔑 Bonus Tips:
- Demonstrate fit with faculty and ongoing research
- Highlight real-world impact, innovation, and leadership
- Start early—applications often open nearly a year before the program begins
📈 Benefits:
- Comprehensive and holistic evaluation—beyond test scores
- Strong emphasis on originality, personal values, and community impact
- Encouragement for diverse and underrepresented applicants
💸 Scholarships, Fellowships & Funding Support
While tuition can be high (often $50,000–$70,000 per year depending on the program), Harvard is committed to affordability and financial accessibility.
Major Funding Options:
- Merit-Based Fellowships – e.g., Dean’s Scholarships, Zuckerman Fellowship
- Need-Based Aid – Available in many professional schools
- Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs)
- External Scholarships – Fulbright, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, etc.
- Fully Funded PhD Programs – Most PhD students are guaranteed 5+ years of full funding
International students are fully eligible for scholarships in most programs, especially those who demonstrate exceptional merit or financial need.
🎁 Benefits:
- Reduced or eliminated debt after graduation
- Monthly stipends for living expenses
- Funded research and travel opportunities
- Greater freedom to focus on studies, not finances
🌎 International Students: A Welcoming and Inclusive Campus
Harvard is home to over 6,000 international students, making it one of the most globally diverse academic communities in the U.S.
Key Support Services:
- Harvard International Office (HIO) – Visa processing, legal support, housing help
- English Language Resources – Writing workshops, ESL services
- Cultural Integration Programs – Events, festivals, language exchanges
- Global Centers – Located worldwide for ongoing alumni engagement
International students are encouraged to take part in leadership, research, and public service, just like domestic students.
🌟 Benefits:
- A diverse peer group from every continent
- Robust support system for visa, housing, and academics
- Cultural immersion in a safe, exciting city (Boston/Cambridge)
- Networking with future global leaders
🚀 Life After Harvard: Career Pathways and Alumni Advantage
A degree from Harvard is more than just academic prestige—it’s a career launchpad. Graduates land roles at:
- Top companies like Google, McKinsey, Apple, Goldman Sachs
- International organizations such as the UN, WHO, and World Bank
- Government & Policy Institutions
- Elite academic and research institutions
- Startups and entrepreneurial ventures
Harvard’s Career Services Office offers:
- 1-on-1 career coaching
- Job fairs, on-campus interviews
- Internship placement
- Alumni mentoring
The Harvard Alumni Network spans over 400,000 people in every field imaginable.
Sought-After Career Fields:
- Tech: Google, Microsoft, Meta
- Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain
- Finance: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan
- Academia: Tenure-track jobs globally
- Government & Non-Profits: UN, WHO, USAID, Amnesty International
🎯 Long-Term Benefits:
- Access to Harvard’s 400,000+ alumni worldwide
- Preferred by global employers and academic institutions
- Platform for thought leadership, public speaking, and policy influenc
💼 Benefits:
- Global recognition that opens doors anywhere in the world
- Direct connections to high-level employers and mentors
- Lifelong support from the alumni community
- Opportunities to make a global impact through your work
Life at Harvard isn’t just about books—it’s about becoming a more empowered, connected, and visionary version of yourself.
Campus Life:
- 500+ graduate student clubs
- Seminars and public talks by global leaders (think Malala, Obama, Bill Gates)
- Innovation labs, maker spaces, and research hubs
- Yoga, music, intramural sports, and mental health resources
✨ Bonus Perks:
- Free access to Harvard libraries (largest academic library system in the world)
- Weekend getaways to New York, Cape Cod, or the White Mountains
- Networking with fellow Rhodes, Fulbright, and Marshall Scholars
🎯 Final Takeaway: Is Harvard the Right Choice for Your Graduate Journey?
If you’re looking for an education that challenges your thinking, it might be found at Harvard University. This education elevates your career. It connects you to a world-changing community. This university could be just what you need.
The journey is tough—but so are you. And Harvard is looking for individuals who are ready to lead, create, and serve. If that’s you, it’s time to start your path toward Cambridge.