Leslie Massey
Harvard University, ranked #4 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, is a highly selective and globally appealing institution, with an incredibly low acceptance rate of 3.5%-5% for undergraduate courses and 10%-15% for graduate/postgraduate programs. The application process for international students, including those from Australia, is the same as for American students, with the same financial aid opportunities available to all applicants. This guide will outline the key steps and requirements for Australians seeking to gain admission to Harvard University, including the necessary documentation, standardised testing, and visa requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Requirements | The same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship |
| Application Process | Complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application with required supplements |
| Standardized Testing Requirement | SAT or ACT |
| English Language Proficiency Examinations | TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardized testing requirement but can be submitted for review |
| Fee | Application fee waivers are available for those facing financial hardship |
| Admissions | Admissions decisions are made without regard to whether an applicant has applied for financial aid or is a foreign citizen |
| Acceptance Rate | 3.5%-5% for undergraduate courses, 10%-15% for graduate or postgraduate programs |
| Tuition Fee | 56,550 USD per year for international students |
| Student Visa | F-1 or J-1 visa |
| Application Deadline | December or January |
| Application Results | Released in March or April |
| Additional Tips | Demonstrate excellence beyond academic performance, including intellectual pursuit, leadership, motivation, ambition, and commitment |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements and process
Harvard University welcomes applications from students all over the world, including Australia. The admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The application requirements are also the same for all applicants, whether they attend high school inside or outside the US.
All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with any required supplements. There is no preference given to either application, and each is treated equally by the Admissions Committee. The application fee can be waived if it presents a financial hardship for the applicant or their family. This can be requested directly through the Common Application or the Coalition Application if the respective indicators of economic need are met.
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement. In exceptional cases, where these tests are not accessible, other standardised tests can be taken instead. English language proficiency examinations such as the TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement, but students are welcome to submit them for review as part of their application materials.
Harvard is looking for students with exceptional levels of motivation, ambition, and commitment. They seek students who can show evidence of resourcefulness, resilience, and perseverance. It is important to demonstrate excellence and promise beyond academic performance, with your profile resonating with Harvard’s classic brand and traditions, such as its emphasis on intellectual pursuit and leadership. Conveying strong directionality and intention is also crucial.
To increase your chances of acceptance, it is recommended to include challenging academic extracurriculars in your mix of activities outside of school. Examples include Math Olympiad, science fairs, and Mathletes competitions. Engaging in independent research or other kinds of capstone projects can also strengthen your application.
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Standardised testing
If you are concerned about the cost of taking the SAT or ACT, it is important to note that fee waivers are available for domestic students from low-income families. However, these waivers are typically not available for non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US. If you face financial hardship in paying for the tests, Harvard still encourages you to apply and consider taking other standardised tests that may be more accessible to you.
To prepare for the SAT or ACT, it is recommended to set aside a practice session once a week for the three months leading up to the exam. Free online practice tools are available for both tests, such as those provided by Khan Academy for the SAT and ACT Learning Resources for the ACT. Additional free online practice tests for the ACT are offered by PrepScholar. If you require more practice materials, books of additional tests for both the SAT and ACT can be purchased from online publishers.
Achieving a high score on the SAT or ACT will enhance your application. To be in the top 25% of applicants at Harvard, aim for a composite SAT score of 1560-1580 or a composite ACT score of 35-36. It is worth noting that Harvard will no longer be test-optional beginning with applications to the Class of 2029, so your test scores will be an essential component of your application.
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Application fees and financial aid
Harvard University offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs to support talented students from Australia and New Zealand. The university is committed to making the application process accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background.
The application fee for Harvard University is $75, but if this fee presents a financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver. You can do this directly through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Requesting a fee waiver will not affect your application in any way.
Harvard University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid programs to international students, including those from Australia. The university provides financial aid to international students based on their individual financial needs. This aid can cover up to 100% of tuition costs, as well as provide additional support for room and board and other expenses.
Harvard University also offers several scholarships specifically for Australian and New Zealand students, such as the Harvard Club of Australia Scholarship, which provides financial aid to Australian students with high academic achievement, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to society. Another option is the R.G. Menzies Scholarship, which is designed for Australian citizens pursuing graduate studies at Harvard. This scholarship provides substantial financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses. To be eligible, students must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
To apply for financial aid, you will need to complete the CSS Profile and, if applicable, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to demonstrate financial need. It is important to submit these forms by the deadline, which is usually between December and February for the upcoming academic year.
In addition to scholarships and financial aid, international students can also seek financial assistance from external sources such as government programs or private organizations. It is recommended to start the application process early and be prepared for a rigorous and competitive process.
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Student visa process
To study at Harvard as an Australian student, you will need to obtain a U.S. student visa. There are two visa categories for studying in the United States: the F-1 student visa and the J-1 student visa. Most admitted full-time international students to Harvard University are eligible for the F-1 visa, while only some students are eligible for the J-1 student visa. Students who are eligible for both must communicate which visa category they plan to use to the admissions office of their school.
To begin the visa application process, go to the Australian page on USTravelDocs.com and start with step two, which will guide you through filling out the visa application (DS-160). You will also need to provide the following:
- A receipt showing payment of the US$185 non-immigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency.
- A passport valid for travel to the U.S., with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
- A credit card, bank check, or money order payable to the “U.S. Consulate General” for your issuance fee.
- An approved Form I-20 from your U.S. school or program or other required forms like a DS-2019. These must have a program start date that occurs in the future and allows time to travel after you get the visa.
Please note that you may not need an interview and could apply by mail. However, it is always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information, as requirements may change.
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Academic extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities are an important part of your Harvard application. They should showcase your interests, talents, and unique experiences. Ideally, your extracurricular activities should be at an exceptional level to make your application stand out to the admissions office.
Harvard does not consider any particular activities more "prestigious" than others. Instead, they look for unique experiences that set you apart from your peers with similar backgrounds. For example, if you have a passion for creative writing and the arts, you could consider publishing your work in magazines or newspapers, or even putting on an exhibition. If you're interested in coding, you could join a coding club and develop a project that showcases your skills.
Academic clubs are a great way to demonstrate your excellence in a particular field. However, it's important to show that you were proactive in pursuing your hobby, rather than simply being a passive member of a club. For instance, if you're interested in coding, you could join a coding club and also work on developing an app or website in your own time. Similarly, if you're passionate about a particular sport, you could join a sports team and also take on a leadership role, such as captain or coach.
Remember, the key is to pursue activities that you're truly interested in and that showcase your unique talents and experiences. This will help your application stand out and demonstrate to the admissions office who you truly are.
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Frequently asked questions
All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, with the required supplements. The SAT or ACT is also required to meet Harvard's standardised testing requirement.
The College Board and ACT provide fee waivers to some domestic students from low-income families. If you are not eligible for a fee waiver but still face financial hardship, the Admissions Committee still encourages you to apply. You can submit results from other standardised tests.
Include challenging academic extracurriculars in your activities outside of school, such as Math Olympiad, science fairs, and Mathletes competitions. Engage in independent research or capstone projects, and sign up for a pre-college summer program at a leading university.
Harvard seeks students with exceptional levels of motivation, ambition, and commitment. They are looking for students who can show evidence of resourcefulness, resilience, and perseverance. Harvard takes pride in fostering a rigorous academic environment.
Harvard received 54,008 undergraduate applications in 2024 alone, with an acceptance rate of 3.5%-5%. International students made up 15.4% of the class of 2028.
