If you’ve ever dreamed of studying at Harvard University, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most prestigious universities in the world — known for producing global leaders, Nobel Prize winners, innovators, and change-makers. But here’s the good news many students don’t realize: Harvard offers some of the most generous scholarships for international students, including Nigerians and other African applicants.

In fact, Harvard is one of the few universities where your financial background does NOT stop you from being admitted. Their financial aid program is built on one goal:

“If you are good enough to get in, you should be able to afford it — regardless of your family’s income.”

Let’s talk about how it works, who can apply, what the scholarship covers, and how you can increase your chances of being selected.

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Understanding Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard does not give merit-based scholarships.
Instead, they offer 100% need-based financial aid.

This means:

• Harvard checks your financial background

• They calculate what your family can reasonably afford

• Then they cover the rest — up to 100%

And yes, many international students receive full scholarships every year.

Harvard financial aid can cover:

• Full tuition fees

• Accommodation & living expenses

• Books and study materials

• Health insurance

• Transportation

• Travel stipends

• Other academic-related costs

For some students, the scholarship covers everything. Others receive partial support, depending on financial need.

Who Is Eligible for Harvard Scholarships?

The good news?
Every international student who applies to Harvard is automatically considered for financial aid.

You’re eligible if you are:

• An international applicant (undergraduate or graduate)

• Accepted into Harvard University

• Able to demonstrate financial need

There are no nationality restrictions. Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Brazil, and many other countries have been funded.

How Harvard Calculates Financial Aid

Here’s the interesting part — Harvard uses a simple income formula:

✔ Families earning $65,000 or less per year

Pay $0.
Harvard covers your entire cost of attendance — tuition, housing, living, everything.

✔ Families earning $65,000–$150,000 per year

Pay 10% or less of their income.

✔ Families earning above $150,000

Financial aid varies, but support is still available.

This system makes Harvard more affordable than many local universities.

Types of Funding Harvard Offers

1. Need-Based Scholarships (Most Common)

You don’t repay this. It’s simply support based on your financial situation.

2. Harvard Grants

Funding from the university endowment — also does not need repayment.

3. Outside Scholarships

Harvard allows students to use external scholarships alongside their aid.

4. Student Employment Opportunities

You can work part-time during your studies to support your income.

5. Loans (Optional, but not required)

Harvard no longer requires student loans in most financial aid packages.

Harvard Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Harvard’s financial aid for undergraduates is one of the best in the world. More than 55% of students receive financial aid, and 1 in 5 pays nothing at all.

Undergraduate applicants don’t need a separate scholarship application.
Just apply for:

• Harvard admission, and

• Financial Aid Profile + CSS Profile (for international students)

After that, you’re automatically considered.

Harvard Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate programs (Master’s, PhD, MBA, etc.) have separate funding systems.

PhD Funding

Almost all Harvard PhD students receive full funding for:

• Tuition

• Research costs

• Monthly stipend

• Health insurance

Yes, full.

Master’s Programs

Master’s funding varies, but notable programs include:

• Harvard Kennedy School fellowships

• Harvard Business School scholarships

• Harvard Law School financial aid

• Harvard Graduate School of Education fellowships

Competition is strong, but funding opportunities exist through both Harvard and outside organizations.

How to Apply for Harvard University Scholarships

Applying for Harvard’s financial aid is straightforward but requires preparation.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Undergraduate or graduate.

Step 2: Submit the CSS Profile (International Students)

This helps Harvard understand your financial background.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Financial Documents

Examples:

• Parent income statements

• Bank statements

• Tax documents (if available)

• Proof of assets and liabilities

Step 4: Apply for Additional Fellowships (Graduate Students)

Each program has its own scholarship portal.

Step 5: Await Decision

Financial aid decisions come with your admission letter.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting in (and Getting Funded)

Let’s be honest — Harvard is extremely competitive. But not impossible.

Here’s what helps:

✔ Strong Academics

Consistent, excellent grades across all levels.

✔ Strong Personal Statement

Harvard wants to see your story — your struggles, vision, leadership, and passion.

✔ Extracurricular Activities

Leadership roles, volunteering, competitions, projects.

✔ Strong Recommendations

Teachers or mentors who truly know you.

✔ Confidence + Authenticity

Harvard rejects “perfect robots” and chooses real humans with unique stories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Nigerians apply for Harvard scholarships?

Absolutely yes. Hundreds have been funded in past years.

2. Do I need to be rich to apply?

No. Most students who get funding come from low-income backgrounds.

3. Is SAT required?

SAT has become optional, but it can still strengthen your application.

4. Does Harvard give full funding?

Yes — many international students receive full scholarships.

5. Do I need a separate scholarship application?

Not for undergraduates. Graduate students may apply separately.

6. Can I work while studying?

Yes — Harvard offers student jobs for extra income.

Final Thoughts

If your dream is to study at Harvard, don’t let money stop you.
Harvard truly does support students regardless of financial background. Their scholarship is one of the most generous in the world, and international students benefit every year.

Your job now is to prepare your documents, build a strong profile, and apply with confidence. You only need one “YES” — and Harvard might be that yes.