
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, but the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a significant barrier to many students. Fortunately, Harvard offers various types of scholarships to help ease the financial burden for eligible students. Here are some of the different types of scholarships available at Harvard:
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved academic excellence or demonstrated exceptional talents in a particular field. These scholarships are highly competitive and are typically based on a student’s GPA, test scores, and other achievements.
At Harvard, merit-based scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as the Harvard College Prize Book Award, which recognizes students who have made significant contributions to their school or community.
Academic Scholarships
One type of merit-based scholarship is the academic scholarship, which is awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic performance. At Harvard, the Harvard College Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and financial need. Additionally, some academic departments at Harvard also offer merit-based scholarships to students who excel in their field of study.
Athletic Scholarships
Harvard does not offer athletic scholarships, as the university is committed to providing need-based financial aid to all students. However, the university does offer a range of resources and support for student-athletes, including academic tutoring, training facilities, and access to top coaches and trainers.
Need-Based Scholarships
Harvard also offers a range of need-based scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are awarded based on a student’s family income and assets, as well as other factors such as family size and the number of children in college. At Harvard, need-based scholarships include the Harvard College Scholarship, which covers up to full tuition and is awarded based on a student’s financial need and academic achievement, as well as the Harvard Grant, which provides additional financial aid to students with the highest financial need.
Work-Study Programs
In addition to need-based scholarships, Harvard also offers a range of work-study programs that allow students to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. These programs include part-time jobs on campus, as well as off-campus work opportunities in fields such as community service and public service. Work-study programs at Harvard are designed to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses, while also providing valuable skills and experience that can benefit them in their future careers.
Research and Fellowship Opportunities
Harvard University also offers various research and fellowship opportunities for students to pursue their academic interests. These opportunities may include funding for research projects, internships, and other academic pursuits. Some examples of research and fellowship opportunities include the Harvard Summer Research Program, the Harvard Undergraduate Research Program, and the Harvard Global Health Institute Fellowship.
The Harvard Summer Research Program provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor during the summer months. The program is open to students in a variety of disciplines and provides a stipend for living expenses.
The Harvard Undergraduate Research Program offers funding and support for students pursuing independent research projects during the academic year. Students work with a faculty mentor to develop a research project and receive funding for expenses related to their research.
The Harvard Global Health Institute Fellowship provides funding for students to pursue research in global health, social justice, and health policy. Fellows work with faculty mentors to develop a research project and receive funding for travel and living expenses.
Other research and fellowship opportunities may be available through individual departments or schools within Harvard University. Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and speak with their academic advisors to learn more about available funding and support for their academic pursuits.
External Scholarships
External scholarships are awarded by private organizations, corporations, and foundations outside of Harvard University. These scholarships can be based on a variety of criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, community service, or specific fields of study. Many external scholarships have their application processes and deadlines, so it is important to research and apply for them separately from Harvard’s scholarships.
One example of an external scholarship is the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, which provides full-ride scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students who are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic American, or Pacific Islander. Another example is the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship, which awards up to $40,000 per year to high-achieving, low-income students who are transferring from a community college to a four-year institution.
There are also many other external scholarships available based on specific criteria or affiliations, such as scholarships for women in STEM fields or scholarships for military veterans. Students can search for external scholarships through various resources, such as online scholarship databases or their high school guidance office.
While external scholarships may not be directly affiliated with Harvard University, they can still provide valuable financial support for students pursuing their education. Students need to take the time to research and apply for external scholarships in addition to Harvard’s scholarship opportunities.