Harvard University Scholarships for UK Students

Thinking of studying at Harvard University as a UK student but worried about the cost? Let’s be real—Harvard is not just a university, it’s a brand. But thankfully, it’s also one of the most generous institutions in the world when it comes to financial aid. Whether you're eyeing an undergraduate degree or a world-class MBA, Harvard ensures that financial limitations won’t stand between you and an Ivy League education.

This detailed guide will walk you through the Harvard scholarships available to UK students, the application process, external fellowships, and tips to increase your chances of funding success.

🌍 Can UK Students Study at Harvard?

Absolutely! Each year, hundreds of international students—including a healthy number from the United Kingdom—study at Harvard across its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Even better? UK students are fully eligible for Harvard’s generous need-based financial aid.

Unlike many U.S. institutions that offer limited scholarships to international students, Harvard takes pride in being need-blind in its admissions process and need-aware when it comes to aid.

💸 Types of Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

Harvard offers two main types of funding:

1. Need-Based Financial Aid (for Undergraduate Students)

Harvard doesn’t offer merit-based scholarships. Instead, it provides financial aid based entirely on your family’s financial need. This means that if your family can’t afford Harvard’s costs, Harvard will cover the gap.

💡 Key Facts:

• Families earning under $100,000 per year typically pay nothing.
• Families earning up to $200,000 per year may still qualify for significant tuition discounts.
• 25% of all Harvard students pay zero tuition.

What's Covered:

• Tuition
• Room and board
• Travel costs
• Health insurance
• Books and personal expenses

2. External Scholarships for UK Postgraduates

If you're a UK student aiming for postgraduate study—like a Master's, MBA, or PhD—Harvard does not provide as much internal aid. However, prestigious UK-to-Harvard scholarships can offer fully funded opportunities:

✅ Kennedy Scholarship

• For graduate study at Harvard or MIT
• Covers full tuition, living expenses, and more
• Funded by the Kennedy Memorial Trust
• Extremely competitive (~10 scholars annually)

✅ Henry Fellowship

• For graduates of Oxford, Cambridge, and other select UK universities
• Offers full funding for one year of study at Harvard or Yale
• Designed for academic high-achievers and future leaders

✅ Chevening Scholarship

• Sponsored by the UK government
• Available for select one-year master's programs
• Can cover tuition, flights, living allowance, and more
• Not always applicable to every Harvard program, so check eligibility

🎯 Harvard MBA Scholarships for UK Students

If you’re targeting the prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS), you’re looking at one of the world’s best—and most expensive—MBA programs. Luckily, UK students are eligible for need-based HBS Fellowships, which work similarly to grants.

🏦 HBS Financial Aid Overview:

• Average fellowship award: $40,000–$45,000 per year (up to $90,000 total)
• Based solely on financial need—not academic or professional merit
• UK students must complete the HBS Financial Aid Application after admission

You may also explore:

• Prodigy Finance Loans (designed for international MBA students)
• British Council GREAT Scholarships
• Rhodes or Marshall Scholarships (depending on program choice)

📍 Step-by-Step Application Process

🧑‍🎓 For Undergraduate Applicants:

1. Apply via the Common Application or Coalition Application
2. Indicate your intention to apply for financial aid
3. Submit the following: CSS Profile (Harvard’s financial aid form) Income tax documents Additional documentation as requested
4. Use Harvard’s Net Price Calculator to estimate your aid package

🧑‍💼 For Graduate Applicants:

• Apply directly to your desired graduate program (e.g., HBS, Harvard Law)
• Complete any internal financial aid forms
• Apply separately to external scholarships like Kennedy or Henry
• Prepare an outstanding personal statement, strong references, and detailed CV

✈️ Studying at Harvard: Cost Breakdown (Without Aid)

Expense CategoryEstimated Annual CostTuition$56,000+Room and Board$21,000+Books and Supplies$1,000–$1,500Health Insurance$4,000+Travel (UK to US)$1,000–$1,500Personal Expenses$2,000+Total Cost$80,000–$85,000

Thanks to financial aid, most UK students pay far less—some pay nothing at all.

✨ Benefits of a Harvard Education

Studying at Harvard doesn’t just offer academic prestige. Here’s what UK students gain:

• Access to world-class faculty and research
• A diverse international community
• Networking with future global leaders
• A passport to careers in finance, politics, healthcare, and tech
• Massive ROI: Average starting salary post-HBS = $175,000+

🧠 Pro Tips for UK Students Applying to Harvard

1. Start early – Applications are competitive and deadlines come quickly.
2. Be authentic – Harvard values character, resilience, and originality.
3. Focus on impact – Whether academic, social, or personal, highlight your contributions.
4. Apply for external scholarships – Especially if pursuing postgraduate study.
5. Show passion – Especially in your essays and interviews.

🔍 Key SEO Keywords for Ranking

• Harvard University scholarships for UK students
• Harvard financial aid UK 2025
• Kennedy Scholarship Harvard
• Harvard MBA scholarship UK
• Study at Harvard from UK
• Harvard UK postgraduate funding

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Harvard Possible for You?

Yes, Harvard is possible for UK students, regardless of financial background. From full financial aid at the undergraduate level to prestigious fellowships for postgrads, the funding options are robust. But success depends on preparation, authenticity, and ambition.

So if you're dreaming of studying at Harvard—start now. Plan, research, apply, and let your story shine.