Harvard is not free for every international student, but its need-based aid applies equally regardless of nationality. Admissions are need-blind, so your family’s finances do not affect whether you are admitted.
If you are admitted, Harvard meets 100 percent of your demonstrated financial need with grants, not loans. Starting in 2025-26, families earning 200,000 dollars or less pay no tuition, and families earning 100,000 dollars or less pay nothing at all, including housing, food, and fees.
In practice this means most international students from middle-income families pay far less than the sticker price. Harvard’s published scale previously asked families earning under 85,000 dollars to contribute nothing, and families earning 85,000 to 150,000 dollars to contribute between zero and 10 percent of income. Families with significant assets are assessed differently.
To be considered for aid, international students complete the CSS Profile and provide family financial documents by the stated deadlines. Missing a deadline can delay or reduce your award, so check Harvard’s financial aid site for the current dates.
For related questions, see how much Harvard costs for international students and whether you can get a full scholarship to Harvard. General guidance on international student admission requirements covers the application side.

