Cost of Studying at Harvard University in 2027 for International Students Revealed

Does Harvard really cost more than $100,000 per year? Is its free-tuition policy available to international students? Does the published price include accommodation, meals, medical insurance and flights—or only tuition? Can graduate students receive the same generous financial aid as undergraduates, and could an international student realistically cover Harvard’s living costs through part-time work?

These questions repeatedly appear in student communities. Recent discussions include students questioning whether Harvard’s real undergraduate price has reached $100,000, whether its health-insurance plan can be waived and how international master’s students finance expensive programmes without access to a U.S. loan guarantor.

The answers are complicated because Harvard University does not charge one universal fee. Harvard College undergraduates, Griffin GSAS master’s students, PhD researchers, law students and MBA candidates all receive different budgets and funding arrangements.

Harvard has not yet published its final 2027–2028 cost of attendance. The following figures therefore use its latest confirmed 2026–2027 charges, previous annual increases and reasonable allowances to estimate what an international student entering in fall 2027 should prepare to spend (Ref).

Harvard’s Cost Snapshot for 2027 Entry

These are planning estimates rather than officially announced 2027–2028 prices.

How Much Will a Harvard Undergraduate Degree Cost?

Harvard College’s confirmed 2026–2027 charges include $62,226 for tuition, $6,216 in fees, $14,250 for housing and $8,942 for food. The directly billed subtotal is therefore $91,634.

Harvard adds $2,500 for personal expenses, $1,000 for books and up to $5,000 for transportation, producing an official cost of attendance of $95,134–$100,134. Students must also carry qualifying health insurance; Harvard’s plan costs another $4,954 unless it can be waived.

Once the $90 undergraduate application fee, $350 SEVIS fee and $185 student-visa fee are included, the current first-year total reaches approximately $100,700–$105,700. Harvard’s undergraduate budget increased by more than 5% between 2025–2026 and 2026–2027, making $106,000–$111,000 a sensible estimate for 2027 entry. The $90 application charge can be waived where paying it would create financial hardship.

What Will a Harvard Master’s or PhD Cost?

At Harvard Griffin GSAS, standard full tuition is $59,048 for master’s students and first- or second-year PhD students. Annual health charges total $6,898, while estimated living expenses range from $35,400 for ten months in university housing to $45,240 for 12 months in shared off-campus accommodation.

After adding the $105 application fee, student council fee and immigration charges, an unfunded graduate student could presently spend approximately $102,000 for ten months or nearly $112,000 for 12 months. A practical 2027 budget would therefore be $105,000–$118,000.

PhD applicants should not automatically interpret that amount as their personal bill. Harvard states that PhD students may receive grants covering tuition and fees through their individual financial-support packages. Master’s funding is less predictable and varies substantially between programmes.

Are Harvard MBA and Law Degrees More Expensive?

Yes. Harvard Law School’s confirmed 2026–2027 nine-month budget is $126,650, including $84,400 in tuition, health charges, housing, food, books, travel and personal expenses. Its application fee for fall 2027 entry is $90.

Harvard Business School estimates $130,318 for a single MBA student, including $84,760 in tuition. A computer costing approximately $1,500 is not included, and students renting privately may need to finance three additional months because the published budget covers only nine months.

Visa, Travel and Hidden Arrival Expenses to Attend Harvard

Most international students will pay $350 for the I-901 SEVIS fee and $185 for the F-1 visa application, creating a basic immigration cost of $535. A separate visa-issuance fee may apply to certain nationalities.

Applicants should also budget for tests, document translations, courier charges, airfare, baggage, winter clothing, a laptop, bedding, mobile service and initial room supplies. Exchange-rate losses and international bank charges can quietly add hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Can International Students Receive Harvard Financial Aid?

International undergraduates are eligible for the same need-based aid as American students. Families earning $100,000 or less with typical assets may pay nothing, while families earning up to $200,000 may receive at least full tuition coverage. Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated undergraduate financial need and may include housing, food, insurance, travel and other necessary expenses in an aid package.

Graduate aid is not equally uniform. PhD funding can be substantial, but master’s and professional-degree applicants should plan against the complete price until they receive a written scholarship, fellowship or financial-aid offer.

For 2027 entry, an international student without financial aid should therefore prepare for at least $106,000 for an undergraduate year, approximately $105,000–$118,000 for a GSAS graduate year, and more than $130,000 for certain professional degrees. A campus job may help with personal expenses, but it cannot realistically finance a six-figure Harvard education.

Summary of Overall Cost of Attendance at Harvard as of Now