Harvard University

Overview

Acronyms: HU

Founded: 1636

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #1

Rank in United States: #1

Motto: Veritas

Colours: Crimson

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Established in 1636, the Harvard University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Harvard University (HU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Harvard University (HU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 388-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

HU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Harvard University are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.

Academic Details

Harvard University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.

Academic Structures

Harvard University's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.

Programs Offered

Every programme Harvard University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.

How to apply to Harvard University

How to apply to Harvard University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Harvard University runs 654 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Before applying to Harvard University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Harvard University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Lodge your application through the official website (www.harvard.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 495 1000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harvard University

A short Q&A covering Harvard University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

Members of Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)

Network reputation can differ from individual institutional reputation. Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) membership may enhance or moderate the perceived standing of Harvard University depending on how the network is regarded.

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Harvard University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

HA

Harvard–MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology

Cambridge · Rank #92

Lesley University

Cambridge · Private · Est. 1909

Hult International Business School

Cambridge · Private · Est. 2003

Cambridge College

Cambridge · Private · Est. 1971

Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme delivery mode varies across the Linguistics & Language Studies programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Universities Often Compared with Harvard University

Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis · Private · Rank #89

Emory University

Atlanta · Private · Rank #94

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh · Private · Rank #112