What Are the Most Popular Courses and Majors at Harvard?
Harvard University is globally regarded as a dream destination for students seeking top-ranked courses and prestigious career opportunities. For Indian students planning to study abroad in 2025, exploring Harvard’s diverse course catalog, admission process, fees, and scholarship options is a crucial first step to making an informed decision.
Harvard University Courses: Overview 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Total Courses Offered | 3,700+ (50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate, 32 professional degrees) |
| Intake Season | Fall (September), limited Spring intake (varies by program) |
| QS World University Ranking (2024) | 4th globally |
| International Students | 16% of total enrollment (over 8,000 from 200+ countries) |
| Popular Schools | Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Harvard Business School, Law School, Medical School |
| Online & Certificate Options | EDX, Harvard Extension School (free & paid courses) |
As an international applicant, you will find Harvard’s course structure flexible, research-driven, and highly competitive—perfect for building outstanding academic and professional profiles.
Top Courses & Programs for International Students
- Computer Science (BS, MS, PhD)
- MBA (Harvard Business School)
- Law (JD, LLM)
- Economics (BA, MA, PhD)
- Medicine & Biological Sciences
- Data Science, Biotechnology, Neuroscience
- Psychology, Public Policy, Mathematics, Engineering
- International Relations, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities
- Free online certificate courses (via HarvardX)
For a full Harvard course list and degree requirements, visit the official Harvard Academics page (external link).
Students interested in flexible learning can explore Harvard certificate and online programs—ideal for working professionals or those seeking short-term upskilling.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams for Harvard (2025 Intake)
- Academic Excellence: Higher secondary (Class 12) with high distinction for UG; bachelor’s with strong CGPA/GPA for PG.
- English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80 (higher scores preferred).
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT for UG (optional for some intakes), GRE/GMAT for select PG courses.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Minimum 2 required.
- SOP/Personal Essay: Crucial for holistic admissions.
- Resume/CV & Extracurriculars: Strongly recommended.
For detailed English exam tips, see our IELTS Exam Guide and TOEFL Test info.
| Requirement | UG (Bachelor’s) | PG (Master’s/MBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum GPA (US scale) | 3.5/4.0 (expected) | 3.7/4.0 (competitive) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 80+ | IELTS 7.0+ / TOEFL 100+ |
| Accepted Tests | SAT/ACT | GRE/GMAT (if required) |
| SOP/Essay | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 | 2-3 |
Also read: How to Convert 10-Point CGPA to 4-Point GPA
Harvard University Fees & Scholarships for Indian Students 2025
| Course Level | Annual Tuition Fee (USD) | Annual Cost (INR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 54,000 | ₹45,00,000 |
| PG (Arts, Sciences) | 52,000 – 57,000 | ₹43L–₹47L |
| MBA (Harvard Business School) | 73,000 | ₹60,00,000 |
| Online/Professional | Free–1,500 (HarvardX/Extension) | ₹0–₹1.2L |
- Scholarships: Harvard offers need-based and merit scholarships to eligible international students. Most Indian applicants benefit from financial aid, with over 50% receiving some form of assistance.
- External scholarships like Inlaks, J N Tata Endowment, and Fulbright-Nehru Awards are widely accepted.
- Work-study options and assistantships are also available.
See our complete scholarship guide for Indian students to boost your financial planning.
Visa, Application Timeline & Post-Study Work Options (OPT)
- F-1 Student Visa: Required for all full-time Harvard programs. Apply after receiving I-20 form from Harvard.
- Application Deadlines: Early Action – November 1; Regular Decision – January 1 (UG); Rolling/varied for PG.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months (36 months for STEM), allowing you to work in the US post-graduation.
- H-1B Work Visa: Potential pathway for long-term US employment after OPT period.
Start your visa preparation early—see our expert guide on USA Student F1 Visa Process for 2025.
Student Life, Campus Experience & Career Outcomes
- World-class campus: 13 schools, 28+ libraries, active student clubs, modern tech & sports facilities.
- Part-time job options: On-campus work permitted, especially via the Federal Work-Study Program.
- Placement statistics: Over 90% HBS graduates secured offers in 2022 (Finance, Consulting, Tech, Life Sciences).
- Alumni support: Access to the most influential global alumni network.
Discover Harvard’s strong advantage over other top US universities in career placements and campus infrastructure: Top World Universities.
A degree from Harvard University opens doors to a powerful global network, unparalleled financial aid, and top-tier research and job prospects—making it a leading choice for Indian applicants. With early preparation around tests, documentation, and scholarships, Indian students can turn their Ivy League aspirations into reality.
FAQs on Harvard University Courses and Top Majors for 2025-26
1. What courses does Harvard University offer?
Harvard University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, science and engineering, social sciences, business, law, medicine, education, public health, and design. Students can choose from degree programs, electives, online courses, and continuing education opportunities designed for diverse academic interests and career goals.
2. What course is Harvard University best known for?
Harvard University is especially renowned for its Business Administration (via Harvard Business School), Law (Harvard Law School), and Medicine (Harvard Medical School) programs. These flagship courses are internationally recognized for their academic excellence, leading faculty, and impactful alumni networks.
3. What are the top 3 majors at Harvard University?
The top 3 most popular majors at Harvard University include Economics, Computer Science, and Political Science/Government. These majors attract high enrollment due to strong department reputations and excellent career outcomes.
4. What are the 12 schools of Harvard University?
Harvard University comprises 12 schools: Harvard College (undergraduate), Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Business School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Divinity School, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
5. Are there free online courses offered by Harvard University?
Yes, Harvard University offers free online courses through the Harvard Online Learning platform and edX. These free courses cover topics in computer science, programming, data science, healthcare, business, humanities, and more, and can be accessed by learners worldwide.
6. Can I get a certificate for Harvard’s free online courses?
Learners can access most online courses for free, but an official certificate of completion is usually available upon payment of a fee. These certificates demonstrate mastery of course content and can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
7. What are the course options for international students at Harvard University?
International students at Harvard can apply for full-time undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as short-term courses, certificate programs, pre-college programs, and free online courses. Admission is competitive and requires academic transcripts, standardized test scores, recommendations, and English proficiency results.
8. Does Harvard offer courses for high school students?
Yes, Harvard University offers pre-college and summer programs for high school students. These programs provide an opportunity to learn from Harvard faculty, experience campus life, and explore academic interests prior to graduation.
9. How can working professionals enroll in Harvard courses?
Working professionals can enroll in Harvard Extension School courses, Executive Education programs, and numerous online certificate courses. These are designed for flexible schedules and focus on career development, leadership, management, and specialized industry skills.
10. Where can I find the complete course catalog for Harvard University?
The complete Harvard University course catalog is available online through the official Harvard Courses portal and individual school websites. You can search by subject, school, term, or level to find detailed course descriptions, prerequisites, and schedules.
11. What are the typical fees for Harvard University courses for international students?
Fees for undergraduate programs at Harvard typically range from USD $55,000–$60,000 per year (including tuition and basic fees), while graduate and professional program fees vary by school and program. Scholarships and financial aid are available for eligible international students. Many online courses and certificate programs have separate, lower costs.
12. Does Harvard University offer postgraduate (master's) courses for Indian students?
Yes, Indian students can apply for postgraduate (master’s) programs across various Harvard schools, including Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and others. Admission requires a rigorous application process, and many programs offer scholarships specifically for international applicants, including Indian students.
