Harvard Kennedy School Scholarships & Fellowships US
Harvard Kennedy School offers financial aid which may include scholarships and fellowships to help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses for its master’s-level and related programmes. These funds are for both domestic and international students, depending on eligibility.
Key features:
- There is an official financial aid application that you fill out in addition to your admission application. Submitting this is necessary to be considered for most scholarships/fellowships.
- Aid is distributed based on a mix of merit (your achievements, leadership, potential) and need (your financial situation).
- There are different sources of funding: institutional scholarships (from HKS), fellowships (some aimed at people in public service or certain regions), restricted scholarships administered by Harvard’s Committee on General Scholarships, and external resources or private donors.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Here are the steps you should follow if you’re an international student aiming to apply for an HKS scholarship or fellowship:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose your programme & check admission requirements | Decide which master’s or mid-career programme at HKS you want (e.g. MPP, MC/MPA, etc.). Make sure you meet the academic, work-experience, language, test score (if required) criteria. |
| 2. Prepare your admission application | Includes transcripts, CV/resume, letters of recommendation, test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS if required), statements of purpose, etc. |
| 3. Find out what scholarship/fellowship options are available | Look at HKS website for institutional scholarships/fellowships that match your background (public service, leadership, region etc.). Also check the Committee on General Scholarships and external fellowships. |
| 4. Fill out the Financial Aid Application | Very important. This is what qualifies you for almost all internal scholarships/fellowships at HKS. Even if you are unsure about your financial need, it’s wise to submit—the process is the same. |
| 5. Prepare supplementary materials | Some scholarships require extra essays or prompts beyond the general admission/financial aid application. Make sure you address those specifically (for example: leadership, public service, future goals). |
| 6. Submit on time | Pay attention to deadlines (both admissions and financial aid), ensure all documents are translated if needed, all recommendation letters submitted, essays proofread, etc. |
| 7. Monitor for decisions and follow-ups | Financial aid decisions typically come at same time as admissions decision (for many HKS funds) or shortly after. Be ready to respond if they request further info. |
Deadlines for HKS Scholarships / Financial Aid (Typical & Recent)
Here are some deadlines and timelines you should know, both past ones and what to expect for upcoming application cycles. Use them to plan.
| What Deadline / Event | Recent Example / Date (for 2025-2026) | What to Expect Next Year |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Aid Application (for master’s programmes) | January 15, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. ET was deadline for 2025-2026 financial aid. | Similar timeframe—early-to-mid January is likely. Watch for announcements in fall. |
| Admission Applications for Master’s | December 1, 2024 was open date for 2025-2026 cycle. The admission deadline is often in December/early January. | Aim to have your admission application ready by December or January. |
| Notification of Admission & Aid | Mid-March is when HKS typically releases both admission + financial aid decisions. | Expect similar schedule: apply by Jan, decisions by March. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying for HKS Scholarships / Fellowships, many international applicants make avoidable mistakes. Here are some with examples and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid / Real Example |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting too late | Some components (recommendation letters, translations, test scores) take time. Also, gathering financial documents from family or government can be slow. | Start gathering everything months ahead. For example, request transcripts early; ask recommenders 2+ months before deadline. |
| Submitting incomplete or missing documents | Overlooking required items (like financial documents, proof of funds, essays for specific fellowships), or sending them late. | Make a checklist. Go through the financial aid application instructions carefully. Confirm in portal that all parts are received. |
| Weak or generic essays | Essays not tailored to HKS / the fellowship; using “one-size-fits-all” statements; forgetting to show what specific contribution you will make. | Read prompt carefully. Show your experience + leadership + how HKS fits your goals. Use examples from your country / work. |
| Poor choice of recommenders | Picking people who don’t know you well, or not giving enough info/context so letters are generic. | Choose recommenders who can speak to your achievements, leadership, potential; brief them well (send CV, goals, fellowship details). |
| Not applying for financial aid | Thinking that only “top students” or US citizens get aid; or assuming you won’t be eligible, so skipping the process. | Even if you’re unsure, completing the financial aid application ensures you’re considered. HKS encourages all applicants to apply. |
| Mis‐timing / Deadline confusion | Confusing time zones; missing internal deadlines; waiting for one fellowship to open while missing another. | Use a calendar with all deadlines; set reminders; check the official HKS site frequently. |
Relatable Examples
- Example 1: The Public Service Leader
A mid-career government official in Kenya applied to HKS’s MC/MPA. She had strong leadership experience, had worked on public policy. She made sure to present a clear plan: what she wants to do after school, how she’ll contribute back at home. She wrote her essays early, got strong recommendation letters from senior colleagues, and filled out the financial aid application in November. She got both admission + a fellowship covering tuition + stipend. - Example 2: The Late-Starter
A young professional from Nigeria applied but delayed asking for recommendation letters. One recommender submitted a generic letter because of the rush. Also, parts of her financial documentation (bank statements, proof of income) were missing or unclear. As a result, her application was technically complete but weaker. She got admitted but did not get much financial aid, and had to rely on external scholarships and loans. - Example 3: Mis-matched Scholarship Goals
Someone applied for a public service fellowship but didn’t explain how their future work was related to public service. Their essay focused heavily on technical skills, but not enough on social impact or leadership. The committee felt their profile was more suited for a business programme. They could have matched better with a different fellowship, or reworked the essays to match HKS’s mission.
These show that clarity of purpose, early preparation, and alignment with what HKS / the fellowship expects are very important.
Final Thoughts / What to Keep in Mind
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for the last minute. Scholarship/fellowship applications require time, both for substance (essays, recommendations) and for logistics (transcripts, documents, financial statements).
- Match your story with the mission: HKS is strong on leadership, public service, impact. If those are part of your journey or goals, emphasize them. If not, think about how you can show commitment in some way.
- Diversify your funding sources: Even if you get partial scholarship from HKS, you may need external funds, savings, loans. Always explore all options.
- Budget realistically: Think beyond tuition — housing, travel, visa, health insurance, living costs. Make sure your finances cover the full cost.
- Stay informed: Follow the HKS website, mailing lists, alumni blogs, webinars. Institutional policies or deadlines can shift.
