International Students

The JD financial aid program is designed to help students from across the economic spectrum and from around the world meet the expense of a law school education while preserving career choice options in the broadest range of law-related and public service fields. International students (any students who are not U.S. Citizens or non-citizens eligible for federal student aid) can apply for HLS need-based grant and loan assistance, and financial aid awards are determined using the same need-based approach that applies to students who are U.S. citizens. Harvard Law School provides institutional loans in place of U.S. Federal Direct Stafford & Perkins Loans in need-based aid packages for international students.

Student Budget and Need
International students have the same standard student budget as domestic students, and aid is awarded according to the same formula. The first portion of demonstrated financial need is met through a "base loan" package (which, for international students, consists entirely of Harvard Law School Loans). The remaining financial need above the base loan package is met through Harvard Law School Grant assistance.

Applying for Aid

The application for international students is substantially the same as that for domestic students. After you are admitted, we will email you directions to complete the online HLS financial aid application form by logging into "My HLS Financial Aid," our secure online financial aid system. You will then be able to review a personalized list of documents that you must submit, which typically includes the Need Access Application and International Income Documentation. For more details on the application process, visit the Apply For Aid Overview.

Important Note About Supplemental Borrowing Options

For international students, Harvard meets demonstrated need with Harvard Law School Grant or Loans. The remaining cost, up to the standard student budget, can be financed with a loan from a private source. For the 2009-10 academic year, both the Harvard University Employees Credit Union and Chase Select offer private supplemental loans to international students at Harvard, and no co-signer is required. Other lenders also offer loans to international students with an approved US co-signer.

Note: If you have any questions about the aid process, we have created an email account just for international students. finaidintl@law.harvard.edu.