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The total cost of attendance at the Harvard Business School for Indian students ranges from USD 100,000 to USD 150,000 (INR 84 lakhs to 1.26 Cr).

The current Harvard MBA fee is approximately USD 76,410 (INR 66.6 Lakh).

There are additional costs that involve Student Health Fees, Health Insurance, and other course and program fees, which amount to approximately USD 8320 (INR 7.02 lakhs) yearly. 

Here’s a breakdown of the annual total cost of attendance of Harvard Business School:

Source:

 Many students use different sources, like scholarships, bank loans, and part-time jobs, to pay for their studies. There are many ways to arrange money for your Harvard MBA. You don’t have to depend on savings alone. Exploring all options will help you cover the high costs without too much stress.

Here are some ways you can fund your Harvard MBA:

Need-Based Scholarships from Harvard

• Harvard Business School offers financial help if you show that you can’t afford the full fees.
• Over 50% of MBA students at HBS get some need-based scholarship.
• Harvard MBA Scholarships can cover up to half the cost of tuition and living expenses.
• You’ll need to submit income and asset details for yourself and your family.
• Scholarships are not loans, so you don’t have to pay them back.
• The average 2 years of scholarship is around USD 92,000 (INR 79L).
• Check deadlines and prepare your documents early to apply on time.

External Scholarships

• The JN Tata Endowment offers loans at low interest rates for higher studies abroad.
• The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation funds tuition and living costs up to USD 100,000.
• Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships support Indian students in US universities.
• AAUW offers funding specifically for women pursuing higher education in the US.
• Check each scholarship’s conditions and eligibility rules carefully.
• Write strong essays and gather good recommendations to improve your chances.

Education Loans

• Indian banks like SBI, Axis, and HDFC Credila offer education loans for overseas studies.
• International lenders like Prodigy Finance and MPOWER Finance don’t always need collateral.
• Compare interest rates and loan processing fees before choosing.
• Understand repayment schedules, as some loans allow you to pay after your MBA.
• Be careful not to borrow more than you truly need.
• Read terms properly so you’re aware of hidden charges or penalties.

Employer Sponsorships

• Some companies will pay for your MBA if you agree to work for them later.
• Big firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Google sponsor employees for MBA studies.
• You usually sign a contract to work with them for 2-3 years after graduation.
• Sponsorships often cover full or partial tuition fees.
• You may also get a salary or stipend while studying.
• Check with your current employer if such schemes exist.
• Consider the commitment required; it might limit your job options afterward.

Personal Savings and Family Support

• Many students use their own savings or family funds for part of the costs.
• Saving early helps reduce how much loan you need.
• Family members may help with some portion of the fee or living costs.
• Selling assets like property, investments, or vehicles can also raise funds. Please keep in mind that it is not recommended.
• Always keep some emergency funds aside and avoid using up all your savings.
• Combining personal savings with other sources reduces total debt.
• Plan carefully so you’re not left cash-strapped during the course.

Part-Time Work on Campus

• Working during your MBA can help you manage daily expenses.
• F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during the term.
• Pay can range from USD 15 to USD 50 per hour, depending on the job.
• Use this income for living expenses rather than big tuition costs.
• Ask seniors about the best jobs for MBA students.
• Always follow visa rules to avoid legal trouble.

While the 2-year MBA has a very rigorous curriculum, you can consider some part-time jobs for extra cash. You can work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or tutor on campus. You can also work at a bookstore or cafe, depending on your flexibility. 

Part-time Jobs & Salary at Harvard:

If you’re pursuing your MBA at HBS, you’ll likely use an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Most students use the F-1 visa, but if you’re here as an exchange student, you’ll get a J-1 visa.

Here’s what you need to know about work hour restrictions as an international student at Harvard:

• You can work up to 20 hours per week part-time during the academic term on both F-1 and J-1 visas.
• During summer breaks and official vacations, you can work up to 40 hours per week.
• If you get Optional Practical Training (OPT), you can work in your field for 12 months after graduation. If you’re in a tech-related MBA, you may extend this to 24 months.
• If you bring a spouse, know that F-1 visa holders’ spouses cannot work, but J-1 visa holders’ spouses can work with proper permission.

Studying at Harvard can be expensive, and living costs in the US are high too. You can expect to spend between USD 30,000 and USD 40,000 on living expenses during your 2-year MBA program at HBS.

Here are some other expenses to consider:

Harvard MBA usually gives one of the best returns on investment (ROI) among the M7 business schools. ROI means how much more money you earn over time compared to what you spent on your MBA. Even though the fees are high, many students earn top salaries after graduating. This helps them recover their costs faster than at other schools.

Here’s a simple comparison of tuition costs and average starting salaries after graduation:

Many Indian students have reached Harvard with help from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳. Here’s how we made a difference for these students:

1.Haresh Gupta

“I always wanted to do my MBA at Harvard, but I was scared about the huge cost and tough admission process. I came across ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and decided to give it a try. My ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ counsellor explained every fee in detail and helped me plan my savings and loans. They also shared a list of scholarships I didn’t know existed. What helped me most was talking to Harvard seniors through ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s community. They told me real stories about life there and how to manage expenses. The ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ team checked my essays and application, which gave me a lot of confidence. Now I’m at Harvard, and though it’s hard work, I’m glad I took this step. I wouldn’t have done it so smoothly without ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s help.”

2. Isha Agarwal

“I was lost when I thought about Harvard because the fees were so high, and I wasn’t sure I’d get in. ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ changed everything for me. From day one, they explained Harvard’s costs, loan options, and even small expenses I might forget. They helped me compare different banks and pick a loan with lower interest rates. I used ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s Premium service to check my SOPs and essays, and the feedback was super helpful. I also joined ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ groups and spoke to Indian students already at Harvard. They shared tips about part-time jobs and saving money. Today, I’m studying at Harvard and managing my budget well. ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ made my journey easier and less scary.”

An MBA from Harvard is a significant investment and one you should make if given the offer. The 10-year ROI reaches as high as 320% and promises excellent career growth. The graduate employment rate at HBS is 84%, and 57% of the alumni receive an average signing bonus of $30,000 (INR 25 lakhs). Now this is a career trajectory you don’t want to miss, right?

Schedule a call with us as we take you through a roadmap for a successful IVY League application. More than 400 ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Premium students have received IVY League admits, and we couldn’t be prouder. Talk to us about scholarships, financial aid, and more for free!