The USA offers various scholarship programs for refugees and asylum seekers, with one of the most prestigious being the Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University, which provides opportunities for undergraduate studies. This program is specifically designed for individuals who have been displaced due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters and are seeking to pursue higher education in the United States. By providing financial assistance and academic support, the program enables refugees to achieve their academic goals and build a better future.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for the Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University, applicants must hold one of the following visa categories:
* Refugee (Type I-94 with a stamp indicating refugee status)
* Asylum status (Type I-94 with a stamp indicating asylum status)
* Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) for Iraqis or Afghans who worked for the US government
* Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) for Syrians who worked for the US government
* Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
* DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Available Scholarships
The following scholarships are available for refugees and asylum seekers pursuing undergraduate studies at Harvard University:
The Harvard University Refugee Scholarship
The Harvard University Refugee Scholarship provides full tuition coverage, which is around $53,496 per year, to refugees and asylum seekers pursuing undergraduate studies. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to their community. The deadline for application is December 15th, and more information can be found on the official website: https://college.harvard.edu/.
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provide $90,000 over two years to support undergraduate studies. To be eligible, applicants must be refugees or asylum seekers who have been naturalized as US citizens or have a green card. The deadline for application is November 1st, and more information can be found on the official website: https://www.pdsoros.org/.
The Refugee Education Assistance Program (REAP)
The Refugee Education Assistance Program (REAP) provides up to $5,000 per year to support undergraduate studies. To be eligible, applicants must be refugees or asylum seekers who have been in the US for less than five years. The deadline for application is October 15th, and more information can be found on the official website: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/.
The International Student Scholarship
The International Student Scholarship provides $10,000 per year to support undergraduate studies. To be eligible, applicants must be international students, including refugees and asylum seekers, who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The deadline for application is January 1st, and more information can be found on the official website: https://www.harvard.edu/.
The Harvard University Committee on General Scholarships
The Harvard University Committee on General Scholarships provides various scholarships to support undergraduate studies, including the Refugee Scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The deadline for application is February 1st, and more information can be found on the official website: https://college.harvard.edu/.
Application Steps
To apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University, follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility and visa status to ensure you meet the requirements.
- Review the available scholarships and their eligibility criteria.
- Prepare your application documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Submit your application through the online portal.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate financial need.
- Take the SAT or ACT exam to demonstrate academic excellence.
- Submit your test scores and transcripts to the admissions office.
- Attend an interview with the admissions committee, if required.
Documents Checklist
To apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University, you will need to submit the following documents:
* Passport and visa documents
* Birth certificate
* Transcripts from previous academic institutions
* Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
* Personal statement
* Proof of financial need
* Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University?
The Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University is a scholarship program designed to support refugees and asylum seekers pursuing undergraduate studies. The program provides financial assistance and academic support to help individuals achieve their academic goals and build a better future.
Can I apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program if I have a green card?
Yes, you can apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program if you have a green card, but you must meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need.
What is the deadline for applying to the Refugee Scholarship Program?
The deadline for applying to the Refugee Scholarship Program varies depending on the scholarship, but most deadlines are between October and February.
How do I apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program?
To apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program, you must submit your application through the online portal and provide all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Can I apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program if I am an international student?
Yes, you can apply for the Refugee Scholarship Program if you are an international student, but you must meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need.
What is the amount of the Refugee Scholarship?
The amount of the Refugee Scholarship varies depending on the scholarship, but most scholarships provide full tuition coverage or up to $5,000 per year.
How do I demonstrate financial need for the Refugee Scholarship Program?
To demonstrate financial need, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide proof of income and expenses.
What are the admission requirements for Harvard University?
The admission requirements for Harvard University include academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, and a strong commitment to the community. You must also submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
External Resources
For more information on the Refugee Scholarship Program at Harvard University, visit the US Department of Education or the Harvard University website.
To learn more about scholarship opportunities and application processes, visit the MigrantScholar blog at https://migrantscholar.com/blog.
Related Guides
- USA scholarships for migrants
- Fulbright scholarships
- scholarships for asylum seekers
- fully funded scholarships
- scholarship deadlines 2026
- scholarship glossary
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026