Why Study at Harvard Kennedy School?
- Programs: Harvard Kennedy School offers 4 master’s programs and more than 35 open-enrollment programs. It is especially known for its executive programs that are short professional development classes, most of which are of one week or less, for senior-level professionals. respectively. Explore Programs at HKS.
- Admission Requirements: To secure admission to Harvard Kennedy School an applicant requires an average GPA score of 3.65 and a GRE score in the upper 80th Percentile. Candidates with relevant work experience and strong Letters of Recommendations get an edge in admission.
- Cost of Attendance: With an average tuition fee of USD 60,429 i.e 44.95 lakhs, Harvard Kennedy School is considered an expensive university. Additionally, an International applicant can expect to spend an average of USD 27,612 (20.54 lakhs). Also Check: Cost of living in USA.
- Financial Aid: At Harvard Kennedy School, funding possibilities are limited. HKS grants competitive fellowships and scholarships on the basis of merit, as evaluated by their Admissions Committee. Explore! Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School.
- Placement: HKS has an enrollment rate of 88%. The university offers nearly 4000 employment and internships each year. According to recent data, 538 graduates of the institution work in 52 nations and territories, 30 U.S. states, and Washington. Also Check: Student Reviews of HKS.
Harvard Kennedy School Rankings
US News and World Report 2022 has ranked Harvard Kennedy School as:
- #3 in Best Public Affairs Programs
- #1 in Health Policy and Management
- #4 in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- #2 in International Global Policy and Administration
- #1 in Public Policy Analysis
- #1 in Social Policy
Highlights
| Type | Public |
| Campus Setting | Urban |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Official Website | https://www.hks.harvard.edu/ |
| Acceptance Rate | 20% |
| Admission Helpline | 617-495-1155 Fax: 617-496-1165 |
| Mode of Program | Full time/Part-time |
| Cost of Attendance | 57, 058 USD on an average |
| Total Number of Students | 1,500 approx. |
Harvard Kennedy School Campus
The Harvard Kennedy School, formally known as the John F. Kennedy School of Government, is Harvard University's public policy school. The institute has its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The campus consists of several buildings for academic programs, as well as research centers, administrative offices.
- There are several executive classrooms as well as separate spaces for group work, break-out sessions, meals, and reception.
- Additional resources of Harvard University which have ten schools and the world’s largest library system are located within walking distance.
- It is the ideal spot to access restaurants, museums, shopping malls, theatres, and sporting events.
Harvard Kennedy School Accommodation
For most courses, students are accommodated at the Doubletree Hotel. It is a Harvard-owned property along the banks of the Charles River. Students may choose to stay in shared rooms or enjoy private two-room suites with flexible shared space for socializing, studying, group projects, and dining.
This collaborative environment offered by Harvard is the key element for executive education experience. Shuttles are provided to travel to and from the hotel.
Harvard Kennedy School Admission Process
For admission to Harvard Kennedy School’s 2023-2024 academic year, the application will be available from September 2022. The application deadline is early December. The deadline is for Fall enrollment only. The following should be kept in mind while considering applying for admission at Harvard Kennedy School.
Application Portal: Online Application
Application Fee: 100 USD
Application Requirements:
- Essays have to be submitted. It may vary by program
- Resumes (number may vary by program)
- Letters of Recommendation (3 letters).
- Academic Transcripts
- Work experience of at least 2-3 Years, may vary by program.
- GRE/GMAT Scores.
- English Proficiency Score
- TOEFL iBT- 100
- TOEFL PBT- 600
- IELTS- 7
Harvard Kennedy School Cost of Attendance
Below is the Harvard Kennedy School’s cost of attendance for the Master's Degree Program, the academic year 2022-2023, to help you plan financially before you invest your precious time and money:
| Category | Average Expense (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | 39.82 lakhs |
| Course materials | 0.43 lakhs |
| HKS activity fee | 0.16 lakhs |
| HUHS Student Health Fee | 0.90 lakhs |
| Estimated Living Expense | 17.79 lakhs |
| Personal Expense and Travel | 4.02 lakhs |
| Books and Supplies | 1.37 lakhs |
Harvard Kennedy School Scholarships
International students at Harvard Kennedy School receive the same financial help as American students. In fact, about 70% of our students get some type of financial aid, with more than 50% need–based scholarships worth an average of USD 12,000 each year. Some of the scholarships are mentioned below:
- Presidential Scholarship and Public Service Fellowship- The scholarship amount covers the entire tuition fee of Harvard Kennedy School. The recipients must be professionally employed for 3 years in a public sector post their graduation from Harvard Kennedy School. If they fail to follow the above-stated criteria, they shall repay the entire scholarship amount.
- Dean’s and Kennedy Fellowship- Students with exceptional academic ability and professional excellence are granted this award. It covers 50% of the tuition fees.
- General Scholarships- These scholarships are awarded by the Committee on General Scholarships. They require a specific application: Applying for Financial Aid
Also Check:
Harvard Kennedy School Alumni
Harvard Kennedy School has more than 23,000 alumni worldwide. HKS alumni remain connected through their participation in nearly 30 regional alumni networks and shared interest groups. Harvard Kennedy School has a very impressive alumni list:
- Ban-Ki-Moon: General Secretary of the United Nations.
- Bryan Stevenson: Human rights lawyer, fights poverty and racial discrimination.
- Klaus Martin: Engineer, Economist, founder, and chairman of the World Economic Forum
- Dina Buchbinder: She is tied with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which aim at ending poverty and creating a peaceful world. And the list goes on.
Harvard Kennedy School Placement
Harvard Kennedy School through the career service helps students hone their skills and interests, and articulate them confidently in resumes, cover letters, interviews, and personal statements. The average annual salary of Harvard Kennedy School students according to the pay scale is 33,000 USD – 50,000 USD.
| Job | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Financial Services | 13,298,000 |
| Executive Management & Change | 10,125,000 |
| Consulting, Accounting & Professional Services | 8,944,000 |
Also Check: High paying jobs in USA
The Kennedy School has educated 17 heads of state or government, more than any other graduate school in the world. Other public workers who have graduated from the program include cabinet members, military commanders, central bankers, and legislators.
FAQs
Ques. Is there a difference between Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard University?
Ans. The Harvard Kennedy School (formally the John F. Kennedy School of Government, or HKS) is Harvard University's public policy school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
Ques. Is it difficult to secure admission to Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. Admission to Harvard Kennedy School has become slightly more competitive, with acceptance rates decreasing from 21.5 % in 2022 to just under 20 % in 202
Ques. What does Harvard Kennedy School look for in its future students?
Ans. HKS admission is based on a candidate's record of achievement and range of responsibilities. The majority of approved applicants have at least ten years of experience.
Ques. How much does Harvard Kennedy School cost?
Ans. The average tuition fee at Harvard Kennedy School is USD 52,872 for two semesters.
Ques. Is Harvard Kennedy School a prestigious college?
Ans. Harvard Kennedy School is ranked highly in U.S. News & World Report's list of top graduate schools in public affairs. US News presently ranks HKS top in social policy.
Ques. Is there a scholarship program at Harvard for international students?
Ans. International students at Harvard receive excellent scholarships. It is, however, quite difficult to enter. One should also check other full scholarships to improve their chances of attending HKS.
Ques. What GPA does Harvard Kennedy School require?
Ans. Admission to Harvard Kennedy School is determined by the whole profile of a candidate, not by a number. However, HKS anticipates a GPA of 4.0 or better.
