Placement Metric
Highest Package
N/A
Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.
Harvard Kennedy School
N/A(0)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1936
Founded
1936
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
About Harvard Kennedy School
Harvard Kennedy School is a public policy school of Harvard University. It is located in Cambridge, USA, and was established in 1936. The Harvard Kennedy School currently hosts more than 56% of international students out of its total student body. Students hail from 84 countries, including India, which contributes 109 students.
International students are offered enrollment in graduate courses at Harvard Kennedy School. For Harvard Kennedy School admissions you should have a bachelor's degree. The average tuition fee at Harvard Kennedy School ranges between 49,769 - 74,936 USD (41.4 lakhs - 62.4 lakhs INR). HKS offers great return on investment as you can anticipate 136,000 USD (1.1 crore INR) as the average annual salary.
Harvard Kennedy School Courses
Harvard Kennedy School offers 4 master’s degrees, 3 PhD courses and 50+ executive education courses. HKS offers undergraduates opportunities to participate in summer programs and conferences for exposure. HKS is especially known for its executive programs that are short professional development classes. These are of one week or less, for senior-level professionals.
Some of the Harvard Kennedy School Programs and their respective fees are as follows:
Harvard Kennedy School Admissions
For admission to Harvard Kennedy School’s 2025-2026 academic year, the application will be available from September 2024. 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.
What are the admission requirements for Harvard Kennedy School?
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application portal | Application portal |
| Application fee | 100 USD (8,334 INR) |
| Academic requirement | Bachelor's degree |
| Required English proficiency test scores | IELTS - 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT - 100 |
| Standardized test scores | GRE or GMAT (program specific) |
| Additional requirements | Official transcripts | Essay | Resume | 3 LORs | Work experience (vary by program) |
Harvard Kennedy School Cost of Attendance
The average tuition fee at Harvard Kennedy School ranges between 49,769 - 74,936 USD (41.4 lakhs - 62.4 lakhs INR), including additional fees. The total cost of attendance at Harvard Kennedy School is 96,045 - 112,473 USD (80 lakhs - 93.7 lakhs INR) which includes accommodation, tuition, transportation etc. Below is the Harvard Kennedy School’s cost of attendance for the Master's Degree Program:
| Expense Type | Cost in USD | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 37,369 - 59,316 | 31.1 lakhs - 49.4 lakhs |
| Student Activity Fee | 220 | 18,335 |
| Course Materials Fee | 574 | 47,839 |
| Student Health Fee | 1,592 | 1.3 lakhs |
| Student Health Insurance Plan | 4,202 | 3.5 lakhs |
| Math Seminar | 2,120 | 1.7 lakhs |
| Mid-Career MPA Summer Program (Program Specific) | 9,032 | 7.5 lakhs |
What is the Cost of Living in the USA?
The cost of living is an important factor to consider when planning to study at Harvard Kennedy School. Students should plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience while studying. The average cost of living in the USA for HKS students is 33,595 USD (27.9 Lakhs INR) per annum. Types of expenses for students of Harvard Kennedy School is tabulated below:
| Expense Type | Annual Expenses in USD | Annual Expenses in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses | 27,940 | 23.2 lakhs |
| Personal Expenses | 2,610 | 2.1 lakhs |
| Transportation | 1,150 | 95,845 |
| Books and Supplies | 1,895 | 1.5 lakhs |
Harvard Kennedy School Campus
The Harvard Kennedy School, formally known as the John F. Kennedy School of Government. It 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.
Take a look at Harvard Kennedy School's campus in the collage given below:
What is the student life like at Harvard Kennedy School?
The Harvard Kennedy School campus hosts a rich culture and diverse extracurricular activities, creating a vibrant and engaging student life.
- Students of Harvard Kennedy School have access to Counselling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), it provides psychiatric care, support groups, and psychoeducational workshops.
- HKS offers health services through Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) exclusively for its community.
- Students at Harvard Kennedy School can partake in more than 80 student-led clubs and associations.
- Harvard Dance Center offers free community dance classes to HKS students in various dance traditions.
- HKS students can access recreation facilities at Harvard University such as aquatic programs, personal training, sports, etc.
- Various other offices such as academic support offices, supportive offices make HKS and Harvard University more accessible and safe.
Harvard Kennedy School Scholarships
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. International students at Harvard Kennedy School receive the same financial help as American students. In fact, about 30% of HKS students get some type of financial aid. International students are also eligible for some of these scholarships to study in the USA.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| George W. Mallinckrodt Fellowship | MC/MPA admission | Full tuition fee |
| Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships | Exceptional academic ability and professional distinction | Varies based on financial need |
| Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship | Students in two-year degree programs | Full tuition fee |
Check out some of the popular scholarships to study in USA for Indian students, here:
Harvard Kennedy School Placements
According to the Harvard Kennedy School reports, 97% of recent graduates are either employed or running for office, launching new business after their graduation. HKS through the career service helps students hone their skills and interests, and articulate them confidently in resumes, cover letters, interviews, and personal statements. Graduates of HKS are recruited by many institutions such as the Government of India, Government of USA, World Bank, Amazon, Deloitte Consulting, Facebook, Google, etc. Graduates of Harvard Kennedy School earn an annual salary of 136,000 USD (1.1 crore INR).
Here are the salaries of Harvard Kennedy School graduates pursuing high-paying jobs in USA:
| Employers | Range | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 50,000 - 240,000 USD | 150,000 | 1.25 crore |
| US Federal Government | 53,065 - 170,000 USD | 90,000 | 75 lakhs |
| Nonprofit and Non-governmental Organizations | 30,000 - 360,000 USD | 85,000 | 70.8 lakhs |
| Non US Government | 20,000 - 135,000 USD | 60,000 | 50 lakhs |
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. They also connect and share knowledge via conducting various virtual and in-person events.
Who are some notable alumni of Harvard Kennedy School?
| Alumni Names | Profession | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Ellen Johnson Sirleaf | Liberian Politician | Former President and Nobel Prize winner |
| Nripendra Misra | Indian Bureaucrat | Former Principal Secretary to the PM of India |
| Ajay Narayan Jha | Indian Bureaucrat | Finance Secretary of India and Member of 16th Finance Commission of India |
| Pierre Trudeau | Canadian Politician | Former PM of Canada |
| Ban Ki-moon | South Korean Politician and Diplomat | Secretary General of the United Nations |
The Harvard 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. To inculcate leadership and management skills, studying at Harvard Kennedy School in the US is highly recommended.
FAQs
Ques. Is IELTS compulsory for Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. Yes, an English language proficiency test is required for international students to get admission into Harvard Kennedy School. Harvard Kennedy School accepts IELTS, TOEFL.
| Test name | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 |
| TOEFL | 100 |
Ques. What is the Salary package of Harvard Kennedy School graduates?
Ans. Graduates from Harvard Kennedy School have shown a promising return on investment, with an average annual earning of 136,000 USD (1.1 crore INR). Graduates of HKS are recruited by many institutions such as the Government of India, Government of USA, World Bank, Amazon, Deloitte Consulting, Facebook, Google, etc. Here are the salaries of Harvard Kennedy School graduates pursuing high-paying jobs in USA:
| Employers | Range | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 50,000 - 240,000 USD | 150,000 | 1.25 crore |
| US Federal Government | 53,065 - 170,000 USD | 90,000 | 75 lakhs |
| Nonprofit and Non-governmental Organizations | 30,000 - 360,000 USD | 85,000 | 70.8 lakhs |
| Non US Government | 20,000 - 135,000 USD | 60,000 | 50 lakhs |
Ques. What is the eligibility for admission to Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for admission to Harvard Kennedy School is mentioned in the following table:
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic requirement | Bachelor's degree |
| Required English proficiency test scores | IELTS - 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT - 100 |
| Standardized test scores | GRE or GMAT (program specific) |
| Additional requirements | Official transcripts | Essay | Resume | 3 LORs | Work experience (vary by program) |
Ques. What is the tuition fee in Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. The average tuition fee at Harvard Kennedy School ranges between 49,769 - 74,936 USD (41.4 lakhs - 62.4 lakhs INR), including additional fees. The approximation of certain expected expenses given below should help towards that end:
| Expense Type | Cost in USD | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 37,369 - 59,316 | 31.1 lakhs - 49.4 lakhs |
| Student Activity Fee | 220 | 18,335 |
| Course Materials Fee | 574 | 47,839 |
| Student Health Fee | 1,592 | 1.3 lakhs |
| Student Health Insurance Plan | 4,202 | 3.5 lakhs |
| Math Seminar | 2,120 | 1.7 lakhs |
| Mid-Career MPA Summer Program (Program Specific) | 9,032 | 7.5 lakhs |
Ques. Does Harvard Kennedy School provide scholarships for students?
Ans. International students at Harvard Kennedy School receive the same financial help as American students. In fact, about 30% of HKS students get some type of financial aid. International students are also eligible for some of these scholarships to study in the USA.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| George W. Mallinckrodt Fellowship | MC/MPA admission | Full tuition fee |
| Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships | Exceptional academic ability and professional distinction | Varies based on financial need |
| Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship | Students in two-year degree programs | Full tuition fee |
Ques. Is there any application fee for applying to Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. There is an application fee of 100 USD for applying to Harvard Kennedy School. For an Indian student, it is equivalent to 8,334 INR. Once you've paid your application fee, it is non-refundable.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
3
Fee from
₹55,53,757.08
Exams
TOEFL · IELTS
Showing 0 bachelors
Admission Process
Harvard Kennedy School admissions are offered to 4 master's degrees, 3 PhD degrees and 50 Executive education courses. Nearly 1,200 students are enrolled across various Harvard Kennedy School programs. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on program level. However, you require are a bachelor’s degree with at least 3.6 GPA to get through graduate admissions at HKS.
There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score requirements for Harvard Kennedy School admissions. However, competitive GRE scores are recommended for admissions to master’s degree at HKS. Additionally, 2-3 years of professional experience may be required for some graduate courses.
Harvard Kennedy School Top Programs
| Programs | Admission Requirements | Documents Checklist | Work Experience | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Policy | Bachelor’s degree with Strong background in economics, calculus, and statistics | 3 LORs | Essays | Resume | 2-3 years recommended | Apply Now |
| Master of Public Administration | Bachelor’s degree with quantitative background | 3 LORs | Essays | Resume | 3 years of professional experience | Apply Now |
| PhD in Public Policy | Bachelor’s degree | 3 LORs | SOP | Writing samples | Not required | Apply Now |
| PhD in Health Policy | Bachelor’s degree | 3 LORs | SOP | Writing samples | Not required | Apply Now |
Harvard Kennedy School Admission Deadlines
Harvard Kennedy School is no longer accepting applications for the 2024 academic year. The applications for next term will open in September, with a deadline being December 2024.
Harvard Kennedy School Acceptance Rate
Harvard Kennedy School acceptance rate is typically seen between 15-20%. Which shows, it's a highly competitive institute to get into. The low acceptance rate of HKS is due to the large number of applications, space availability, and application quality. Following are the acceptance rate at Harvard Kennedy School for top courses:
| Programs | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Master of Public Policy | 20% |
| Master of Public Administration | 20-25% |
| PhD in Public Policy | 2-7% |
Harvard Kennedy School Master's Admissions
Harvard Kennedy School offers 3 Master's degrees in public policy, public administration and public administration in International management. It also offers mid career degree, combined degree and data & research method track. The application process and requirements for Master's degree at Harvard Kennedy School are as follows:
Application Portal: Online Application
Application Fees: 100 USD (8,337 INR)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Test scores:
- GMAT- 48 in Quantitative section
- GRE- 160 in Quantitative section
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL IBT- 100
- IELTS- 7.0
Documents Checklist:
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Essays
- Resume
- Application fee waiver (if applicable)
Harvard Kennedy School PhD Admissions
The admissions to PhD degrees are jointly offered by Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Admission seeking students may choose from PhD specialisations in public policy, health policy, and social policy. The requirements for PhD degrees are given below:
Application Portal: Apply GSAS Portal
Application Fees: 105 USD (8,754 INR)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE score report
- English language proficiency requirements:
- TOEFL IBT- 103
- IELTS- 7.0
Documents Checklist:
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Writing samples (20 pages)
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Admissions
Harvard Kennedy School offers 27 on campus and 23 online Executive education programs. Students securing admissions in these program typically have 10 years of professional experience. Following is the application process to apply for Executive Education Programs:
- Choose your desired program.
- Click on the apply button.
- Click “Create an account”.
- Fill the required details.
- Click on submit after filling all the details.
- An email will be sent to you including login credentials for application portal.
- Use the credentials provided and start your application.
Harvard Kennedy School Decisions
The admissions decisions at Harvard Kennedy School are typically issued within 3 weeks after for Executive education and by late March for masters and PhD degrees. However, it may take longer in peak season or due to the large number of applications.
Harvard Kennedy School Selection Criteria
Harvard Kennedy School considers various while evaluating an application for admissions. The major factor includes strong academic background, work experience, and applicant's geographical region. In short, the applicant must possess some sort of professional experience and demonstrate strong academic background with leadership qualities. Proficiency in English language is a must to be considered for admissions.
With an acceptance rate below 20%, getting into Harvard Kennedy School is tough. To get through admissions, an applicant must demonstrate strong academic performance, with competitive test scores and relevant work experience
FAQs
Ques. Is it hard to get into Harvard Kennedy School
Ans. With an acceptance rate between 15-20%, getting admissions into Harvard Kennedy School is hard. The institute seeks applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, professional experience and competitive test scores.
Ques. How can I go to Harvard Kennedy School from India?
Ans. Indian students seeking admissions at Harvard Kennedy School may apply by following the below steps:
- Select your course.
- Check the requirements and degree prerequisites.
- Pay the application fee.
- Gather required documents.
- Submit test scores.
- Finalize your application.
Ques. What GPA do you need to get into Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. There is no minimum GPA requirement at Harvard Kennedy School. However, graduate applicants are encouraged to have a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
Ques. How do you get a scholarship to Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. Harvard Kennedy School offers scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. Some of the scholarships are restricted only to specific courses or for students from specific countries or regions.
Ques. Why study at Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. Harvard Kennedy School offers a range of comprehensive degrees and executive programs for all students. The executive courses are specially catered for experienced professionals who wish to master their skills in a particular field for career advancement.
Ques. How many times can you apply to Harvard Kennedy School?
Ans. You can apply for a specific degree at Harvard Kennedy School up to 3 times. However, you will be required to pay the application fee again with a freshly written essay.
Placements & Recruiters
Harvard Kennedy School Placement Details
Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric
Average Package
N/A
Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.
Contact Information
79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
+1-617-495-1100