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College Info
3 items available
At a glance
- Type
- private
Official website
www.hks.harvard.eduUSAQS #5 World📊 Live dataCatalogue complete
Harvard Kennedy School
By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.
Key Facts
🏆 QS World Rank#5
Last full enrichment: 8 Jun 2026
Live portal snapshot
US News & World Report #32 · 2026Times Higher Education #1936 · 2026US News & World Report #32 · 2025Times Higher Education #1936 · 2025US News & World Report #221 · 2024Times Higher Education #403 · 2024
- Living Costs (estimated): $1,850
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Campus Vibe
Urban, 200 acres
Harvard Kennedy School offers a unique blend of academic rigor and residential life, fostering an intimate community. The school's urban location in Cambridge provides a vibrant campus life with access to cultural and recreational activities.
SportyAcademicResidentialIntimate Community
8/10
Diversity
9/10
Academic Rigor
7/10
City safety (heuristic)
7/10
Social scene
Weather: Varies widely by state
Living costs: Research local rent and transport for your intake year
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Career Outcomes
37.5% placement rate
Graduates from Harvard Kennedy School often pursue careers in public service, international relations, and non-profit organizations. The school's emphasis on policy and leadership development equips students with the skills needed for successful careers in these fields.
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Student Life
2,500 students (500 international)
Campus: Urban, 200 acres
Location: Cambridge, United States
Climate: Varies widely by state
Research local rent and transport for your intake year
The student body at Harvard Kennedy School is diverse, with students from various backgrounds and countries. The school's small size fosters a close-knit community, allowing students to build strong relationships and gain valuable networking opportunities.
LibrarySports ComplexResearch LabsStudent HousingCafeteria
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Application Insider
Acceptance rate: 45.5%
IELTS: Overall 7
When to apply: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school
Harvard Kennedy School has an acceptance rate of 45.5%, making it a competitive school to get into. The best time to apply is between December and March for the fall semester, with rolling admissions available for some programs.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting generic SOPs — tailor your story to 2–3 program-specific points
- Missing document certified translations where required
- Applying in the final round without buffer for visa timelines
- Ignoring conditional offers — respond before the deadline in the portal
💡IELTS requirement: Overall 7
💡Acceptance rate: 45.5%
💡Latest cutoff: GPA avg=3.89, p25=3.3, p75=4 (n=7)
💡Typical apply window for United States: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school