Duke University offers a robust range of scholarships for international students for the 2026 intake, focusing heavily on a combination of merit and demonstrated financial need.
1. Karsh International Scholars Program (Premier Scholarship)
This is Duke’s flagship fully funded scholarship designed exclusively for international undergraduates.
- Coverage: Full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and any demonstrated need that exceeds these costs.
- Summer Funding: Provides three summers of funding for research, unpaid internships, or global enrichment experiences.
- How to Apply: No separate application. You must apply for undergraduate admission and indicate interest in financial aid by submitting the CSS Profile.
- Deadlines: * Early Decision: November 3, 2025
- Regular Decision: February 1, 2026
Scholarship Opportunities in USA 2026
2. General Merit Scholarships
International students are automatically considered for several high-value merit cohorts. No separate application is required for most of these.
- A.B. Duke Memorial Scholars: Target students with exceptional academic achievement. Covers full tuition, fees, room, board, and enrichment funding.
- Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: A joint scholarship with UNC-Chapel Hill. Covers full tuition, room, board, and three summer experiences. Note: This does require a separate application (usually due mid-November).
- Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholars: For students with a commitment to social justice and community leadership.
3. Financial Aid Policy for International Students
Duke is need-aware for international applicants, meaning they consider your ability to pay when making admission decisions.
- Full Need Commitment: If you are admitted with financial need, Duke commits to meeting 100% of your demonstrated need for all four years.
- Crucial Requirement: You must check “Yes” to the financial aid interest box on your Common Application. If you are admitted without requesting aid, you are ineligible to apply for it in later years.
4. Graduate & PhD Funding (2026)
- Doctoral (PhD) Funding: Duke typically guarantees five years of full funding for all PhD students (international and domestic). This includes a full tuition waiver, a 12-month living stipend, and health insurance.
- Master’s Programs: Funding is more limited and often department-specific. Some professional programs (like the Sanford School of Public Policy) offer competitive fellowships.
- External Fellowships: Duke international graduate students often qualify for external full-funding awards like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program or AAUW International Fellowships.
2026 Application Checklist
- CSS Profile: Submit by November 3 (ED) or February 1 (RD) to be considered for both the Karsh Scholarship and general need-based aid.
- Common Application: Ensure the “Financial Aid Interest” box is checked.
- Transcripts & Standardized Tests: Duke has returned to requiring the SAT or ACT for the 2025-2026 cycle.
For more information, you can visit these Scholarship Opportunities in USA 2026 .