Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. For the 2025–2026 academic year, Duke continues to offer a range of scholarships aimed at attracting talented students worldwide. These scholarships are designed to support students financially, enabling them to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies without the burden of tuition costs.
Overview of Duke University Scholarships
Duke University provides several scholarship programs catering to different student needs:
- Karsh International Scholarship: A prestigious, fully funded scholarship for exceptional international undergraduate students.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Available to both U.S. and international students, covering 100% of demonstrated financial need.
- Graduate Fellowships: Fully funded fellowships for Ph.D. students across various disciplines.
Karsh International Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Karsh International Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be international students (non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents).
- Apply for a full-time undergraduate program at Duke University.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership qualities.
- Show significant financial need.
- Not have earned a prior bachelor's degree.
Benefits
Recipients of the Karsh International Scholarship receive:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Room and board expenses.
- Funding for summer research, internships, and other enrichment activities.
Application Process
There is no separate application for the Karsh Scholarship. Eligible students are automatically considered upon applying for undergraduate admission and indicating their intent to apply for financial aid.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Overview
Duke University is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international applicants.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Apply for admission to Duke University.
- Indicate their intention to apply for financial aid.
- Submit required financial documents, such as the CSS Profile.
Benefits
Aid packages may include:
- Tuition assistance.
- Housing and meal plan coverage.
- Books and supplies allowance.
- Travel expenses.
Graduate Fellowships
Overview
Duke offers various fellowships for Ph.D. students, providing comprehensive support throughout their doctoral studies.
Types of Fellowships
- James B. Duke Fellowship: Provides a stipend supplement for four years in addition to departmental funding.
- Dean's Graduate Fellowship: Offers a 12-month stipend during the first two years and a supplement in the third and fourth years, along with tuition remission and fee coverage.
- aiM-NRT Fellowship: Supports interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence and materials science, including tuition, stipend, and travel support.
Application Process
Applicants are automatically considered for most fellowships upon applying to a Ph.D. program at Duke. Specific fellowships may require additional materials or separate applications.
Fields of Study
Undergraduate Programs
Duke offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Political Science
- Environmental Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Policy
- International Relations
- Global Health
- Psychology
- Literature and Arts
Graduate Programs
Graduate programs encompass various disciplines, such as:
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Law (JD)
- Medicine (MD)
- Public Policy (MPP)
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Data Science and Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Theology and Divinity
- Various Ph.D. programs across disciplines
Application Deadlines
Undergraduate Admissions
- Early Decision Deadline: November 1, 2025
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 2, 2026
- Karsh International Scholarship Deadline: November 4, 2025
- Financial Aid Document Deadlines:
- Early Decision: November 15, 2025
- Regular Decision: February 1, 2026
Graduate Programs
Deadlines vary by program, generally falling between November and January. Applicants should consult specific program websites for exact dates.
Required Documents
Undergraduate Applicants
- Completed application via Common or Coalition App
- Official academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS), if required
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Financial aid forms (CSS Profile and Duke's Financial Aid Form)
- Supporting financial documents (income statements, tax returns, bank records)
Graduate Applicants
- Online application for the specific program
- Academic transcripts
- GRE/GMAT scores, if required
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
- Portfolio or writing samples, if applicable
>>>Official Application Link