Are you an international student aiming for an elite undergraduate education in the U.S.? The Duke University Karsh International Scholarship 2025/26 offers a life-changing, fully funded opportunity. Established through the generosity of Martha L. and Bruce A. Karsh, this scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, fees, demonstrated financial need beyond those costs, and even three summers of research or internship funding. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from eligibility to application tips.
Scholarship Overview: Duke University Karsh International Scholarship
The Karsh International Scholarship was created to recognize outstanding international students who combine academic excellence with civic engagement. International applicants must demonstrate financial need to be considered for this merit-based opportunity at Duke University.
Recipients join a vibrant community that champions interdisciplinary inquiry and scholarship in the service of society, and they represent diverse nations across the globe.
Scholarship Categories
While the Karsh International Scholarship is a single, high-value award, it essentially blends merit and need-based funding into one comprehensive scholarship for incoming undergraduates.
Types of Scholarship Available at Duke University: Karsh International Scholarship
- Full Tuition Award covering four years of undergraduate study.
- Room and Board included in funding.
- Mandatory Fees fully covered.
- Additional Need-Based Support, if your financial need exceeds tuition and living costs.
- Three Summers of Funding for research, unpaid internships, or other career-advancing opportunities.
Courses Available & Eligibility for Duke Karsh International Scholarship
Courses Available
The scholarship supports any Bachelor’s degree program at Duke University, across all disciplines from social sciences and engineering to arts, humanities, and sciences.
✅ Quick Checklist: How to Boost Your Chances
Before scrolling further, take a moment to tick off these essentials.
They might be the difference between rejection and success:
✔️ Start your application early; deadlines approach faster than you think.
✔️ Prepare your academic transcripts and recommendation letters in advance.
✔️ Personalize your personal statement; don’t copy generic templates.
✔️ Double-check eligibility before you apply.
Eligibility
To be considered, you must be:
- A non-U.S. citizen without dual U.S. nationality.
- A first-time undergraduate applicant; current holders of a B.A. or B.S. are not eligible.
- Have strong academic preparation and documented financial need.
- Apply to Duke and request financial aid; there is no separate scholarship application.
Benefits of the Scholarship Duke University Karsh International Scholarship
- Full undergraduate tuition coverage for up to four years.
- Room and board paid in full.
- All mandatory university fees are included.
- Support for unmet financial need beyond core costs.
- Funding for three summers to pursue research, internships, or other academic opportunities.
- Entry into a distinguished global scholar community at Duke.
Criteria for Application to Duke University Karsh International Scholarship
Your application will be evaluated on:
- Academic performance and preparation.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Engagement in civic, interdisciplinary, or scholarly pursuits.
- Your potential to contribute to Duke’s international scholar community.
Required Documents Checklist
Make sure to include:
- Duke University undergraduate admission application.
- CSS Profile (financial need form).
- FAFSA (if required/available to internationals).
- Supporting documentation of financial need (income statements, tax forms).
- Transcripts and academic records.
- English language proficiency evidence if required (e.g., TOEFL).
- Passport or ID details in your application profile.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully funded, including tuition, living, fees, summers | Extremely competitive award |
| Covers unmet financial need | Must demonstrate financial need clearly |
| Includes summer funding for research or internships | Requires completing financial aid forms (CSS / FAFSA) |
| Builds network among international scholars | No separate application—must apply to admission + aid correctly |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your undergraduate program at Duke.
- Submit your Duke admission application and indicate your financial aid request.
- Complete the CSS Profile (and FAFSA if applicable).
- Submit financial documentation to support your need.
- Await admission and financial aid decisions; if selected, you will be informed through your Duke portal.
- Enroll and begin your Duke journey, including future summer opportunities funded.
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Application Deadline: Not Specified
Duke has both Early Decision and Regular Decision timelines, with CSS Profile deadlines approximately:
- Early Decision: ~ November 4, 2025
- Regular Decision: ~ February 1, 2026
Check Duke’s admission calendar for exact dates; apply early to maximize your chances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to submit financial aid forms (CSS Profile / FAFSA).
- Missing admission or financial aid filing deadlines.
- Assuming a separate scholarship application is needed.
- Not providing strong evidence of both academic merit and financial need.
- Underestimating the need to submit accurate financial documentation.
Other Scholarships to Explore on Our Blog
If you’re building a list of options, you may also want to explore:
- Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford
- Chevening Scholarships in the UK
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Oxford (AfOx)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford
Conclusion
The Duke University Karsh International Scholarship 2025/26 is a rare, fully funded opportunity for exceptional international students covering tuition, residential costs, fees, extra financial support, and three summers of rich academic experiences. It’s built for global leaders driven by scholarship and civic engagement. To make your application stand out, ensure strong academic credentials, complete the financial aid forms timely, and clearly demonstrate your financial need. Good luck; your journey to Duke and beyond starts here!
FAQs
Q: Do I need to apply separately for the Karsh Scholarship?
No. Submission of an admission application plus a financial aid request automatically enters you into consideration.
Q: What expenses does the scholarship cover?
Tuition, room and board, fees, unmet need, and funding for three summers of academic opportunity.
Q: Am I limited to certain majors?
No. All undergraduate majors at Duke are eligible.
Q: Can dual U.S. and other nationality holders apply?
No. Applicants must not have U.S. citizenship.
Q: When are decisions made?
Generally, after admission decisions, during the spring. You will be notified via your Duke portal.
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