What the funding covers
- Tuition, room and board for every admitted student: a full scholarship valued at over $50,000.
- For students with demonstrated financial need, books, travel, medical insurance and incidental costs can be covered too.
- Travel support for applicants who need it, with other arrangements for international applicants who cannot afford to visit.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, room and board (over $50,000) | Deep Springs, for every student |
| Books, travel, medical insurance, incidentals and a small damage deposit | You, or Deep Springs if you show financial need |
| US student visa: $185 application fee and $350 SEVIS fee, plus a new $250 visa integrity fee that some embassies now charge | You, before you travel |
Who can apply
- Applicants from any country and of any gender; the scholarship goes to every admitted student regardless of need or country of origin.
- You must be 23 or younger at the application deadline and must not already hold a bachelor's degree. Transfer students without a four-year degree can apply.
- If you did not attend an English-speaking secondary school or college, show your English: TOEFL 98, IELTS 7 or Duolingo 130 are the recommended scores.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- The first-round application
- Second-round essays if you advance
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo results if you did not attend an English-speaking secondary school or college
How to apply
- Send the first-round application by the 1 November deadline.
- Applicants who advance write second-round essays (due 10 January 2027 in the 2027 round).
- Decisions come on 1 April and the new class arrives in early July.
- SAT and ACT scores are optional, and there is no GPA cutoff.
Before you apply: things to know
- The 2027 round's first deadline has passed, and the next round's dates are not announced yet.
- Deep Springs does not award bachelor's degrees; most students transfer to finish a four-year degree, which needs its own funding.
- You pay a small damage deposit plus books, travel, medical insurance and incidentals unless you show financial need.
- Only 12 to 15 students are admitted each year, and there is no ESL programme.
Common questions
Can international students study at Deep Springs for free?
Yes. The full scholarship covering tuition, room and board goes to every admitted student, regardless of country of origin.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants over 23 at the application deadline are not considered.
Do I need the SAT?
No. Deep Springs is test-optional and has no GPA cutoff.