What the funding covers
- Aid meeting the full demonstrated need of admitted international students.
- The Karsh International Scholarship covers tuition, room, board and mandatory fees, plus any demonstrated need beyond those costs.
- Karsh Scholars also receive funding for three summers of research, unpaid internships or other opportunities.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, fees, housing and food ($96,597 in 2026–27, of which tuition is $73,740) | Duke aid, up to your full demonstrated need; Karsh International Scholars have the full cost covered |
| Books, travel and personal costs (total cost of attendance $101,828–$102,623) | Counted in the cost of attendance your aid is based on |
| Application fee ($85) | You, unless your school counsellor endorses a fee waiver request |
| CSS Profile ($25 for the first college, $16 for each extra one) | You |
| 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
- International first-year applicants who apply for financial aid and have demonstrated need (a requirement for Karsh).
- You must not already hold a bachelor's degree.
- Duke considers international students' financial need in admission (it is need-aware for them), so a strong application matters even more.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- Common Application or QuestBridge application
- SAT or ACT only if you want them considered; Duke is test-optional in the 2026–27 cycle
- An English test is recommended, not required, if English is not your first language or your school does not teach in English: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge or PTE Academic. Duolingo results can be sent officially for free; others can be self-reported
- The CSS Profile by 3 November (Early Decision) or 1 February (Regular Decision), plus any documents your applicant portal asks for
How to apply
- Apply to Duke through the Common Application or QuestBridge.
- Tick the financial aid interest box and submit the CSS Profile; there is no separate Karsh application.
- Choose binding Early Decision (2 November) or Regular Decision (4 January).
- Karsh finalists are identified from the admission and aid files.
Before you apply: things to know
- Asking for aid can affect an international applicant's chances at Duke, unlike at need-blind colleges.
- Early Decision is binding.
- Karsh is highly selective; most aided international students receive need-based aid instead.
Common questions
What if I don't ask for aid when I apply?
Then you can never get Duke aid. International students admitted without ticking the financial aid interest box are ineligible for aid for all their undergraduate years.
Do I have to reapply for aid every year?
No. Duke gives international students four-year aid awards, which renew automatically once your first-year award is complete.
Do I need the SAT, ACT or an English test?
No. Duke is test-optional in the 2026–27 cycle, including for merit scholarship consideration, and English tests are recommended rather than required.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 4, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 12, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 26, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 9, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 23, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 7, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 21, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 28, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 4, 2027Deadline