Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University 2027 — Fully Funded Undergraduate Degree

The Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University is one of the few fully funded undergraduate scholarships at a top-tier American university that’s specifically for international students. Named after philanthropists Martha and Bruce Karsh, this award covers everything — tuition, housing, meals, and then goes further by funding your internships and summer research.

What makes Karsh different from most US scholarships? It doesn’t stop at covering costs. It invests in your growth through funded professional experiences, leadership programming, and a mentorship network.

What’s Covered

• Full tuition for all four years of your undergraduate degree
• Room and board (on-campus housing and meal plan)
• All mandatory university fees
• Funding for unpaid internships (critical for international students who can’t work off-campus for pay)
• Summer research funding — up to three summers of supported research
• Leadership development workshops and seminars
• Access to Duke’s global alumni network

Who Qualifies

• International students only — you must not be a US citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Must have completed secondary/high school education
• Must apply for an undergraduate programme at Duke University
• Strong academic performance in high school (Duke’s admitted students typically rank in the top 10% of their class)
• Demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities, community service, or personal projects
• Must demonstrate financial need — you’ll need to submit financial documents showing your family’s financial situation
• Open to all academic disciplines — engineering, sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts

Application Process

The Karsh Scholarship is integrated into Duke’s regular admission process. There’s no separate scholarship application. Here’s the timeline:

1. Submit your Duke undergraduate application through the Common App or Coalition App by 2 November 2026 (Early Decision) or 5 January 2027 (Regular Decision)
2. Submit the CSS Profile and financial documents — this is critical. Without financial information, you cannot be considered for the Karsh Scholarship
3. Upload your supporting documents: transcripts, English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo), recommendation letters, and personal essays
4. Duke evaluates your full application and financial need simultaneously
5. If selected, you’ll receive your financial aid award (including Karsh) with your admission decision

Tips for International Applicants

• Start early: The CSS Profile is detailed and takes time to complete accurately
• Be specific about your leadership: Don’t just list positions. Describe what you changed, built, or improved
• Show fit with Duke: Mention specific programmes, professors, labs, or student organisations that align with your goals
• Financial documents matter: Make sure your family’s financial information is complete and translated into English if necessary
• Consider Early Decision: The 2 November deadline gives you an earlier decision and demonstrates genuine interest