Approximately $85,000 per year (full cost of attendance)
Duration
4 years (8 semesters)
Deadline
January 2nd (Regular Decision Deadline)
Level
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)
Acceptance
Duke's general international acceptance rate is approximately 4%; the scholarship rate is much lower
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
Karsh International Scholarship, administered by Duke University, is one of the funding options available to international undergraduate applicants in United States. The award covers Covers full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and provides up to $7,000 for summer research and service programs over three years. and is open to undergraduate (bachelor's) students studying all undergraduate academic programs at duke university. The scholarship runs for 4 years (8 semesters) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be international students with high academic achievement, leadership potential, and demonstrated financial need. The application deadline is January 2nd (Regular Decision Deadline), with an acceptance rate of approximately Duke's general international acceptance rate is approximately 4%; the scholarship rate is much lower. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for Karsh International Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
7%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Less than 1%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately $85,000 per year (full cost of attendance)
⏳
Duration
4 years (8 semesters)
📅
Deadline
January 2nd (Regular Decision Deadline)
🌎
Fields
All undergraduate academic programs at Duke University
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 10 to 12 scholars per year
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
Duke University
📊
Acceptance
Duke's general international acceptance rate is approximately 4%; the scholarship rate is much lower
The Karsh International Scholarship is a premier program at Duke University designed to bring the brightest international students to campus. Funded by Martha and Bruce Karsh, the program supports students who possess exceptional academic potential and strong leadership qualities, but who cannot afford to attend without full financial assistance.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be international students with high academic achievement, leadership potential, and demonstrated financial need.
🤝 Sponsor
Martha L. and Bruce R. Karsh
🌎 Fields of Study
All undergraduate academic programs at Duke University
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and provides up to $7,000 for summer research and service programs over three years.
Varies (Estimated 10,000+ international applicants)
Applicants Last Year
11
Winners
Duke's general international acceptance rate is approximately 4%; the scholarship rate is much lower
Acceptance Rate
Less than 1%
Competition Level
Win Probability
7%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% of tuition covered
Living Stipend
Included via meal plan and living allowance
Total Award
Approximately $85,000 per year (full cost of attendance)
✈️ Travel: Included for travel to university and summer research travel🏠 Accommodation: Yes, standard double room housing covered💊 Health Insurance: Mandatory student health fees and insurance covered🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: $85 (Fee waivers available for students with high financial need)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition covered
🏠 Living Stipend
Included via meal plan and living allowance
🏡 Accommodation
Yes, standard double room housing covered
✈️ Travel Allowance
Included for travel to university and summer research travel
💊 Health Insurance
Mandatory student health fees and insurance covered
🎁 Other Benefits
Up to $7,000 in funding for research, unpaid internships, and summer enrichment
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as defined by Duke University
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
International students who are not US citizens or permanent residents; dual citizens are generally not eligible
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)
📊 Minimum GPA
Not explicitly stated; successful candidates are typically in the top 1-2% of their class
🗣️ English Requirement
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) required for non-native English speakers
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Strong leadership potential and a commitment to service are essential selection factors
💰 Financial Need
Required (The scholarship is specifically for students with documented financial need)
🎯 Target Students
International undergraduate applicants
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, Duke Supplemental Essays are required as part of the admission application
Rec Letters
Yes (2 teacher recommendations and 1 school counselor recommendation)
Interview
Yes, finalists are invited for a mandatory interview (typically via video call)
Application Fee
$85 (Fee waivers available for students with high financial need)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (2 teacher recommendations and 1 school counselor recommendation) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) required for non-native English speakers
Interview: Yes, finalists are invited for a mandatory interview (typically via video call)
Min GPA: Not explicitly stated; successful candidates are typically in the top 1-2% of their class
📋 Application Process
Highlight how your unique global perspective will contribute to the Duke community. Focus on leadership and problem-solving in your personal statement.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure the CSS Profile is submitted by the financial aid deadline to demonstrate eligibility for the scholarship.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
August 1st
⏰ Deadline
January 2nd (Regular Decision Deadline)
🎤 Interview
Yes, finalists are invited for a mandatory interview (typically via video call)
🎓 Study Starts
August (Fall Semester)
August 1st
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
January 2nd (Regular Decision Deadline)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes, finalists are invited for a mandatory interview (typically via video call)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
August (Fall Semester)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Exceptional academic performance, strong leadership potential, and demonstrated financial need.
Applicants must be international students with high academic achievement, leadership potential, and demonstrated financial need.
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and provides up to $7,000 for summer research and service programs over three years.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is January 2nd (Regular Decision Deadline). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Less than 1%. Acceptance rate: Duke's general international acceptance rate is approximately 4%; the scholarship rate is much lower. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) required for non-native English speakers, Yes (2 teacher recommendations and 1 school counselor recommendation) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.