The Karsh Program Full Scholarship for International Students at Duke University
Founded in 2010 through a generous donation from Martha and Bruce Karsh, the Karsh International Scholars comprise an intellectually and civically engaged cohort of international students who promote interdisciplinary inquiry, passionate and accessible academic research, and scholarship in the service of society.
Financial Support
The Karsh International Scholars Program provides eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees to Duke University. Scholars also have access to generous funding for domestic and international summer experiences, including opportunities for independent research both in the summer and during the academic year.
Academic Community
In addition to monetary support, Karsh International Scholars will have a cohort of students from all over the world, a faculty advisor, and additional mentoring support from the Office of University Scholars and Fellows. All Karsh International Scholars will be part of an intellectual community that engages in global dialogue and highlights the presence of international students on the Duke campus. During the regular school year, Karsh International Scholars will engage with faculty mentors, program coordinators, guest speakers, and have the occasional field trip.
All first-year scholars in a first-year seminar series across scholarships engage with each other as scholars, learn from scholars on and off campus, and engage with the greater Durham community.
Enrichment Experiences
After completion of the first year, Karsh Scholars may apply for funds to support a variety of educational enrichment activities: from working at a laboratory at Duke University or elsewhere, to pursuing an internship in the private or government sector, to engaging in service work or independent research. With the help of the Karsh faculty director and faculty mentors or advisors, Karsh International Scholars will be supported in thinking creatively and planning wisely for these enrichment opportunities.
How can I be considered for the Duke Merit Scholarship?
Apply to Duke University!
Every applicant to Duke University is considered for 9 out of the 10 merit scholarships offered at Duke University. All students who apply and are accepted for undergraduate admission to Duke University are automatically considered for a merit scholarship. Merit scholarships are available for both domestic and international students. Robertson Scholars must apply through a separate application process. Please visit https://robertsonscholars.org for more details.
How will I know if I have been selected for a Duke Merit Scholarship?
Finalists are selected based on the individual criteria for each scholarship. Finalists for the Alumni, A.B. Duke, B.N. Duke, Reginaldo Howard, Robertson, Rubenstein, Trinity, and University scholarships will be invited to participate in a scholar selection process at the end of March that will include an interview and opportunities to meet with faculty and current scholars. Those selected as finalists will be notified by email no later than mid-March. Scholarships may include a phone or Zoom interview as part of the finalist process. **Please note that this year, 2021, due to Duke University’s policies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, all Scholar Selection activities will be on-line.
How can I afford a Duke education?
Learn more about Financial Aid at Duke
If you are hesitant to apply to Duke because of the cost, please reconsider. In addition to these nine merit scholarship programs, Duke University has recently expanded need-based financial aid. Duke is strongly committed to its financial aid program and the principle that a student’s financial resources should not be a barrier to enrollment. Duke University pledges to meet full demonstrated financial need for every one of our students. For U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students, Duke’s admissions policy is “need-blind,” which means that applicants are accepted based on their merit, regardless of their ability to pay for college.
As a reminder, to be considered for institutional aid, students must submit the CSS Profile and the FAFSA by February 1. Applicants are automatically considered for Duke merit scholarships by virtue of their admissions application; however, there are several merit scholarships that require that the recipient demonstrate financial need. To be considered for these scholarships, it is essential that you submit all of your required financial aid documents by the February 1 deadline.