Princeton -Admission is need-blind for all applicants, including international students

Scholarship Overview

No Loans: In 2001, Princeton became the first university to offer every aid recipient a financial aid package that replaces loans with grant aid that students do not pay back.

Approximately 60% of students receive financial aid: In the last decade, the amount of our average need-based grant increased by more than 90%, about twice as much as the amount of tuition increases for the same period.

An average grant of over $40,000: In 2013-14 the average aid grant covered 96% of tuition for undergraduates

75% of students graduate debt free: Princeton’s no loan policy has made it possible for most students to graduate with no debt. For seniors who do borrow, the average total indebtedness at graduation is typically between $5,000 and $6,000.

Host School:

Study in Princeton
Princeton is a great American university with a broad, international vision. The International Princeton website conveys Princeton’s global vision and outlines the University’s wide range of international opportunities. A variety of offices and individuals serve as contacts for internationally focused initiatives across the University.

Field(s) of Study

What does the scholarship cover?

The full need of all admitted international students is met the same as it is for students from the United States. Your family’s ability to pay for your university education is not a factor in our admission decision. Students who qualify for financial aid will receive a grant, rather than a loan that has to be repaid, and a term-time job (7-8 hours per week) to meet their need as determined by the Financial Aid Office.
Our financial aid program is entirely need-based. Princeton does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships. Financial aid awards cover the difference between Princeton’s costs and the amount your parents are expected to contribute to your education. The parental contribution is based on our evaluation of your financial aid application.

How many scholarships are given?

International undergraduate student enrollment 2013-14: 549
International graduate student enrollment 2013-14: 992
Top five home countries for all international undergraduate students 2013-14: Canada, Korea, United Kingdom, India, China
Top five home countries for all graduate students 2013-14: China, Canada, India, Korea, and Germany
International scholars 2013-2014: 982
Students receiving Fulbright Awards for 2013-14: 9

Which countries are targeted?

Princeton welcomes applications from students around the world. We review all applications in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. We also are familiar with the education systems of most countries, although you are, of course, welcome to provide additional information about the schools you have attended.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

We consider all of these measures, but only within the context of each applicant’s school and situation. In general, our most promising candidates tend to earn high grades and have comparatively high scores on standardized tests.
These criteria, while important, do not by themselves provide a complete picture of each student’s academic accomplishment or potential.
We evaluate all aspects of a student’s academic preparation.

How do I Apply – Next Steps

Princeton accepts the Common Application and the Universal College Application. Princeton treats them both equally. To apply using the Common Application, you will need to submit both the Common Application and Princeton’s writing supplement to the Common Application through the Common Application website. Although applying online is preferred, you also may apply by paper. A PDF of the application is available, as well as a PDF of Princeton’s writing supplement to the Common Application.
To apply online using the Universal College Application, please visit the Universal College Application website, where you will find the First-Year Admissions Application and Princeton Supplement to the Universal College Application. If you prefer to apply by paper, a PDF of the application is available on the Universal College Application website, as well as a PDF of the Princeton Supplement to the Universal College Application.
You may request a fee waiver if you are applying for financial aid and the cost of applying to Princeton represents a financial hardship for your family. Please note that applying for a fee waiver will not disadvantage your application in any way.

Closing Date:

How do I get more information?