Northwestern University Scholarships for International Students 2025/2026 – Fully Funded

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, is one of the United States’ most elite private research universities. With its world-renowned faculty, top-ranked academic programs, and a strong commitment to research-driven innovation, Northwestern consistently appears among the top 10–20 universities globally. Students from more than 100 countries choose Northwestern every year because of its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and exceptional career outcomes after graduation.

However, like many top-tier U.S. universities, studying at Northwestern can be expensive. Tuition, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses can exceed $85,000 per year, making financial aid essential for many students, especially international applicants. To ensure that education remains accessible, Northwestern University offers generous scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and fully funded fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students.

Whether you are a high-achieving international student, a research-focused graduate applicant, or an aspiring MBA candidate, Northwestern provides several pathways to fully or partially funded education. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about these opportunities—including eligibility, available scholarships, financial aid policies, and how to apply.

What is Northwestern University’s financial aid and scholarship system, and how does it work?

Northwestern University is one of the few elite institutions in the U.S. that follow a strong need-based financial aid model, meaning that most undergraduate scholarships are awarded based on financial need rather than merit. This ensures that students from diverse economic backgrounds can thrive without worrying about excessive student debt.

Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduate students—including international students. This commitment distinguishes Northwestern as one of the most financially supportive universities in the U.S.

Key features of Northwestern’s financial aid system

Northwestern’s financial aid policy is one of the most generous and inclusive among top U.S. universities. Here are its core principles:

1. Need-blind admissions (for U.S. applicants)

For domestic students, Northwestern makes admissions decisions without considering financial situation. While the policy is not officially need-blind for international students, admitted students still receive full-need financial aid.

2. 100% need-based financial aid

Northwestern promises to cover the entire demonstrated financial need of every admitted undergraduate. This may include tuition, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses.

3. No student loans

Instead of student loans, Northwestern’s aid packages consist of:

• Scholarships
  
• Grants
  
• Work-study opportunities (optional)
  

This ensures students can graduate debt-free, an extremely rare offering among top universities.

4. Full financial aid for international students

International students receive the same need-based aid consideration as U.S. students. This is one of Northwestern’s most attractive features for foreign applicants seeking fully funded education in America.

5. Merit-based scholarships for graduate students

While undergraduate aid is need-based, graduate programs—including law, business, engineering, and journalism—offer merit-based fellowships, assistantships, and external scholarship funding.

Northwestern University scholarships for undergraduate students

Northwestern’s undergraduate scholarship system is designed to ensure that talented students can enroll regardless of financial background. Here are the top funding opportunities for undergraduates.

1. Northwestern Need-Based Financial Aid

This is the primary source of funding for undergraduate students. Aid packages are tailored to each student’s family financial situation and often cover the majority—or all—educational costs.

Eligibility criteria

• Must be admitted into a Northwestern undergraduate program
  
• Financial need is assessed using family income, household size, and assets
  
• Students from families earning less than $75,000 often qualify for full tuition, room, and board
  
• Families earning up to $150,000 may receive substantial aid
  

Scholarship coverage

• Full tuition coverage (approx. $65,000 per year)
  
• Room and board (approx. $20,000 per year)
  
• Additional support for books, travel, and personal expenses
  

Northwestern’s no-loan approach makes it one of the top choices for international students seeking a fully funded U.S. education.

2. Northwestern International Student Financial Aid

Very few top U.S. universities support international students with the same level of financial commitment as Northwestern. This makes the institution highly competitive and appealing to global scholars.

Benefits for international students

• 100% of demonstrated financial need met
  
• Grants and scholarships instead of loans
  
• Additional funds available for research, summer programs, and study abroad
  
• Optional work-study opportunities on campus
  

For international students dreaming of studying in the USA without financial barriers, Northwestern is one of the best universities to consider.

3. Northwestern Merit-Based Scholarships (Undergraduate)

While most aid is need-based, Northwestern still offers selective merit scholarships.

Types of merit scholarships

• National Merit Scholarship—For students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
  
• Undergraduate Research Grants—For students conducting independent research
  
• Departmental Scholarships—Awarded to students excelling in fields like engineering, journalism, humanities, and social sciences
  

Coverage may include

• Partial or full tuition
  
• Research funding
  
• Study abroad stipends
  
• Internship and service-learning support
  

These scholarships reward exceptional talent and encourage academic excellence.

Northwestern University scholarships for graduate students

Graduate scholarships at Northwestern vary widely by department, but many programs offer full funding through assistantships, fellowships, or external grants.

1. Northwestern Graduate Fellowships

Graduate fellowships are fully funded awards covering tuition and living expenses.

Types of fellowships

• Presidential Graduate Fellowship—Highly competitive, full-tuition plus stipend
  
• Departmental Fellowships—For students in engineering, sciences, arts, communication, and social sciences
  
• Diversity Fellowships—For underrepresented or first-generation graduate students
  

These fellowships allow graduate students to focus on research without financial stress.

2. Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA)

These positions provide hands-on academic experience while funding your studies.

Benefits of RA/TA positions

• Full tuition waiver
  
• Monthly stipend (average $40,000–$50,000 annually depending on department)
  
• Health insurance coverage
  
• Professional research or teaching experience
  

Assistantships are one of the most reliable ways for graduate students to obtain fully funded education.

3. Northwestern Law School Scholarships

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers generous scholarships.

Types of funding

• Merit Scholarships—Based on academic excellence
  
• Public Interest Fellowships—For students pursuing careers in public service or non-profit legal work
  

These awards ensure law students can pursue their studies without excessive financial burden.

4. Kellogg School of Management (MBA Scholarships)

Kellogg is one of the world’s top MBA programs and offers several competitive scholarships.

Popular Kellogg MBA scholarships

• Kellogg Dean’s Fellowships – Full or partial tuition
  
• Leadership Scholarships—For students with exceptional leadership potential
  
• Diversity Scholarships—Supporting minorities, women, and global candidates
  

Kellogg’s funding opportunities make an elite MBA program more accessible to international applicants.

How to apply for Northwestern University scholarships

Applying for financial aid at Northwestern requires careful planning and timely submission of documents.

Step 1: Apply for admission

Undergraduate applicants use:

• Common Application
  
• Coalition Application
  

Graduate applicants apply through the Northwestern Graduate School portal or the respective professional school.

Step 2: Submit financial aid forms

For U.S. students:

• CSS Profile
  
• FAFSA
  
• Federal tax returns
  

For international students:

• CSS Profile (if required)
  
• Northwestern International Aid Application
  
• Income statements or official financial documents
  

Make sure to submit all documents before the deadlines.

Step 3: Receive your financial aid award

Once admitted, Northwestern reviews your financial documents and provides a customized aid package detailing your scholarship amount, grants, and remaining costs.

Step 4: Accept your scholarship

Students confirm their enrollment and formally accept the financial aid package to secure funding.

Final thoughts

Northwestern University stands out as one of the most generous institutions in the United States when it comes to financial support. With its 100% need-based aid policy, no-loan commitment, and fully funded graduate fellowships, Northwestern ensures that financial limitations do not prevent brilliant students from accessing a world-class education.

For international students seeking fully funded opportunities, Northwestern offers an outstanding combination of academic excellence, global reputation, and strong financial support. Whether you’re an undergraduate applicant, a graduate researcher, a law student, or an MBA candidate, Northwestern provides pathways that can make your academic dream a reality.

If you plan carefully, meet deadlines, and prepare strong applications, Northwestern could be your gateway to a debt-free degree and a future filled with possibilities.