The Yale University Scholarships are offered to international students with financial needs to help cover the full cost of attendance. The 2025 Yale University International Scholarships are worth up to $70,000 per year to supports students’ study and living expenses and are never required to be repaid.
One of the key aspects of Yale’s financial aid program is its need-based approach. Yale does not offer merit-based scholarships; instead, all financial aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. This means that students from families with different income levels are assessed individually, and their financial aid packages are tailored to meet their specific needs. Yale’s financial aid packages are among the most generous in the world, often covering the full cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses for students from low- and middle-income families. In many cases, students from families earning less than a certain threshold are expected to contribute nothing toward the cost of their education.
Yale’s financial aid program is rooted in its commitment to a need-blind admissions policy for U.S. students, which means that a student’s ability to pay is not considered during the admissions process. For international students, Yale is also committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, although the admissions process for international students is need-aware, meaning that financial need is considered as part of the decision-making process. Nevertheless, Yale’s financial aid resources for international students are substantial, and the university works to ensure that admitted students from around the world can afford to attend.
In addition to need-based financial aid, Yale offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships for specific groups of students or those pursuing particular fields of study. For instance, there are scholarships available for students in the arts, sciences, and other disciplines, as well as for those who demonstrate exceptional leadership or public service. These scholarships often provide additional support on top of the need-based aid that students receive.
Yale’s financial aid program is not just about covering costs; it’s also about ensuring that students can fully engage with the opportunities the university offers. This includes providing funding for research projects, internships, study abroad programs, and other extracurricular activities that are integral to the Yale experience. The goal is to allow all students, regardless of their financial background, to take full advantage of Yale’s resources and opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements For The Yale University Scholarships
To be considered for the 2025 Yale University International Scholarship, you must:
- Yale seeks students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance throughout their high school careers. A strong GPA, high standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and rigorous coursework are essential.
- Yale is committed to need-based financial aid, meaning scholarships are awarded based on the financial need of the student.
- Beyond academics, Yale values leadership qualities and active participation in extracurricular activities.
- Scholarships are open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students alike. There is no distinction in the financial aid process based on citizenship.
Benefits
- Yale’s need-based grant aid for undergraduates
The Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.
- Merit-based scholarships
While Yale does not award merit-based scholarships, Yale students often qualify for merit awards from other organizations.
Criteria for receiving merit scholarships are directly linked to a student’s performance in academics, sports, music, or another field of special interest.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Common Application or Coalition Application: This is the primary application form for admission to Yale, which includes personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities.
- CSS Profile: The CSS Profile is used to assess a family’s financial situation and is required for determining financial aid eligibility.
- Yale Financial Aid Application: This is a specific form that Yale requires in addition to the CSS Profile, to gather more detailed financial information.
- Tax Returns and Income Documentation: Students must submit copies of their parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and other income documentation.
- School Report and Counselor Recommendation: A report from the applicant’s high school, including a counselor’s recommendation, is required to provide context about the student’s academic performance.
- Two Teacher Recommendations: Yale requires letters of recommendation from two teachers who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and character.
- Standardized Test Scores: While Yale has adopted a test-optional policy, students who wish to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application may do so.
- Personal Essay: Applicants must submit a personal essay that reflects their personality, values, and intellectual interests.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English language test result.
Method of Application
- Click on the button below to visit the scholarship application webpage
- Apply Online to submit your application.
- Upload all the required documents that are mentioned above.
- Request your high school counselor and teachers to submit their reports and letters of recommendation directly to Yale.
- After applying, regularly check the application portal for updates or requests for additional information.
- Respond promptly to any inquiries from the admissions or financial aid offices.
Application Deadline: Varies by Program.
