Cornell University Scholarships for International Students in USA
Cornell University is one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities in the United States and attracts talented students from more than 125 countries around the world.
For international students, however, the cost of studying at Cornell can be a major concern. The good news is that Cornell provides substantial financial aid to eligible undergraduate students, including international students who demonstrate significant financial need.
Cornell states that it meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of admitted undergraduate students. However, international applicants should understand that admission is need-aware, meaning a student’s need for financial aid can be considered as part of the admission process.
This guide explains Cornell University scholarships for international students, available funding opportunities, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Cornell University Scholarship Details
Cornell’s undergraduate financial aid program can provide substantial assistance to students who qualify.
The university meets the demonstrated financial need of admitted undergraduate students through a combination of Cornell grants, work-study and reasonable student loans, depending on the student’s financial circumstances.
For international students, the financial aid process is different from that for U.S. students.
International applicants who expect to need financial assistance must apply for aid when they apply for admission. If an international student does not request financial aid by the appropriate deadline, Cornell says they will not be eligible to apply for institutional financial aid later during their undergraduate studies.
1. Cornell Need-Based Financial Aid
Cornell provides need-based financial aid to admitted international undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.
The amount a student receives depends on their family’s financial circumstances.
Cornell reviews information about family income, assets and other relevant financial factors before determining the student’s demonstrated need.
Because Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted undergraduate students, an eligible student can receive a significant financial aid package.
However, international students should not assume that applying for financial aid guarantees admission. Cornell’s international admission process is need-aware.
2. Levitan Family Scholarships
The Levitan Family Scholarships are among Cornell’s notable opportunities specifically supporting international students.
Cornell currently provides these full scholarships to approximately five international students each year.
To qualify, a student must have attended secondary school outside the United States, be admitted to Cornell as an undergraduate and demonstrate significant financial need.
Recipients can receive support throughout their undergraduate studies as long as they continue to meet the scholarship requirements.
In addition to financial support, Levitan Scholars receive mentorship, participate in a community of other scholars and can receive support for opportunities such as research, study abroad and summer internships.
3. Tata Scholarship for Indian Students
Cornell also offers the Tata Scholarship for undergraduate students from India.
The program was established through a $25 million endowment from the Tata Education and Development Trust.
Approximately 20 Tata Scholars are supported at any given time, and eligible recipients can receive the scholarship throughout their undergraduate studies.
To be considered, applicants must have attended secondary school in India, be admitted to Cornell as an undergraduate and qualify for need-based financial aid.
Students interested in programs such as engineering, architecture, biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and certain business-related programs may receive preference in the selection process.
Who Is Eligible for Cornell Scholarships?
International students from around the world can apply for Cornell undergraduate admission and financial aid.
However, Cornell’s need-aware admission policy means that requesting financial aid can be considered during the admission process.
Students should therefore have a strong overall application, including:
- Excellent academic performance
- Strong standardized or English-language credentials where required
- Meaningful extracurricular activities
- Leadership and community involvement
- Compelling application essays
- Evidence of intellectual curiosity and achievement
Students who need financial aid should also submit their financial aid application before Cornell’s stated deadline.
How to Apply for Cornell Scholarships
Step 1: Apply for Admission
International undergraduate applicants apply to Cornell through the Common Application and must select the Cornell college or school that offers their intended program.
Step 2: Request Financial Aid
If you expect to need financial assistance at any point during your undergraduate studies, indicate that you are applying for financial aid when submitting your Cornell application.
Do not wait until after admission.
Step 3: Submit the Required Financial Aid Documents
International applicants seeking financial aid must complete the required financial aid application, including the CSS Profile where applicable.
Cornell uses the financial information provided to determine demonstrated financial need and eligibility for institutional assistance.
Step 4: Meet the Deadline
For first-year international applicants, Cornell currently lists November 1 as the financial aid deadline for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision.
Transfer applicants seeking international financial aid have a March 15 aid deadline.
Can International Students Get a Full Scholarship at Cornell?
Yes, some international students can receive financial aid covering a substantial portion, or potentially all, of their demonstrated financial need.
The Levitan Family Scholarship is one example of Cornell’s full scholarship opportunities for selected international students.
However, there is no single $50,000 or $100,000 Cornell scholarship that every international applicant receives. Financial aid packages vary according to each student’s financial circumstances.
Students should also remember that Cornell’s published cost of attendance can be very high, making financial aid particularly valuable for families who cannot afford the full cost of an American university education.
Final Thoughts
Cornell University offers international students an opportunity to study at one of America’s leading Ivy League universities with significant financial support.
The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted undergraduate students, while special opportunities such as the Levitan Family Scholarships and Tata Scholarship provide additional support for eligible international students.
The biggest challenge is admission. Because Cornell’s undergraduate admission process is need-aware for international students, applicants requesting financial aid must compete for admission while also demonstrating significant academic and personal potential.
If you are an international student with an excellent academic record and genuine financial need, Cornell is worth considering as part of your U.S. university application strategy.
Start preparing your application early, carefully complete your financial aid documents and make sure you meet Cornell’s deadlines.
For the latest scholarship requirements and application information, visit the Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid website.
