Introduction

Dreaming of an undergraduate degree at a top U.S. university, but worried about tuition and living costs? The Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University could be your golden ticket. It’s a fully funded, need- and merit-based scholarship designed for international students. You get tuition, room & board, fees, and three summers of funding. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know—from eligibility to tips for success.

Background & Origins

Resourced by philanthropic support from Martha L. and Bruce A. Karsh, this scholarship launched in 2010 to elevate Duke’s global academic profile. The scholarship honors the contributions of international scholars while supporting a community of academic leaders who serve society Scholarships.afPeterson’s+2Opportunities Circle+2Scholarships.af+2Global South Opportunities+13University Scholars and Fellows+13Facebook+13University Scholars and Fellows+11Bachelorsportal+11Future Help Portal+11.

Scholarship Overview

The Karsh scholarship is fully funded—covering full tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and even extra funds if your financial aid need surpasses university expenses. It also includes funding for three consecutive summers to pursue research, unpaid internships, or academic opportunities Opportunities Circle+1LinkedIn+1.

Eligibility Criteria

• International students only (excluding U.S. citizens or dual nationals) Opportunities Circle+4Scholarships.af+4Scholars4Dev+4

• Pursuing first undergraduate degree—no prior BA/BSc University Scholars and FellowsScholarship Region

• Strong academic track record and demonstrable financial need University Scholars and FellowsBachelorsportal

Who Can Apply – Nationality & Fields

With eligibility extended to over 200 nationalities, the Karsh Scholarship welcomes students from across the globe BachelorsportalPeterson’s. Plus, it’s open to all undergraduate fields offered at Duke—Engineering, Arts, Sciences, Humanities, Public Policy, and more Scholarships.afBachelorsportal.

Application Process

Your Karsh application is done automatically through Duke University’s admission process. No separate form is needed Karsh STEM Scholars+13University Scholars and Fellows+13Future Help Portal+13. To be considered, you must submit financial aid applications via CSS Profile and FAFSA Peterson’s+6Scholarships.af+6Future Help Portal+6.
Key deadlines:

• Early Decision: November 4, 2025

• Regular Decision: February 1, 2026 Scholarships.af+1Opportunities Circle+1

What the Scholarship Covers

You’ll receive:

• Full tuition, on-campus housing, meals, and mandatory fees

• Additional need-based funds beyond the standard package

• Funding for three summers—ideal for research projects or unpaid internships University Scholars and Fellows+7Opportunities Corners+7Scholarships.af+7

Selection Criteria & Evaluation

Selection hinges on:

• High academic achievement and intellectual curiosity

• Proof of financial need

• Demonstrated leadership, civic engagement, and a global mindset Opportunities CircleScholarships.af

Benefits Beyond Money

Apart from financial support, Karsh Scholars become part of Duke’s scholars network, gaining exclusive access to mentorship, research opportunities, leadership training, and global exposure University Scholars and Fellows+1Scholarships.af+1.

Student Profile Highlights

Karsh scholars are a global mix—from Ghana, India, Nepal, Romania, Pakistan and beyond University Scholars and Fellows+3University Scholars and Fellows+3Scholarships.af+3. For example, Becky Ball, a Karsh Scholar, used her scholarship to lead student space research initiatives and secure prestigious fellowships University Scholars and Fellows.

Timeline & What Happens After Application

After submission, your application undergoes joint review by admissions and financial aid teams. Award notifications are sent mid-winter, and you’ll receive official financial aid documentation upon acceptance.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Demonstrate strong academic preparation via transcripts and standardized scores

• Highlight meaningful leadership or community service experiences

• Showcase financial need clearly and honestly in your aid documents

• Write a compelling personal essay that connects your goals with Duke’s mission

Potential Challenges & FAQs

• Documentation delays—submit CSS and FAFSA early

• Financial aid verification—ensure accuracy in income documentation

• Balancing admission and aid timelines—stay organized to meet both sets of deadlines

Comparing with Other U.S. Scholarships

While Ivy-level institutions offer merit-based scholarships, Karsh stands out by pairing full merit support with demonstrated financial need. Plus, its generous summer funding and tight-knit scholars cohort add distinct value.

Conclusion

The Karsh International Scholarship is more than a financial award—it’s a transformative package that removes financial barriers and connects you with global research, leadership, and impact opportunities at Duke University. If you’re academically strong, globally minded, and demonstrate financial need, this scholarship could change your life.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to apply separately for Karsh?
No. Applying for undergraduate admission to Duke and completing financial aid forms includes you in the Karsh pool Scholars4Dev+3University Scholars and Fellows+3Opportunities Corners+3Scholars4DevFuture Help PortalBachelorsportal+4LinkedIn+4Scholarships.af+4.

Q2: Is financial need mandatory?
Yes. This scholarship is both merit- and need-based—financial documentation is required Bachelorsportal.

Q3: Could I lose the scholarship if my circumstances change?
Yes. Continuation depends on maintaining academic performance and financial need.

Q4: Are international applicants treated fairly in this scholarship?
Yes—selection is designed specifically for global applicants with academic excellence and financial need University Scholars and FellowsBachelorsportal.

Q5: Can I receive Karsh plus another Duke scholarship?
Possibly—additional merit or departmental awards may be combined. However, confirm with Duke’s financial aid office regarding stacking rules.