Introduction

Interested in attending a top-tier U.S. university with full funding? The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is among the Ivy League schools offering fully-funded scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students. Whether you’re after full tuition waivers, living stipends, or a full ride—including for international applicants—Penn provides competitive scholarships designed for exceptional talent. This guide will break them down: who qualifies, how to apply, and how to stand out.

Overview of Scholarship Options at Penn

Here are Penn’s key scholarship opportunities:

• Penn Presidential Scholars Program (full ride for undergraduate students)

• Annenberg Graduate Fellowships (for exceptional master’s and PhD candidates in Arts & Sciences)

• Weingarten Scholar‑Athlete Awards (merit-based aid for varsity athletes)

• Penn for You (PFY) initiative—full need-based aid for undergraduate students (including international)

Penn Presidential Scholars Program

The Presidential Scholars Program offers select undergraduates full tuition, a living stipend, research opportunities, and mentorship during all four years. Typically awarded to early decision applicants with outstanding academic and leadership credentials, this highly selective award can also include summer stipends and research support.

Annenberg Graduate Fellowships

These prestigious fellowships support graduate students in humanities and social sciences. Awardees receive full tuition, a generous stipend, funding for research and conferences, and join a vibrant fellowship community. Applications are based on departmental nomination and research proposal quality.

Weingarten Scholar‑Athlete Awards

Undergraduate scholar-athletes from Penn’s NCAA teams may qualify for Weingarten awards, which can include tuition coverage, scholarships, and athletic support. Scholarships are renewed each year, contingent on athletic and academic performance.

General Graduate Fellowships

Beyond Annenberg, Penn supports graduate students through university‑wide fellowships like Deans’ Awards in professional schools (Wharton, Engineering, etc.), Penn Research Fund grants, and targeted funding in select departments. Competition is based on academic merit and research potential.

Undergraduate Need‑Based Financial Aid – Penn for You (PFY)

Penn for You (PFY) is a need-blind, full-need financial aid program. Eligible students—domestic and international—receive tuition, room, board, and books with zero loans, making Penn one of the few elite universities offering loan-free international aid pathways.

Eligibility Criteria Summary

Undergraduate (Presidential & PFY):

• Exceptional academic record (GPA ~4.0+/top percentile)

• Leadership, service, extracurricular achievement

• Demonstrated financial need (for PFY)

• Standardized testing (SAT/ACT optional for 2025, but strong scores help)

Graduate (Annenberg & Fellowships):

• Admission to a Penn graduate program

• Academic excellence (GPA, honors, publications)

• Clear research or professional goals aligned with Penn disciplines

• Strong recommendations and writing samples

Application Process

Undergraduates apply via Common App, including essays, recommendations, financial documentation (for PFY), and optional interviews for scholarships. Early Action (EA) applicants may receive Presidential decisions by December.

Graduate applicants must apply separately to the desired Penn school and be nominated for fellowship consideration. Deadlines vary by department but often fall between December and January.

Selection & Evaluation Process

Penn employs a holistic review, considering academics, leadership, service, character, and talent. Presidential Scholars may be interviewed virtually or on-site. Graduate fellows are selected based on proposal strength, fit with faculty, and academic track record. Award decisions are typically released early spring.

Funding & Benefits Comparison Table

Life on Campus as a Scholar

Penn scholars access exclusive housing, mentorship programs, summer research funding, leadership workshops, and connections to alumni and opportunities. Scholars become part of a vibrant network across Wharton, Penn Medicine, PennDesign, and more.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Demonstrate Penn’s values: innovation, service, leadership, interdisciplinary curiosity

• Write compelling essays: clearly convey your impact, goals, and fit with Penn

• Secure strong recomendaciones: highlight character, creativity, and academic potential

• Provide clear evidence of financial need for PFY applicants

Success Stories & Alumni

Presidential Scholars have gone on to leadership roles in business, public service, and research. Graduate fellows have published research in top journals, secured postdoctoral positions, and emerged as thought leaders in their fields. Scholar-athletes have balanced national competition and academic excellence.

https://www.upenn.edu

Conclusion

If you’re aiming to study at one of America’s leading universities—without worrying about funding—Penn offers pathways for both undergraduates and graduate students, including competitive full-ride scholarships and zero-loan aid. With solid preparation, strong academics, and compelling stories of leadership or research impact, you can position yourself well. Take advantage of opportunities and build your future at Penn.

FAQs

Q1: Can international students receive full-need aid?
Yes. Through Penn for You (PFY) need-based aid, international students may qualify for a full, loan-free package covering tuition and living.

Q2: Do Presidential Scholars pay any fees?
No—they receive full tuition coverage plus a stipend for living costs.

Q3: Can graduate fellowships support part-time study?
No. Most Penn graduate scholarships require full-time enrollment and active research or course engagement.

Q4: Are athletic scholarships renewable?
Yes—as long as academic and athletic eligibility is maintained, Weingarten awards can be renewed annually.

Q5: Are transcripts required from all schools attended?
Yes. Penn requires official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended, even if credits transferred.