Karsh International Scholarship

Founded in 2010 through a generous donation from Martha L. and Bruce A. Karsh, the Karsh International Scholarship honors the exceptional contributions international scholars make to Duke University. Karsh International Scholars form an intellectually and civically engaged cohort of international students who promote interdisciplinary inquiry, academic research, and scholarship in service of society. Unlike many merit scholarships, this one explicitly requires demonstrated financial need in addition to academic and leadership merit — it's not a pure "top grades wins" award, but a combined merit-and-need scholarship.

Full tuition for four years of undergraduate study

Room and board (accommodation and meals)

Mandatory fees

Coverage of demonstrated financial need that exceeds the above costs

Three summers of funding for research, unpaid internships, and other career-advancing opportunities

Access to a dedicated faculty advisor and mentorship through Duke's Office of University Scholars and Fellows

Membership in an intellectually and civically engaged community of international scholars

Must be an international applicant — non-U.S. citizen, without U.S. dual citizenship

Must be applying as a first-year (incoming freshman) undergraduate applicant — students who already hold a bachelor's degree are not eligible

Must demonstrate strong academic preparation and leadership qualities

Must demonstrate documented financial need via Duke's financial aid process — this is a core eligibility requirement, not optional

Open to any discipline/major at Duke

Must apply to and be admitted to Duke University through the standard undergraduate admissions process