Does the University of Chicago offer scholarships for international students? I'm planning on applying and wonder how competitive these scholarships are and what the application process looks like.
Yes, the University of Chicago does provide financial aid to international students. Like US citizens and permanent residents, incoming international undergraduate students are eligible for both need-based aid and merit scholarships.
Regarding need-based aid, UChicago commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. This can come in the form of grants, which don't need to be repaid, and jobs. International student financial aid is awarded as a grant which does not need to be repaid. UChicago does not expect students to take out loans as part of their aid package.
As for merit scholarships, these are competitive and are awarded based on academic and extracurricular achievements, regardless of financial need. However, their affordability program, "No Barriers", goes beyond financial aid and includes support services for first-generation, rural, and students of color, along with free tuition for families earning less than $125,000 a year.
When you're applying to UChicago, be sure to appropriately mark the box on the Common, Coalition, or Universal Application indicating that you are applying for need-based aid. Keep in mind the deadlines for the financial aid application resources, which can be found on UChicago's financial aid website.
The competition for these scholarships is high due to the large number of gifted students applying, but if you excel academically and other areas, it's worth applying. Remember to provide detailed, accurate information when you apply for financial aid to increase your chances of getting adequate aid.
Good luck on your application!
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