Yale University does not offer merit‑based or academic scholarships to international students. Instead, its financial support is entirely need‑based, designed to make attending Yale possible regardless of financial background. Applications are considered need‑blind, meaning admission decisions are made without regard to ability to pay.
Financial Aid Structure
- Undergraduates: Yale fully meets the demonstrated financial need of every admitted student including those from overseas for all four years.
- Graduate and Professional Programs (e.g., Yale Law School): International applicants are eligible for need‑based institutional grants/scholarships, determined through their Financial Aid Application & Scholarship Tool (FAAST). A Yale Graduate and Professional International Loan (YGPI) may also be available.
Key Features of Yale Financial Aid
- Need‑Blind Admissions: International applicants are reviewed without considering their financial situation.
- Full Need Coverage: Once admitted, Yale pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated need.
- Yale remains committed to preserving affordable net costs even as annual tuition rises. For the 2025–26 academic year, tuition increased by 3.9%, but students already receiving aid will see their grants adjusted accordingly. Families earning less than $75,000 annually are not expected to contribute.
Why It Matters
High Accessibility: With need‑blind admission plus full need coverage, Yale is highly accessible to top international students facing financial constraints.
Graduate Support: Need‑based support is also available for graduate programs, reducing barriers for advanced studies.
Additional Opportunity: Yale World Fellows
For mid-career global leaders (5–20 years of professional experience), the Yale World Fellows program offers a fully supported residential fellowship during the fall semester. It includes a taxable stipend, housing, medical insurance, and round-trip travel. Fellows can audit Yale courses and participate in seminars and networking events.
Tips for Applicants
- Apply normally and indicate your financial situation you’ll automatically be considered for aid.
- Submit financial aid forms early, as detailed by Yale’s admissions office (these differ by program).
- Graduate applicants: Complete the FAFSA or FAAST to determine eligibility.
- World Fellows applicants: Emphasize leadership, global impact, and readiness for Yale’s intellectual community.