Northwestern University Scholarships 2027 for International Students | USA

Organiser	Northwestern University
Host Country	United States
Level of Study	Undergraduate, Master's, MBA, PhD
Funding	Grants, scholarships, full tuition, stipends
Deadline	Varies by programme and funding route
Location	Evanston, Illinois

Northwestern University offers extensive scholarship opportunities in 2027 for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, MBA, and PhD programmes in the United States. These scholarships play a crucial role in making world-class education accessible by covering tuition, living expenses, and other costs, depending on the programme level. For undergraduate international students, Northwestern commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships that do not require repayment, covering a wide range of expenses including tuition, housing, food, fees, health insurance, books, personal expenses, and travel.

Doctoral students benefit from robust funding packages that typically include full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a minimum annual stipend valued at US$47,748 for the 2026–2027 academic year, generally guaranteed for at least five years. MBA applicants to the Kellogg School of Management have access to merit-based and need-based scholarships, including the prestigious full-tuition Finance Fellows Scholarship. Importantly, application procedures vary by programme, requiring international undergraduates to apply for aid alongside admission, PhD applicants to be considered through their graduate application, and most Kellogg MBA candidates to be automatically assessed for scholarships with their admission application.

Note that Northwestern uses need-aware admission for international undergraduate applicants, meaning both the request for financial aid and the amount needed are factors in admission decisions.

• Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA
• Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA
• Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA
• Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Northwestern University Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, MBA, PhD
• Institution: Northwestern University
• Study Location: United States
• Funding Duration: Up to four years for undergraduates; generally at least five years for PhD students
• Deadline: Varies by programme and funding route
• Courses: Eligible programmes across multiple Northwestern schools

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. Northwestern International Undergraduate Financial Aid
2. Northwestern University PhD Funding
3. Kellogg Full-Time MBA Scholarships

Northwestern University Scholarships Deadline

Deadlines vary depending on the level of study and scholarship type. It is essential to check deadlines carefully for each funding route.

Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline

Northwestern University has published the following deadlines for admission and financial aid for undergraduate students beginning in Fall 2027:

• Early Decision: Admission application by November 1, 2026; financial aid request by December 1, 2026; admission decisions in December 2026.
• Regular Decision: Admission application by January 4, 2027; financial aid request by February 1, 2027; admission decisions in March 2027.

Applicants can start submitting financial aid documents from October 1. Financial aid decisions for those meeting deadlines are typically released alongside admission results. Note that applying for financial aid is a separate process from admission and must be completed by the respective deadlines.

Northwestern PhD Funding Deadline

The Graduate School application portal opens on September 15, 2026, for Fall 2027 admission. Individual departments set their own deadlines, mostly in December 2026 (e.g., December 1 or December 15). There is no separate funding application deadline as funding consideration is integrated with admission.

Kellogg MBA Scholarship Deadline

The Kellogg School of Management has established the following Full-Time MBA application deadlines for 2027 start:

• Round 1: September 9, 2026
• Round 2: January 6, 2027
• Round 3: March 31, 2027

Most admitted MBA students are automatically evaluated for scholarships. However, applicants seeking the Finance Fellows Scholarship must submit a short scholarship interest form during their MBA application round.

Northwestern University Scholarship Coverage

Northwestern International Undergraduate Financial Aid

Northwestern offers need-based financial aid that meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for admitted international first-year undergraduates. The award covers the total cost of attendance, including:

• Tuition
• Housing and food
• University fees
• Health insurance
• Books and academic supplies
• Personal expenses
• Travel allowance

These aid packages are entirely grant-based, requiring no loans or work commitments. Aid amounts vary based on the family’s expected contribution determined through financial documentation. Aid is awarded for four years, contingent on academic progress and annual review.

Important: Only international first-year applicants are eligible, and admission is need-aware. Transfer students and those who do not apply for aid initially are ineligible for this programme.

Northwestern University PhD Funding

PhD students admitted to Northwestern’s Graduate School usually receive full funding, which includes:

• Full tuition waiver
• Annual stipend (minimum US$47,748 for 2026–2027)
• Health services fees and student health insurance premium
• Year-round funding (fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters)
• Funding typically guaranteed for at least five years
• Potential additional fellowships, assistantships, and research grants

Funding sources may vary each quarter but the overall financial support is maintained. Health insurance subsidies apply to students only, not dependents. Relocation support is not typically included but may be offered by departments individually.

Kellogg Full-Time MBA Scholarships

The Kellogg School awards a range of merit- and need-based scholarships to admitted Full-Time MBA students. Most applicants are automatically considered for scholarships, which include but are not limited to:

• F.C. Austin Scholarship
• Finance Fellows Scholarship (full tuition, requires separate interest form)
• Donald P. Jacobs International Scholarship
• Kellogg Scholarship
• David Himmelblau Scholarship
• Healthcare at Kellogg Scholarship
• John R. Flanagan Scholarship
• PepsiCo Scholarship
• Peter L. Frechette Endowed Scholarship

Scholarship amounts vary widely and are communicated with admission offers.

Eligibility Criteria for Northwestern University Scholarships

Applicants must meet both admission requirements and scholarship-specific eligibility criteria. For international undergraduates, requesting financial aid at the time of admission application is mandatory. PhD funding is tied to admission through the Graduate School. Kellogg MBA scholarships generally consider all admitted candidates automatically, with some requiring additional forms.

Northwestern International Undergraduate Financial Aid Eligibility

• Be an international first-year applicant (transfers are not eligible)
• Demonstrate financial need through submitted documents
• Request financial aid during the initial application
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress for continued funding

Northwestern University PhD Funding Eligibility

• Be admitted to a doctoral programme through The Graduate School
• Maintain full-time enrolment and good academic standing
• Comply with programme and funding conditions
• International students are eligible on the same basis as domestic students

Kellogg Full-Time MBA Scholarships Eligibility

• Be admitted to the Kellogg Full-Time MBA programme
• Automatic consideration upon admission, except for the Finance Fellows Scholarship which requires an additional interest form
• Meet specific criteria for certain named scholarships as applicable

How to Apply for Northwestern University Scholarships?

Each scholarship route has a distinct application process. International undergraduate students must submit financial aid requests alongside their admission applications. PhD applicants are usually considered for funding through their graduate admission application. Most Kellogg MBA scholarship candidates are automatically evaluated, with some scholarships requiring additional forms.

How to Apply for the Northwestern International Undergraduate Financial Aid?

1. Submit your undergraduate admission application by the specified Early Decision or Regular Decision deadlines.
2. Request financial aid by submitting the CSS Profile or International Student Application for Financial Assistance by the financial aid deadline.
3. Provide all required financial documentation promptly to demonstrate need.
4. Wait for admission and financial aid decisions, which are typically released together.

How to Apply for the Northwestern University PhD Funding?

1. Research your intended PhD programme’s specific application deadline on the Graduate School website.
2. Submit your graduate application by the department’s deadline, including all required academic and supporting documents.
3. Funding consideration is automatic with admission; no separate funding application is usually necessary.
4. Monitor admission and funding notifications from the Graduate School.

How to Apply for the Kellogg Full-Time MBA Scholarships?

1. Apply for the Kellogg Full-Time MBA programme by one of the published round deadlines.
2. Most scholarships are automatically considered with your admission application.
3. If interested in the Finance Fellows Scholarship, submit the scholarship interest form within the same application round.
4. Receive scholarship notifications with your admission decision.

Documents Required for Northwestern University Scholarships

Document requirements vary according to scholarship type and level of study. Submitting complete and accurate documents by deadlines is essential for consideration.

Northwestern International Undergraduate Financial Aid Documents

1. Completed CSS Profile or International Student Application for Financial Assistance
2. Family financial statements and tax documents as requested
3. Any additional documents requested by Northwestern’s financial aid office

Northwestern University PhD Funding Documents

1. Graduate School application form
2. Academic transcripts and standardized test scores, if required
3. Letters of recommendation
4. Research proposal or statement of purpose
5. Other department-specific documents

Kellogg Full-Time MBA Scholarships Documents

1. Kellogg MBA admission application
2. Scholarship interest form for Finance Fellows Scholarship applicants
3. Supporting essays or documents as requested by specific scholarships

Website

For detailed and up-to-date information, applicants should visit Northwestern University’s official scholarship and admissions pages. These resources provide comprehensive guidance and application portals tailored to each scholarship route.

• International Undergraduate Application Information
• CSS Profile
• Graduate School Programmes
• Full-Time MBA Programmes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are international students eligible for full funding at Northwestern University?

Yes, international undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need can receive up to 100% of their financial need met through grants and scholarships. PhD students typically receive full funding including tuition and a stipend. MBA scholarships vary in coverage.

What does need-aware admission mean for international undergraduates?

Need-aware admission means that an applicant’s financial need and request for aid can influence admission decisions. Northwestern considers both admission qualifications and financial need when selecting international first-year students.

Can transfer international undergraduates apply for Northwestern’s need-based aid?

No, the need-based financial aid programme is only available to international first-year applicants. Transfer students are not eligible for this institutional aid.

How long does PhD funding typically last?

PhD funding at Northwestern is generally guaranteed for at least five years, covering tuition, stipend, and health insurance, provided the student maintains good academic standing.

Is a separate scholarship application required for Kellogg MBA scholarships?

Most Kellogg MBA scholarships consider applicants automatically with admission. However, the Finance Fellows Scholarship requires submission of a separate interest form during the application round.

What expenses does undergraduate financial aid cover?

The aid package covers tuition, housing and food, university fees, health insurance, books, personal expenses, and travel, ensuring comprehensive support.

When should international undergraduate applicants submit financial aid documents?

Applicants should submit financial aid requests by December 1 for Early Decision and February 1 for Regular Decision. Financial aid applications open on October 1.

Software Engineer & Scholarship Consultant at Travel Travegisa, specialised in providing accurate and comprehensive guidance on international scholarships and academic opportunities.

Software Engineer and Scholarship Consultant at Scholarship Roar, focusing on international student mobility, funding strategies, and helping students navigate complex scholarship applications effectively.

Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024. The information is up-to-date and carefully checked to assist international students planning to study at Northwestern University.