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The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university ranks #11 in the QS World University Ranking 2025 and offers different types of scholarships to students who want to study overseas. The students need to evaluate all of the information regarding this university’s scholarship offerings and apply for this scholarship. Suppose you are an international student in need of financial assistance, then these scholarships are quite helpful for your academic and professional aspirations. This blog contains information regarding the scholarships the University of Pennsylvania offers to international students.
This Blog Includes:
Top Reasons to Study at the University of Pennsylvania
The lively and active campus life at the University of Pennsylvania enhances the demanding academic atmosphere. The vibrant campus at the University of Pennsylvania offers students a plethora of chances to explore their interests, get involved in extracurricular activities, and form lifelong friendships. There are many such reasons to choose the University of Pennsylvania as your study destination:
1. World-Class Education: UPenn consistently ranks among the top universities globally. It offers cutting-edge programs in fields like business, engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences to prepare students for a global career.
2. Need-Based Financial Support for International Students: One of UPenn’s biggest advantages is its commitment to need-based financial aid. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international.
3. Global Research Opportunities: UPenn is a leader in research and innovation, offering students the chance to work on real-world projects across disciplines. Students here can gain hands-on experience with global impact.
4. Career Growth and Networking: As part of the Ivy League, UPenn provides unmatched networking opportunities. Graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide and open doors in leading industries and organisations.
5. A Diverse and Inclusive Community: UPenn welcomes students from over 100 countries, creating a multicultural environment where ideas, cultures, and perspectives thrive. It’s not just a place to study, it’s a community that feels like home.
Also Read: Humber College Scholarships for International Students 2025-26
List of Scholarships at the University of Pennsylvania for International Students
The University of Pennsylvania offers all its international students various types of scholarships. We have compiled a list of scholarships which are offered to international students to make their academic journey smoother.
1. Penn Grant (Need-Based Financial Aid)
The Penn Grant is one of the most significant forms of financial assistance offered by the university. It’s awarded to both U.S. and international students based on demonstrated financial need.
- Eligibility: Admitted undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.
- Benefits: Covers full or partial tuition fees, housing, meals, and other academic expenses.
- Application Process: Submit the CSS Profile and all required financial documents during the admission process.
- Key Point: UPenn meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted international students, no loans included.
2. Joseph Wharton Fellowship (MBA Students)
This fellowship is offered by the Wharton School of Business to recognise outstanding MBA candidates who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and professional achievements.
- Eligibility: Full-time MBA applicants with exceptional academic and leadership profiles.
- Benefits: Partial to full tuition coverage depending on merit.
- Application Process: Automatically considered during MBA admission; no separate application required.
- Key Point: Highly competitive and awarded to the top percentile of applicants worldwide.
3. Penn Engineering Fellowship
The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) offers fellowships and assistantships to exceptional graduate students pursuing research-based master’s or PhD programs.
- Eligibility: Strong academic background in engineering, technology, or applied sciences.
- Benefits: Full tuition fee coverage, a monthly living stipend, and research funding.
- Application Process: Apply directly to a graduate program; selected students are automatically considered for funding.
- Key Point: Ideal for research-focused students who want hands-on experience in innovation and technology.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (External Scholarship)
While not directly funded by UPenn, the Fulbright Program supports outstanding international students pursuing graduate study or research in the U.S., including at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Eligibility: Varies by country; generally for graduate-level international students.
- Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
- Application Process: Apply through the Fulbright office in your home country.
- Key Point: One of the most prestigious global scholarships for higher education in the U.S.
5. The Penn World Scholars Program
This scholarship is designed for exceptional international undergraduates from developing countries who show academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to global impact.
- Eligibility: International students with high academic performance and leadership qualities.
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage and mentorship opportunities.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission; students may need to submit additional essays or recommendations.
- Key Point: Encourages cultural exchange and global leadership development.
6. Graduate and Professional Fellowships
Many UPenn graduate schools, including Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Law, and Design, offer departmental fellowships and assistantships. These positions often include a tuition waiver, stipend, or both.
- Eligibility: Admitted graduate students with research or teaching experience.
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage plus a monthly living stipend.
- Application Process: Apply through the respective graduate school’s website.
- Key Point: Funding is highly competitive and may depend on your research proposal or academic record.
How to Apply for University of Pennsylvania Scholarships
Applying for the University of Pennsylvania requires the following of a certain process. If you wish to apply for the above-mentioned scholarships, then you must follow these steps given to you below:
- Visit the official website of the university and head over to the financial aid page.
- You will get two options: Undergraduate and Graduate.
- Simply click on any one of the options.
- You will then get three options: Prospective students, current students, and LPS students.
- Start filling out your application form as per your preference.
- Submit all the required documents
- Cross-check if everything filled in is correct
- Now submit your complete application.
Also Read: Duke University Scholarships for International Students 2026-27
Required Documents
Here are the required documents for applying to the scholarships offered by the University of Pennsylvania:
1. Completed Admission Application
2. Academic Transcripts
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Essay
4. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
5. Financial Documentation
- Family income statements
- Tax returns or salary certificates
- Bank statements
- Affidavit of support (if applicable)
6. Proof of English Proficiency
7. Passport Copy or National ID
8. Additional Documents (if applicable)
- A research proposal or portfolio (for design, architecture, or research programs)
- A resume or CV outlining academic and extracurricular achievements
- Standardised test scores (such as GRE, GMAT, or SAT), if required by the program
Important Dates for University of Pennsylvania Scholarships 2026
To understand the deadlines for the University of Pennsylvania scholarship, refer to the table below:
| Category | Scholarship/Program | Application Deadline | Academic Year |
| Undergraduate Students | Continuing and Prospective Undergraduate Students | January 15, 2026 | 2026–2027 |
| Graduate Students | Linguistic Data Consortium Data Scholarships | January 15, 2026 | 2026–2027 |
| Graduate Students | Master’s Programs (via Mastersportal) | March 4, 2026 | 2026–2027 |
| Graduate Students | Latin American Caribbean Scholarship | December 1, 2025 | 2026–2027 |
| Other Graduate & Professional Schools | Varies by Program | Program-Specific | 2026–2027 |
FAQs
A1. The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League institution and has a GPA of 3.9. This makes the school highly competitive. The university’s website page says high school performance is “the single most important factor in the student selection process.”
A2. The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. It is one of the eight private universities known as the Ivy League.
A3. Yes, UPenn provides need-based and merit-based scholarships for international students. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need to qualify for funding opportunities.
A4. Absolutely. UPenn accepts Indian students for undergraduate and graduate programs. Admission is competitive, and students may apply for scholarships and financial aid if eligible.
A5. International students must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application along with financial documents. Early preparation of academic transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters increases chances of scholarship approval.
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