Northwestern University International Scholarship
Northwestern University is an elite private US research university near Chicago, ranked in the global top 50 and renowned across journalism (Medill), engineering, the sciences, business (Kellogg), and the arts. Northwestern's support for international students is best understood by level, and we are honest about this: at undergraduate level, Northwestern is need-based (not merit-based) and is among the small group of US universities that meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted international students — so there is no 'merit scholarship' to win, but admitted students from Sri Lanka with genuine need can receive substantial need-based aid. At graduate level, funding is program-specific (PhD programs are typically funded with stipend and tuition; many professional Master's are largely self-funded with limited merit aid). For Sri Lankan applicants, admission is extremely competitive; understand the level-specific funding model before applying. Confirm exact policies and deadlines on the Northwestern admissions and financial aid pages.
Fall 2026 intake: undergraduate need-based aid is assessed with the admission application (Early/Regular Decision deadlines in autumn/winter); graduate deadlines vary by program — check northwestern.edu
Northwestern University
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Undergraduate
Need-based — meets full demonstrated need
Graduate
Program-specific (PhD funded; Master's varies)
Basis
Need (UG) / program funding (grad)
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
Northwestern University — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Need-based aid (undergrad) / program funding (graduate). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
International Applicant
Open to international students. Sri Lankan citizens are eligible. Undergraduate financial aid for international students is need-based and requires financial documentation; it is not awarded for merit alone.
Exceptional Academic Record
Admission is highly selective regardless of funding. Competitive Sri Lankan applicants present top A/L results (essentially all A grades) or a strong IB/Cambridge profile for undergraduate entry, and a first-class Bachelor's plus strong scores/research for graduate entry.
Demonstrated Financial Need (Undergraduate)
For undergraduate aid you must complete the international financial-aid documentation (e.g. CSS Profile and supporting statements). Northwestern then meets the full demonstrated need of admitted students — the award size depends on your family's assessed contribution.
English Proficiency
TOEFL/IELTS is required where prior study was not in English. Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium schooling/degrees may qualify for a waiver — confirm Northwestern's current policy for your level and program.
account_tree Application Process
Apply for admission (level-appropriate route)
Undergraduate: apply via the Common Application by the Early or Regular Decision deadline. Graduate: apply via the specific program's portal by its deadline, with transcripts, scores, and references.
Complete financial-aid documentation (undergraduate)
Submit the required international financial-aid forms (CSS Profile and supporting documents) by the aid deadline so your demonstrated need can be assessed alongside admission.
Decision and aid/funding offer
Admitted undergraduates receive a need-based aid package meeting full demonstrated need; admitted graduate students receive any program-specific funding (PhD stipend/tuition, or limited Master's aid).
Accept and apply for the US student visa
Accept your offer and any aid/funding, receive your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, then apply for the F-1 visa at the US Embassy in Colombo, showing funding net of your aid.
Why Northwestern University?
Northwestern is a global top-50 private research university on Lake Michigan near Chicago, with elite programs in journalism, engineering, the sciences, and the Kellogg School of Management. Its need-blind-leaning, full-need approach for admitted international undergraduates is rare among US universities.
#30
QS World Ranking 2026 (approx.)
Full Need
Met for Admitted Int'l Undergrads
1851
Founded
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat USA actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for USA, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
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Harvard Financial Aid for International Students
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AAUW International Fellowships
American Association of University Women