A diverse group of graduates in academic gowns throwing their caps in the air.

United States 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 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.

Northwestern University

University-funded

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Undergraduate

Need-based — meets full demonstrated need

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Graduate

Program-specific (PhD funded; Master's varies)

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Basis

Need (UG) / program funding (grad)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.