Cornell University Financial Aid for International Students 2026–2027

📌 Overview

Cornell University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1865, offers need-based financial aid to exceptional international undergraduate students. This program supports students with demonstrated financial need and strong academic potential.

📚 Fields of Study

Financial aid is available for international students across all Cornell undergraduate colleges:

• Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Architecture, Art, and Planning
• Arts and Sciences
• Engineering
• Human Ecology
• Industrial and Labor Relations
• SC Johnson College of Business (Hotel Administration and Applied Economics and Management)

Note: Some programs, such as Engineering, may require additional tests like SAT Subject Tests (Math Level 2 recommended).

💰 Financial Aid Coverage

Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for accepted international students. Aid may include:

• Grants: No repayment required
• Work-Study: Opportunities to earn income
• Limited Loans: Available in select cases

Important: Cornell does not offer merit-based scholarships for international students; all aid is need-based.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for financial aid, applicants must:

1. Be an international student (non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
2. Apply for financial aid upon acceptance (late requests are not accepted).
3. Demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile.
4. Meet academic requirements:
   • Strong high school academic record (minimum 3 years of transcripts, translated if not in English).
   • Standardized tests: SAT or ACT (required for all applicants).
   • Non-native English speakers: TOEFL (100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+).
   • Some programs, like Engineering, may require SAT Subject Tests (Math Level 2 recommended).

📝 How to Apply

Step 1: Submit Admission Application

Apply via the Common Application or Cornell’s Application Portal by the deadline. Select “Yes” for financial aid interest.

Step 2: Complete Financial Aid Forms

Submit the CSS Profile (Code: 2098) by October 1, 2025. Additional documents (e.g., tax filings, bank statements) may be requested.

Step 3: Submit Test Scores and Transcripts

Provide official SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS, and high school transcripts. Verify testing requirements for your program.

Step 4: Await Decisions

Admission and financial aid decisions will be announced in early April 2026.

🔍 Additional Information & Tips

• Early Decision Applicants: Submit financial aid documents by November 1, 2025.
• No Separate Scholarship Application: Financial aid is evaluated during the admission process.
• Renewability: Aid is reviewed annually, requiring satisfactory academic progress.
• Competitiveness: Applying for aid may impact admission due to limited funding for international students.

🌍 Why Choose Cornell?

• World-class education in a diverse, collaborative environment.
• Extensive research and internship opportunities, especially in business, engineering, and agriculture.
• Generous Aid: Cornell awarded $296 million in undergraduate financial aid in 2025.

Apply Now

📅 Important Deadlines

Warning: Late submissions will not be considered for financial aid.

🔗 Useful Links

• Cornell Undergraduate Admissions
• CSS Profile Application
• Cornell Financial Aid Office

🎯 Final Thoughts

This is a rare opportunity for international students to pursue an Ivy League education with substantial financial support. Prepare early, submit all documents on time, and highlight your academic achievements and financial need.

Need Help? Contact Cornell’s Financial Aid Office at finaid@cornell.edu.

Best of Luck! 🚀