International Aid

We’re proud to say our commitment to making Penn affordable means international students are eligible to receive financial aid from Penn. Each year, Penn commits millions of dollars in undergraduate financial aid funds to support our international students. International students admitted as financial aid recipients will receive need-based aid that covers 100% of their demonstrated need, just like domestic students.   

Need-Aware Policy

Financial aid policies for international applicants are a bit different from aid for domestic students. Penn is need-aware for international applicants, who are defined as non-citizens, and non-permanent residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This means a family’s ability to pay does factor into admissions decisions.  

International students considering applying for aid should carefully review whether requesting financial aid is the best choice for their situation. Because need does factor into international admissions decisions, candidates whose families have the financial means to afford education costs are discouraged from applying for financial aid. Penn will only admit financial aid candidates for whom we can commit to providing aid. Due to the limited funds available for international aid, this means that some otherwise qualified candidates may not be admitted to Penn. 

Financial Aid Application Process

International students who want to be considered for financial aid must apply for it at the same time they apply for admissions. Requests for financial aid after being admitted as an international student cannot be considered. 

Please bear in mind that your financial aid decision applies to all four years (or eight semesters) of your undergraduate study. This means that international students who are not admitted with a financial aid package in their first year are not eligible to apply for financial aid at a later point in their studies. International applicants who anticipate the need for financial aid at any time during their four-year course of study must make this anticipated need known at the time of their application in order to be eligible for aid. 

Students who wish to apply for financial aid should also refer to the specific additional requirements necessary for international applicants. 

  • International students, including students from Mexico, should follow the Checklist for International Students on the Student Financial Services website. 
  • Citizens and permanent residents of Canada must complete Penn's Financial Aid Application for Canadian Citizens and submit copies of both the student’s and parents' Canadian tax returns. Please follow the Checklist for Canadian Citizens on the Student Financial Services website. 

Learn more about International Student Financial Aid and review the Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants