Brown University, an Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, offers rigorous academics, global perspectives, and a vibrant campus life. While tuition can be substantial for international students, several robust scholarship options both need-based and merit-based significantly reduce financial barriers. Brown’s commitment to need-blind admissions for U.S. applicants extends to generous need-aware support for international students. This article examines the most valuable scholarship programs available at Brown, offering a step-by-step guide for prospective international scholars.
Brown University’s Financial Philosophy
Brown maintains an exceptional financial aid model based on demonstrated need, not merit. The university aims to cover the full financial need of admitted students by combining various sources Brown grants, federal and international aid, and external scholarships. For international students, Brown is committed to helping those who are academically qualified, regardless of financial background. In recent years, the average financial aid package for undergraduates has exceeded $57,000 per year.
Need-Based Scholarships at Brown
1. Brown University Grant
This is Brown’s flagship aid program that replaces loans with grants. For international students, it:
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Fills the gap between financial need and other resources
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Ranges widely some students receive upwards of $60,000 per year
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Covers tuition, room, board, and fees
Award decisions are based on a rigorous assessment of family finances, cost of living in the home country, and standard of living. Aid is recalculated each year and may adjust based on changes in financial circumstances.
2. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Award
Funded by a private foundation, this supplement boosts needs-based aid especially for students from lower-income countries. It potentially offers an additional $5,000–$10,000 per year, ensuring access for bright students whose backgrounds may not be well represented by U.S. income measures alone.
Merit-Based Scholarships & Special Funds
While Brown focuses primarily on need-based aid, targeted merit and affinity awards are available:
3. Bear Tracks Scholarships
These small merit-based awards, such as the Bear Tracks Achievement Scholarship, range from $2,000 to $5,000. They are offered on a competitive basis and recognize exceptional academic or extracurricular accomplishment within the international student applicant pool.
4. Global Scholars Program
This program supports students with outstanding leadership potential and global engagement. Recipients may receive up to $25,000 to support study, research, or internships abroad, although this is program-specific and requires application during the sophomore or junior year.
5. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards
Brown occasionally earmarks scholarships for students from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds globally, with awards valued up to $15,000 per year. These awards support international students who bring diverse perspectives to the campus community.
Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships for International Students
6. Graduate School Fellowships
Brown’s graduate school offers multiple fellowships for high-achieving international applicants:
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President’s Fellowship: Five years of doctoral funding covering tuition, stipend, and research support
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Robert J. Schwartz Fellowship: Two years of master’s-level funding for students in medicine, engineering, and environmental studies
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Dean’s Fellowship: One-year fellowships for those starting graduate research
Competition is strong, but funded positions ensure that most doctoral students receive full financial coverage and research mentorship throughout their academic program.
7. Departmental and Department-Linked Awards
Various departments offer named fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. For example:
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The Department of Computer Science offers the Excellence in Computing Fellowship
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The School of Engineering awards Graduate Fellowship Awards to applicants with promising technical research
Prospective international students are encouraged to contact faculty in their intended field personalized support for research ideas often increases chances of a funded position.
External Scholarships and Partner Programs
While Brown provides generous funding, international students may also benefit from external sources.
8. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Many countries sponsor Fulbright awards enabling graduates to attend U.S. universities. Brown is an approved host, and the fellowship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance. Students apply through their home country’s Fulbright commission; placement at Brown is competitive but achievable.
9. Joint Scholarships via Home-Country Governments
Countries like India, Mexico, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia have government scholarship programs that may fund students at universities like Brown. These programs often cover both tuition and living expenses and can dovetail with Brown’s need-based grants, though coordination with Brown’s aid office is essential.
Application Process: Planning for Financial Aid
10. Early Strategy for International Applicants
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Prepare for Brown’s Admission
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Standardized tests may be optional, but strong scores in SAT/ACT are still positive indicators.
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Academic excellence and outstanding letters of recommendation enhance scholarship candidacy.
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Complete the CSS Profile and Supplemental Documents
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Brown relies on the CSS Profile to assess international aid need.
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Applicants must submit income statements, proof of foreign taxes, currency conversion documentation, etc.
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Submit by Early Deadlines
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Brown recommends early submission of financial documentation.
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The financial aid award is typically bundled with the admission decision in March or April.
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Consider External Scholarships Early
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Apply for Fulbright or government scholarships well before university deadlines.
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Coordinate with Brown’s financial aid team if both internal and external awards apply.
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Real-Time Data and Financial Trends
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For the Class of 2024, over 90% of those admitted with revealed financial need domestic or international received Brown grants.
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Nearly 15% of the admitted Class of 2024 were from outside the U.S.
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Brown’s tuition for 2024–25 was $69,600, while total cost of attendance exceeded $90,000.
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Average aid awards for international students ranged between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, with some reaching full coverage including housing and travel.
Life After Award: Maintaining Eligibility
Recipients of need-based financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate financial need each year. Brown conducts annual reviews, and families are responsible for submitting updated financial information.
Graduate fellows also often serve as teaching or research assistants. These roles support both academic development and financial responsibilities.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
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Craft a targeted, genuine personal statement that highlights intellectual curiosity and future goals.
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Obtain strong recommendation letters that speak specifically to your academic potential and character.
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Demonstrate leadership or community impact, either in local or global settings.
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Submit complete and well-organized CSS Profile and financial documents.
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If pursuing external awards, ensure documentation aligns with Brown’s timelines.
Why Brown Stands Out
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Need-blind admission for U.S. students, need-aware but need-responsive for international
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University-funded grants reduce or eliminate loans
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Integration with global funding programs including Fulbright
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Graduate fellowships are plentiful and well-structured
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International alumni success rates demonstrate return on scholarship investment
Conclusion
Brown University offers powerful financial support to international students from comprehensive need-based grants that offset full cost of attendance to prestigious fellowships at the graduate level. A data-driven commitment to access, coupled with global partnerships, positions Brown among the most equitable and supportive institutions for high-achieving students worldwide.
Through careful planning including early preparation, strong academic and extracurricular records, and timely financial documentation international candidates can significantly reduce educational expenses. Brown helps ensure that talent not economics defines access to opportunity.