Atlanta, Georgia — USA
Emory University
Meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans for admitted international freshmen, plus full-ride merit awards through the Emory Scholar Programs. Need-aware for freshmen, and zero aid for international transfers.
Last updated July 2026. Always confirm details on the school's official page before applying.
Emory University in Atlanta offers full scholarships to international freshman applicants two ways: need-based aid that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, and full-ride merit scholarships through the prestigious Emory University Scholar Programs. The fine print matters, though. Freshman admissions is need-aware for international students — requesting a large aid package will drastically reduce your chances of being accepted, and the international acceptance rate (~6.6%) already runs well below the overall rate (~11%). There's no CSS fee waiver or free alternative form, so budget for the College Board fee. And international transfer students get no aid at all — if you need funding at Emory, the freshman route is your only route.
At a glance
- SAT Required
- No — Emory remains test-optional. Standardized test scores are not required for international freshman applicants.
- English Proficiency Required
- Yes, if your native language is not English — TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo 130 recommended minimums. Waived only with SAT Reading & Writing 700+ or ACT English 30+.
- Apply With CSS Profile
- Yes — international freshmen requesting need-based aid must submit the CSS Profile, with translated financial documents.
- CSS Fee Waiver
- No.
- CSS Waiver Type
- Emory offers no CSS fee waiver codes to international students and doesn't accept the ISFAA or other paper forms. You must pay the College Board fee to apply for need-based aid.
- Acceptance Rate (Freshman)
- ~11% overall; ~6.6% for international students
- Application Fee (Freshman)
- $75 — international students can request a waiver inside the Common App or Coalition App under standard financial hardship criteria.
- Transfer Students
- Accepted, but need-based and merit aid are completely unavailable to international transfers. You must submit bank statements proving you can fully self-fund your entire degree.
- Acceptance Rate (Transfer)
- 16–24%
- Application Fee (Transfer)
- $75
What “full scholarship” means here
This school guarantees it will meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need. In simple English: if you get accepted and you've applied for financial aid and you don't have any money to attend, they can give you a full scholarship to cover your cost of attendance. Both conditions matter — and the CSS Profile is how you prove your need.
Emory Need-Based Financial Aid (100% demonstrated need)
Need-based · Bachelor's
What it covers
- 100% of your demonstrated financial need
- No loans in the package — nothing to repay
Who qualifies
International freshman applicants who apply for financial aid. Admissions is need-aware for international students — requesting a large package drastically reduces your acceptance odds, so the rest of your application must be exceptional. Not available to international transfer students.
Key deadlines
How to apply
- 1Apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application with the Emory supplemental essays ($75 fee — request a hardship waiver inside the application if you qualify).
- 2Submit your official high school transcripts plus the Secondary School Report and counselor recommendation.
- 3Provide two teacher letters of recommendation.
- 4Submit English proficiency scores if required (TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo 130).
- 5Complete the CSS Profile with translated financial documents — budget for the College Board fee, since Emory offers no waivers or free alternatives.
- 6Submit the Emory Financial Documentation Form.
Good to know
- The Emory University Scholar Programs award full-ride merit scholarships to international freshmen — a separate, highly selective route on top of need-based aid. Worth researching the nomination process early.
- Emory's international acceptance rate (~6.6%) is notably lower than its overall rate (~11%) — plan your school list accordingly.
- Transfer applicants (self-funded only, 16–24% acceptance) need the Common App Transfer Application, all college transcripts (3.0 GPA minimum, 3.5+ competitive), a final high school transcript with graduation date, a College/Registrar's Report, an academic recommendation from a college instructor, English scores, and bank statements proving 100% self-funding.
Frequently asked questions
Does Emory University give full scholarships to international students?
Yes — for freshmen. Emory meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for admitted international freshmen who apply for aid, and international freshmen are also eligible for full-ride merit scholarships through the Emory University Scholar Programs. Admissions is need-aware, though — requesting a large aid package drastically reduces your acceptance chances. International transfers get no aid.
Does Emory require the SAT for international students?
No. Emory remains test-optional, so standardized test scores are not required for international freshman applicants.
Does Emory require an English proficiency exam for international students?
Yes, if your native language is not English. Recommended minimums are TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo English Test 130. The requirement is waived only if you score 700+ on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section or 30+ on the ACT English subscore.
Is there a CSS Profile fee waiver for international students at Emory?
No. Emory doesn't offer CSS Profile fee waiver codes to international students and doesn't accept alternative paper forms like the ISFAA. You must pay the College Board fee to apply for need-based aid.
What is Emory's acceptance rate?
Approximately 11% overall for freshmen — but the acceptance rate specifically for international students is lower, at roughly 6.6%. Transfer admission runs 16–24% for self-funded students.
Does Emory accept international transfer students with full funding?
No. Need-based and merit-based aid are completely unavailable for international transfer students, and Emory explicitly won't accept any international transfer applicant who requires financial assistance. To be admitted as a transfer, you must submit bank statements proving you can fully self-fund your entire undergraduate education.
What is required to apply to Emory as an international freshman?
The Common Application or Coalition Application with Emory's supplemental essays, official high school transcripts, the Secondary School Report and counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, English proficiency scores if applicable, the CSS Profile with translated financial documents if applying for aid, and the Emory Financial Documentation Form. The $75 fee can be waived under standard hardship criteria.
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