University of Pennsylvania

Yes. Penn meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted international students, and it operates a strict no-loan policy for all admitted internationals, so aid comes entirely as grants you never repay. Low-income students receive a full ride covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals. All aid is need-based — there are no academic or athletic merit scholarships.

No — Penn is strictly need-aware for international applicants, which means the amount of financial aid you request is weighed in the admissions decision, and requesting a large package makes an already competitive process harder. The one exception is citizens of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, for whom Penn is need-blind. Once you're admitted, Penn covers 100% of your demonstrated need.

You must apply for financial aid at the same time you apply for admission — it's a one-shot deal. If you don't request institutional aid up front, you cannot apply for it in a later year, so always indicate your intent to apply for aid on your initial application.

No. Penn is permanently test-optional for first-year applicants, so SAT or ACT scores are never required. A strong score can still help validate your academics, especially since international admissions is need-aware, but you will not be penalized for applying without one.

Yes, if your native language is not English. Penn accepts the TOEFL iBT (100+ is competitive), IELTS Academic (7.0+), or the Duolingo English Test (130+). The requirement is automatically waived if English has been your primary language of instruction for your entire high school career.

No. Penn issues no CSS Profile fee waiver codes for international students, and there is no free alternative form (no ISFAA). The online CSS Profile — Penn code 2933, with supporting documents submitted through IDOC — is an absolute requirement to be considered for aid, and you must pay for it yourself. The $75 application fee, however, can be waived for financial hardship through the Common App or Coalition App.

Roughly 5.4–5.8% for freshman applicants, and lower still for internationals requesting near-full financial aid. Transfer admission is even more selective at about 4.5–5.0% overall.

Yes, but the funding is extraordinarily scarce. Penn uses its primary budget to meet 100% of demonstrated need for admitted international transfers, but the transfer pool is heavily need-aware and only about 1–2 international transfers WITH financial aid are admitted worldwide each cycle. Transfer acceptance is around 4.5–5.0%, and the application fee is $75. You'll need the Common App for Transfer plus Penn transfer essays, all post-secondary transcripts, final high school transcripts, a College Report from your registrar or dean, at least one academic recommendation from a university professor, English scores if your current college instruction isn't in English, and the CSS Profile with parental income tax verification via IDOC.