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University of Pennsylvania Scholarships & Fellowships for Global Students (2026–27)

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), an Ivy League institution in the United States, provides a range of financial aid programs, scholarships, and fellowships that support international and global scholars. While Penn does not publish a single list of hundreds of named awards, funding comes through institutional financial aid, endowed scholarship funds, graduate fellowships, and global research grants.

Below is a verified guide to official UPenn funding opportunities available to international students and global researchers.

🔗 Official University Website: University of Pennsylvania

🎓 University of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students

These funds are part of Penn’s endowment and help finance international student aid packages.

International Financial Aid Fund

Supports financial aid awards for international undergraduate students.

  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Funding Type: Need-based grant support
  • Eligibility: International undergraduates with financial need
  • Deadline: With the Penn financial aid application
  • Details: International Financial Aid Fund

International Undergraduate Emergency Financial Aid Fund

Provides emergency assistance to international undergraduates facing unexpected hardship.

Singapore Alumni Scholarship Fund

Endowed by Penn alumni to support international students.

  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Funding Type: Need-based support
  • Eligibility: International students (criteria vary)
  • Deadline: Through the Penn financial aid process
  • Details: Singapore Alumni Scholarship Fund

Wolf Humanities Centre Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Offers funding for undergraduate students to conduct independent humanities research. Awards are normally $1,500–$2,000 and include opportunities to participate in research activities and forums.

Penn Asia Matched Scholarship

A donor-supported initiative helping expand financial aid for international students, with an emphasis on students from Asia.

  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Funding Type: Need-based scholarship support
  • Eligibility: International undergraduate students, with preference for students from Asia, based on financial need
  • Deadline: Considered during the Penn financial aid review process
  • Details: Penn Asia Matched Scholarship

Huntsman Program Endowed Scholarship

Provides financial support for students enrolled in the Huntsman Program in International Studies & Business at Penn.

  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Funding Type: Program-linked financial aid (need may be considered)
  • Eligibility: Students admitted to and enrolled in the Huntsman Program
  • Deadline: With the Huntsman Program and Penn admissions process

Details: Huntsman Program Endowed Scholarship

🎓 Graduate & Doctoral Fellowships at UPenn for Global Scholars

Provost’s Graduate Academic Engagement Fellowship

A university fellowship designed to support outstanding PhD students whose research includes deep community engagement or service learning. Fellows receive funding, seminar participation, and professional development opportunities.

Wolf Humanities Centre Graduate Student Fellowships

Offered by the Wolf Humanities Centre, these support humanities doctoral students conducting dissertation research aligned with an annual theme. They typically include a stipend and research activities such as seminars and presentations.

CTL Teaching Fellows Program

Supports doctoral students gaining experience in pedagogy and teaching scholarship.

🏛️ Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania for International Researchers

Vagelos Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship

Supports early‑career researchers doing interdisciplinary research in energy science, climate, and sustainability. Fellows receive competitive stipends, research funds, and travel support while collaborating across institute labs.

Sustainability and Conservation Science Postdoctoral Fellowship (VIEST + TNC)

A joint Penn & Nature Conservancy fellowship focused on climate change, conservation science, and sustainability research. Fellows receive annual stipends, research funds, travel allowances, and relocation support while contributing to interdisciplinary climate research.

CARGC Postdoctoral Fellowship — Centre for Advanced Research in Global Communication

A research fellowship at Penn’s Annenberg School focused on global communication, media, and public life. It is a one-year position (renewable for a second year) supporting early-career scholars with research in communication and global media studies.

  • Level: Postdoctoral
  • Funding Type: Fellowship salary + research support
  • Eligibility: PhD or equivalent completed; open to international applicants
  • Deadline: January 16, 2026 (for the 2026-27 cycle)
  • Details: CARGC Postdoctoral Fellowship

CASI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program — Centre for the Advanced Study of India

A one- to two-year postdoctoral fellowship for early career scholars in contemporary India studies (social sciences, humanities), with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research.

  • Level: Postdoctoral
  • Funding Type: Research fellowship (salary/stipend and support)
  • Eligibility: PhD completed or near completion; open to international researchers
  • Deadline: Spring (recruitment typically starts January; review begins April 23, 2025)
  • Details: CASI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program

CASI Postdoctoral Climate Fellowship

Jointly hosted by CASI and Penn’s Anthropology department, this fellowship supports research on climate, environment-society relations, urbanisation, and related areas.

  • Level: Postdoctoral
  • Funding Type: Fellowship supporting climate and interdisciplinary research
  • Eligibility: Scholars with a PhD or soon to complete by June 30, 2025; open to international applicants
  • Deadline: Applications reviewed starting April 23, 2025 (continues until final selections)
  • Details: CASI Postdoctoral Climate Fellowship

CSCC Postdoctoral Fellows Program (Centre for the Study of Contemporary China)

Supports postdoctoral researchers whose work examines contemporary China in politics, society, law, and economics. Fellows receive a competitive stipend, research fund, and health insurance while contributing to the intellectual life of the Centre.

MindCORE Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Supports early‑career scholars in cognitive science, neuroscience, linguistics, psychology, or related fields. Fellows pursue independent and collaborative research with Penn faculty and receive a competitive salary, research budgets, and benefits.

  • Level: Postdoctoral
  • Funding Type: Salary + research budget + benefits
  • Open to All International Applicants?: Yes
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (for the 2026 cycle; annual timing)
  • Details: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship | MindCORE

Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship

A flagship Penn postdoc fellowship that offers mentoring, travel and research allowances, and professional development across disciplines. However, this program is NOT open to all international applicants — eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

  • Level: Postdoctoral
  • Funding Type: Stipend + allowances + training
  • Open to All International Applicants?: No (restricted to U.S. citizens/permanent residents/DACA)
  • Application Deadline: Varies (check annual call)
  • Details: Provost’s Fellowship

Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship

A fellowship for scholars whose research and teaching focus on Korea. Fellows engage with the Kim Centre community, teach one course per year, present research, mentor students, and help organise a conference.

  • Level: Postdoctoral
  • Funding Type: Fellowship stipend + travel allowance + research support
  • Eligibility: PhD completed or near completion; research focus on Korean studies
  • Deadline: Typically announced yearly (e.g., cycle for August 1, 2026–July 31, 2027)
  • Details: Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship

Additional Unit‑Specific Postdoctoral Roles & Programs (Penn)

These aren’t always listed with fixed application cycles but represent formal postdoc positions hosted within Penn research units:

  • Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs (Perelman School of Medicine)
    • Penn’s large biomedical postdoc community supports research in medicine, life sciences, and related fields. Positions are often research‑specific and funded through NIH grants, faculty labs, or fellowship awards administered by departments.
  • Clinical Postdoc Positions (e.g., CTSA — Anxiety Research)
    • Some Penn medical units offer clinical/psychology postdoctoral positions focused on specialised research and clinical work (e.g., anxiety/PTSD). Application timelines vary by posting.
  • Penn AI Fellowship
    • A program for postdocs and advanced graduate students specialising in AI and data science research, with interdisciplinary collaboration and research funds. Typically has separate application cycles (e.g., Nov 14, 2025, for the 2026–27 cohort).
  • LDI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (health economics research)
    • While typically requiring U.S. citizenship/permanent resident status, Penn’s LDI program offers structured postdoctoral research training for economics and related disciplines — check eligibility with the unit.

🌏 Global Research & Dissertation Grants at UPenn

Penn Global Dissertation Grants

Provides funding of up to $8,000 to support the global research components of doctoral dissertations. This grant helps PhD students pursue international fieldwork, travel, or data collection that broadens their research impact.

  • Level: PhD
  • Funding: Research travel and fieldwork support
  • Eligibility: Penn doctoral candidates
  • Deadline: Annual competition
  • Details: Penn Global Dissertation Grants

Penn Global Research & Engagement Grants

Multiple funds support global collaboration, including region-specific research initiatives.

Penn Global Convening Grants

Fund academic events such as international workshops, symposia, and collaborative meetings that bring together researchers from different countries or focus on global issues. These grants are especially helpful for PhD students co-organising global research events with faculty.

  • Level: Graduate/PhD (with faculty support)
  • Funding Type: Event/project grants (often up to USD 10,000)
  • Eligibility: Penn graduate students with a faculty sponsor; supports international scholarship exchange
  • Deadline: Semi‑annual — April 1 & October 1
  • Details: Penn Global Convening Grants

Global Engagement Fund (Part of Penn Global Grants Program)

Part of the broader Global Engagement Fund suite, this supports global research and engagement projects that aim to strengthen international partnerships and scholarly exchange. Funds can support travel, conference participation abroad, and collaborative research.

  • Level: Graduate/PhD, Faculty collaboration
  • Funding Type: Project and travel support
  • Eligibility: Graduate students with a faculty partner or project team
  • Deadline: Varies by specific Penn Global fund cycles
  • Details: Global Engagement Fund

Global Visiting Scholars Program

Some departments and research centres (e.g., data science, international studies) host visiting scholar funding that supports short‑term research stays in partnership with Penn faculty abroad. These vary by unit and are not centralised.

  • Level: Graduate/PhD, Visiting researchers
  • Funding Type: Project/visit support (varies by department)
  • Eligibility: Invited scholars or graduate students with faculty arrangements
  • Deadline: Varies by unit
  • Details: Global Visiting Scholars Program

✈️ Study Abroad & Travel Fellowships at UPenn

William A. Levi Travel Fellowship

Provides financial support for Penn students participating in Penn Summer Abroad programs. This fellowship helps cover travel and related expenses for students who secure a place in approved Penn summer study‑abroad experiences.

  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Funding: Travel support
  • Eligibility: Penn students in approved summer abroad programs
  • Deadline: Varies by Summer Abroad program (check with the Penn Summer Abroad office)
  • Details: William A. Levi Travel Fellowship

Katherine and Josh Lauder Summer Abroad Fellowship

Supports students participating in Penn Summer Abroad courses and global study programs. This award enables more students to access international educational experiences by helping with travel and living costs.

🏛️ Prestigious External Fellowships & UPenn Support for International Students

UPenn’s Centre for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CURF) advises students applying to major global awards. These are not Penn-funded, but Penn students frequently receive them.

🔗 Details: Prestigious External Fellowships

Fulbright Program (Study, Research & English Teaching Awards)

Supports graduate study, independent research, or English Teaching Assistantships abroad for international applicants or Penn students seeking opportunities overseas. CURF provides advising and application support to candidates.

  • Level: Postgraduate / Graduate / Post‑graduation
  • Funding Type: Full or partial funding for study/research abroad
  • Eligibility: Applicants (including international students) meeting country‑specific Fulbright criteria
  • Deadline: Varies by country (typically annual cycle)
  • Details: Fulbright Program

Rhodes Scholarship

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, supporting postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Penn provides nomination support for eligible candidates through CURF.

  • Level: Postgraduate / Graduate
  • Funding Type: Full funding for study at Oxford
  • Eligibility: International applicants from eligible countries with strong academic records
  • Deadline: Penn nomination deadlines vary; national deadline varies by country
  • Details: Rhodes Scholarship

Marshall Scholarship

Supports graduate study in the United Kingdom. Penn students and alumni may seek CURF advising and Penn nomination, where applicable.

  • Level: Postgraduate / Graduate
  • Funding Type: Full UK study funding
  • Eligibility: Citizens of the United States (for Marshall); other country variants may exist under national schemes
  • Deadline: National/foundation deadlines; Penn recommendation deadlines vary
  • Details: Marshall Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Prestigious international award supporting graduate study at the University of Cambridge; CURF can help with Penn application guidance (though external competition).

  • Level: Graduate / Postgraduate
  • Funding Type: Full coverage (tuition, stipend)
  • Eligibility: Open to international applicants from eligible countries
  • Deadline: Annual (varies)
  • Details: Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Schwarzman Scholarship

Supports a one‑year Master’s in Global Affairs in China; Penn students and alumni frequently receive CURF advising for application preparation.

  • Level: Graduate / Master’s
  • Funding Type: Full funding for the Schwarzman Scholars program
  • Eligibility: Open to international applicants globally
  • Deadline: Annual cycle (varies year to year)
  • Details: Schwarzman Scholarship

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

German Academic Exchange Service awards funding for study or research in Germany; CURF lists DAAD opportunities open to non‑US citizens in its directory.

  • Level: Graduate / Doctoral / Postdoc
  • Funding Type: Research/study funding
  • Eligibility: International students seeking study/research in Germany
  • Deadline: Varies by DAAD program
  • Details: DAAD German Academic Exchange Service

Fulbright‑Hays / Critical Language Scholarship

These awards fund international study, research, and language immersion opportunities; CURF guides competitive fellowship applications that include global language and research components.

  • Level: Graduate / Language/Research Fellowships
  • Funding Type: Funding for language research or education abroad
  • Eligibility: International applicants meeting program requirements
  • Deadline: Annual (varies by program)
  • Details: Fulbright‑Hays / Critical Language Scholarship

The University of Pennsylvania offers a world-class range of scholarships, fellowships, and research funding for international students across undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. These programs provide financial support, global exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help scholars achieve their academic and professional goals.

⚠️ Note: This is not a complete list of all scholarships and fellowships offered by UPenn. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the official University of Pennsylvania website.

Click here for more updates on fellowships and international scholarships

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