How are the Fuqua Merit Scholarships determined?

Merit scholarship recipients are selected by an Admissions Merit Scholarship Committee. Merit scholarships are awarded based on a candidate's overall profile. The merit scholarship awards are made independent of determining a student's eligibility for student loans.

Does Fuqua offer other scholarship or grant assistance?

No.

Is it possible to borrow funds to meet the costs of attending Fuqua?

Through the no-cosigner international student option, you are eligible to apply for student loans to meet up to 100% of the cost of tuition, fees, books, and related living expenses as estimated in the Cost of Attendance.

Through a cosigner option (private alternative loan), you are eligible to apply for student loans to meet the cost of tuition, fees, books, and related living expenses as estimated in the Cost of Attendance.

How do I apply for student loans?

You will select your lender of choice and complete the application with that selected lender using Duke University Recommended Lender List or list of funding options for international students.

Is a cosigner required for the loans?

A U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner is required for the private alternative loans. A cosigner is not required for the no-cosigner international student option.

How are the funds disbursed to pay university charges?

Student loans are disbursed to your Duke student account for the full amount. After deducting the amount due to Duke for non-tuition charges, Duke University’s Bursar will issue a refund to you. You will then use this refund to pay your tuition directly to Duke Kunshan University. More information about Duke University’s refund policy may be found at University Bursar Office website.

When should I start my application?

Loan applications are usually available for the upcoming year in March preceding your start date. You should begin the application process as soon as possible to cover the University charges by the tuition due date. Students who anticipate borrowing alternative student loans may consider contacting lenders earlier to make certain that they are creditworthy loan borrowers.

Does the fact that I do not have credit history in the U.S. have an impact on my loan rate?

For alternative loan borrowers, the rate is based upon the credit status of both the student and U.S. permanent resident or citizen cosigner.

For International Student Loan borrowers, we offer the same rate for all students based on admission to Duke.

What is a "grace period"?

A grace period is an allotted amount of time, usually 6-9 months, after leaving school in which you are not required to make payments on your student loans. Although payment is not due during this time, interest does accrue.

Can I make payments before I graduate and before the repayment period begins?

You are not required to make a payment before the grace period ends; however, you can make payments at any time with no pre-payment penalty. Accrued interest will be satisfied first.

If I choose to make payments while in school, is there a pre-payment penalty?

There is no pre-payment penalty.

On the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form, what amount should I use?

Enter the annual cost and the estimated annual financial assistance you will need. Your Financial Aid office can provide these figures.