How aid works
Three kinds of money.
Know which one you're chasing before you build your list.
Based on what your family can pay
The university works out your need from your finances. At the most generous, grants cover the gap and you don't repay them.
Based on your achievements
Awarded for strong applications, whatever your income. More common just below the most selective universities.
From governments and foundations
Especially important for Master's: national programmes and named international scholarships.
From the universities' published policies, checked in 2026. Policies can change, and some apply only to first-year applicants; we confirm each one for your entry year.
Estimate
What might your family pay?
Enter rough numbers to see a range across the three groups of universities. Nothing is saved or sent.
e.g. Harvard, MIT
Your finances don't affect admission.
e.g. Stanford, Penn
Asking for aid can make admission harder.
Many others
Depends on scholarships you win.
A rough illustration for planning, not a quote. Real contributions are set by each university from forms like the CSS Profile, and can differ widely.
By country
Where the money is.
Eligibility depends on your nationality and changes each year; we check current rules for you.
United States
- The most generous need-based aid, at a small group of universities
- CSS Profile and university forms
- Merit scholarships at many others
United Kingdom
- Full scholarships for internationals are rare
- Some bursaries and partial awards
- Plan costs before you apply
Canada
- Entrance awards at most universities
- Major named scholarships, such as the Lester B. Pearson at Toronto
- Often a separate nomination
Master's, anywhere
- Government scholarships such as Chevening (UK) and Fulbright (US)
- Commonwealth scholarships
- Funded research Master's and assistantships
The paperwork
The forms, and when they're due.
Aid deadlines are often earlier than application deadlines. Missing one can cost you the aid.
Not sure what your family would pay?
We'll work it out and build an affordable list in your free strategy session.