For many students around the world, studying in the United States is more than just a dream, it’s a life-changing opportunity. Among the top universities in the country, Cornell University stands out. As a proud member of the Ivy League, Cornell is not only respected for its academic excellence but also recognized for its strong commitment to supporting talented students from across the globe.
If you’ve ever wondered whether an Ivy League education is within your reach, Cornell’s financial aid and scholarship opportunities could be the key. Below is a clear breakdown of what international students can expect when it comes to funding at Cornell.
What’s Included in PhD Funding
At Cornell, nearly 99% of PhD students receive full funding through fellowships, teaching assistantships (TAs), and research assistantships (RAs) (Cornell Financial Aid). This usually covers:
- Full tuition
- A living stipend
- Graduate student health insurance (included or heavily subsidized)
How Much You Can Expect to Earn
For the 2025–2026 academic year, stipend levels are set as follows:
- 9-month appointment (TA or RA): $35,661
- 12-month appointment (with summer): about $47,548
Students at Cornell Tech in New York City receive a higher allowance to match living costs, with estimated 12-month stipends of $59,029 (Graduate School).
You Can Also See: Chevening Scholarships: Fully Funded UK Master’s for Emerging Global Leaders
Travel and Research Grants
Cornell also provides extra support for academic growth outside the classroom:
| Grant Type | Max Amount |
| Conference Grant | $700 |
| Research Travel Grant | PhD: $2,500 • Master’s: $1,000 |
| Emergency Fund | Up to $500 |
Need to travel for fieldwork? The Einaudi Center funds airfare grants of up to $3,000 per trip. For more extensive dissertation research, the Amit Bhatia Global PhD Research Awards provide up to $10,000.
Extra Support for Specialized Research
Students conducting sustainability-related projects can apply for the Atkinson Graduate Research Grants, which offer up to $7,000, or $8,000 if you involve undergraduate assistants.
What Does This All Add Up To?
While exact living costs vary, Cornell estimates that Ithaca-based students (excluding tuition) will spend approximately:
- Mandatory fees: ~$690
- Housing, food, personal expenses, travel: ~$26,000
That’s a total of about $32,700 in non-billed annual expenses (Cornell Financial Aid).
When combined with stipends, most PhD students are able to live comfortably without major financial strain.
Summary Table
| Support Type | Amount or Details |
| Stipend (9m) | $35,661 |
| Stipend (12m, Cornell Tech) | $59,029 |
| Conference Grant | Up to $700 |
| Research Travel Grant | Up to $2,500 (PhD); $1,000 (Master’s) |
| Emergency Fund | Up to $500 |
| Einaudi Airfare Grant | Up to $3,000 |
| Global PhD Award | $10,000 |
| Atkinson GRG | Up to $7,000 (or $8,000 with undergraduates) |
| Cost of Living (non-billed) | ~$32,700/year |
Ready to apply?
Learn more about funding opportunities at Cornell here: Cornell Graduate School Funding
More Opportunities:
- Fully Funded Czech Government Scholarships for Developing Countries (2025 – 2026)
- Japan-Africa Research Scholarship: Fully-Funded Opportunity by Canon Foundation
- Study in Germany: DAAD Scholarship Offers Full Funding for International Students
- Study in the Netherlands with the Holland Scholarship for International Students
1 Comment
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