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Financial Aid

Financial aid at International House is available to assist residents with housing expenses during their time studying or working in New York City. All academic year residents of I-House are eligible to apply for aid, regardless of citizenship, field of study, enrollment status, etc.

These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of corporations, foundations and individuals such as alumni and trustees. It is through this that International House is able to maintain the exceptional geographic, cultural and economic diversity that is central to the mission.

Scholarships of up to a full year of room fees will be awarded to residents living at I-House during the academic year. Priority is given to residents from underrepresented countries or field of studies living at International House for the duration of the Academic Year, and is awarded based on financial need and merit. In previous years, I-House was able to award 30% of our resident population with some amount of aid.

“First and foremost, I am beyond grateful and humbled. The I-House community has been a pillar of support during these times of uncertainty. Without support from I-House, my experience would not be possible. I am excited to be part of this community and contribute in creative ways to the core mission and values.”

Javier M., Guatemala; Columbia University, Public Administration

How to Apply for Financial Aid at I-House

The financial aid application is available on the  application portal here, and may be submitted after submitting an application for admission.

I-House is now accepting financial aid applications for the 2025-26 academic year.

There is a deadline twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th, from March 1 to July 1.

Financial aid is not available during the summer term.

The following funds are available for the 2025-26 Academic Year:

  • The Arab Student Fund

    This fund will provide assistance to Arab residents of International House.

  • The Ralph Bunche-Lee Fund

    The Ralph Bunche-Lee Fund was established through the efforts of International House alumnus Dr. Thomas Gardner. This fund grants awards for minority U.S. residents.

  • Davis Fund – 02

    Need-based awards will be made to residents from underrepresented nations and fields of study demonstrating financial need.

  • Davis United World Scholars Fund

    An award of $10,000 will be made to one resident who is a former Davis United World Scholar.

  • *The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Financial Aid Award

    Awards of the full cost of housing as well as the meal plan for a room with or without a sink in the South Building at International House will be made to 3 residents that embody the character displayed by Bonhoeffer while he was a member of I-House: openness to new experiences, curiosity about issues outside one’s professional field, interest in people from different backgrounds and cultures, a drive to action, and a commitment to improve society and the quality of life of others.

    Read more about Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the I-House Archives here. The deadline to apply for the Dietrich Bonhoeffer award is June 1, 2025.  Decisions regarding the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Award will be sent on June 15, 2025.

  • The Cleveland H. Dodge Fund

    Need-based awards are made to residents from Lebanon.

  • *Freunde des International House Fund

    Need-based awards will be granted to residents who are either students or in other training programs, and who are committed to promoting international spirit, tolerance, and cultural understanding. Residents who are citizens of Germany, as well as those from emerging and developing countries (EDC) and low-income countries (LIDC) are eligible to apply for and receive funds from this award. This fund was established in 1990 by Freunde des International House, e.V., the Germany-based International House pan-European alumni chapter and is supported through donations from alumni and friends in Europe. 

    The deadline to apply for the Freunde des International House Fund award is July 15, 2025.

  • The General Resident Fund

    Need based awards will be made to residents from underrepresented nations and fields of study demonstrating financial need. 

  • The Global Citizenship Fund

    One selected resident will receive a need-based award for a period of two years. Where possible, priority is given to a resident who is from a region of the world that is underrepresented among the International House resident population; who is from a region in the world experiencing war, conflict, or economic unrest; and who may have refugee or asylum status.

  • The Edward Hung ’79 & Pauline Hung Fund

    Need-based awards will be made to residents from Asia or from countries experiencing war.

  • The Joonki Kim ’73 Memorial Fund

    Funds from this donation will provide annual, need-based financial aid to at least one resident each year. Funds will be awarded to residents who are citizens of an Asian or African country and are pursuing a PhD, irrespective of field of study.

  • *Mitsui USA Foundation Fund

    Awards of $5,000 will be made to 5 Residents demonstrating a strong interest in international trade and investment. The students must be United States citizens or permanent residents and have had a good academic performance in previous courses. A Japanese studies component and community activities are viewed favorably in the selection process.

  • The Samuel J. Moritz Fund

    This fund supports Israeli students living at I-House.

  • The Daniela Passal-Gechman Fund

    This memorial scholarship supports Israeli students living at I-House.

  • The Performing Arts Fund

    This fund supports and encourages talented young performing artists to help them achieve the goals which brought them to New York City. 

  • The Rottenberg Fund

    Named for I-House Life Trustee, Herman “HR” Rottenberg, this fund supports those studying or working in the performing arts.

  • The Zelia P. Ruebhausen Memorial Fund

    This fund was established in 1990 by Trustees, relatives and friends to honor the memory of Mrs. Oscar Ruebhausen (1914 – 1990), a long serving member of the Board of International House. This fund is intended to increase African representation at International House.

  • The Toyota Fund

    This fund assists residents in need who demonstrate outstanding promise, with preference to residents from Asia and those studying technical fields.

  • The Paul Volcker Fund

    Named for former I-House Chairman of the Board, this fund provides financial support to residents studying business or economics.

There is one application for all of the funds listed above. You must be a resident member of International House to receive financial aid from I-House.

Apply for financial aid on our application portal

If for any reason, a resident’s financial situation has changed while living at I-House, they may make an appointment to meet with the Vice President of Admissions to inquire about emergency funds available.

FAQs

When can I apply for financial aid for the academic year?

November 13, 2023

The financial aid application opens during the Spring term before the Academic Year.

For new applicants, an announcement will be made on the I-House website and across I-House social media when the application becomes available.

Current residents can apply for financial aid during the same cycle as readmission.

Can I apply for financial aid if I am living at I-House during the summer term?

November 13, 2023

International House does not provide financial aid during the summer term.

When should I submit my financial aid application?

January 31, 2024

Financial aid applications should be submitted at the same time as the housing application.

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