Berea College International Admission and Scholarship 2027

Overview

Berea College in Kentucky is unique among US colleges: it charges no tuition, ever, to anyone admitted. Berea’s endowment funds 100 percent of every student’s tuition. International students are eligible, and a small number are admitted each year, with around 30 international students per cohort across the four years. Berea operates as a labour college: every student also works 10 to 15 hours per week on campus. The 2027 international admission cycle closes 30 November 2026.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage (worth approximately USD 200,000 across four years).
• Funded laptop programme.
• On-campus housing and meals through a need-based award.
• Required campus labour programme that pays students for 10 to 15 hours per week.
• Berea’s no-debt commitment: students should graduate without student loans.

Eligibility

• International student (non-US citizen, non-permanent resident, non-DACA).
• Demonstrated financial need (Berea’s intake is explicitly for low-income students; family contribution must be below a published cap).
• Strong academic record at secondary level.
• Apply for autumn 2027 entry; no spring international admission.
• Willing to commit to the labour programme as a core part of the student experience.

How to apply

1. Open the Berea College international admissions page at the source link.
2. Complete the Common Application or the Berea-specific international application.
3. Submit: secondary school transcripts, certified English translation if needed, two recommendation letters, personal essays, and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile for financial documentation.
4. Submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if English is not your first language (no TOEFL required if you completed three years of secondary study in English).
5. Submit before 30 November 2026.
6. Decisions are released in late February or early March 2027 for August 2027 entry.