Brown University plans to become need-blind for international undergraduate students starting with the Class of 2029. This initiative, made possible by a $120 million fundraising effort, marks a significant step toward expanding access to Brown for talented students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds worldwide. The University has sustained a need-blind policy for domestic undergraduates since 2003, ensuring that financial ability does not influence admission decisions. Now, the same principle will apply to international students, allowing them to attend without considering their ability to pay.

The move to need-blind admission for international students is part of an ongoing commitment to admit students regardless of their financial situation. President Christina H. Paxson emphasized the transformative impact of this policy, stating, “Making Brown an affordable choice for extraordinarily talented international students from every income level is nothing short of transformational.” She highlighted that the University is at its best when it welcomes and supports students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Lynda Winnie Umuhoza, a junior from Kigali, Rwanda, who is concentrating in computer science, shared her experience. She said, “If I hadn’t received such a generous amount of aid, I would not be at Brown.” Umuhoza, who has participated in community service and taught coding through the Brown University Swearer Center’s iProv fellowship program, believes that Brown’s support is helping her community back in Rwanda. “I can go back to Rwanda and be able to help people,” she explained, emphasizing the broader impact of the financial aid initiative.

The shift from need-aware to need-blind admission for international students will significantly enhance Brown’s ability to recruit academically talented students globally. Logan Powell, associate provost for enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission, noted, “This creates the exciting opportunity for us to expand our outreach to more parts of the world and to admit exceptional students from a much broader range of socioeconomic backgrounds.” The policy change will enable Brown to fulfill commitments to diversity and academic strength, adding to its reputation as a place where people from various backgrounds can thrive.

Notable among the generous donors are Aysha and Omar Shoman, Brown graduates who made the largest gift ($25 million) for international financial aid in University history. Omar Shoman, inspired by his grandfather’s journey from modest means to founding a financial institution, said, “I believe that education changes people’s lives. Brown University takes the long view and understands the importance of educating people from many different backgrounds and social strata.” The Shomans’ donation, along with others from six continents, underscores the global support for this initiative.

Senior Vice President for Advancement Sergio Gonzalez highlighted the broad base of support for the initiative. “We want the best students from around the world to choose Brown, and we believe that their socioeconomic background should not be a barrier to making that choice.” The response to the initiative reflects the importance of providing financial aid for international students and the power and generosity of the global Brown community.

Brown’s international financial aid initiative builds on a legacy of expanding access. In 2003, the University implemented a need-blind admission policy for domestic undergraduates. Over the years, the University has further reduced financial barriers for international students, leading to a significant increase in the share of international students receiving financial aid. Andres Filizzola, a junior from Asuncion, Paraguay, who is concentrating in biology, shared his experience. He said, “Without the financial support that Brown provides, that opportunity would not be possible. Removing economic barriers for international students is really important.” Filizzola’s story highlights how the financial aid initiative supports students in exploring diverse academic pathways and making meaningful connections with peers from around the world.

To implement this initiative, Brown will become one of only eight U.S. colleges to be need-blind for international undergraduates. The University aims to continue raising funds to make the initiative permanent. Powell noted, “Expanding opportunities to talented and deserving students from around the world will add to one of Brown’s greatest strengths: its people.” The shift to need-blind admission is expected to significantly increase the number of international students admitted, enhancing the diversity and academic strength of the Brown community.

The success of the initiative is evident in the immediate impact on international student enrollment. The Class of 2026 saw a 14% increase in the share of international students compared to the previous year, with students hailing from a total of 98 countries, up from 86 in the previous class. Powell highlighted that the increased funding has enabled the University to support international students in new and expanded ways, such as covering the full cost of tuition for a group of Ukrainian students displaced by conflict.

Brown’s Office of Undergraduate Admission has also ramped up its global outreach efforts. In Fall 2023, the office held recruitment events in 20 countries, up from 13 before the pandemic. Powell expressed optimism about future outreach, aiming to travel to around 30 countries in the coming year.

President Paxson concluded, “This initiative is a proof to Brown’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to talented students from all backgrounds. It’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive, regardless of their financial circumstances.” The implementation of the need-blind policy for international students is a critical step toward achieving this vision.

News is prepared from public university announcements for general guidance. Policies change frequently; confirm current details with each university admissions office.