Graduate Scholarships in the US: No IELTS, App Fee Waiver, $50,000 Stipend: Cornell University

Introduction

Discover how to secure Graduate Scholarships in the US at Cornell University with no IELTS requirement, application fee waiver, and a $50,000 stipend. Learn eligibility, benefits, and step-by-step application tips to study at an Ivy League school without financial stress.

Graduate scholarships in the US are a dream opportunity for international students. Imagine studying at an Ivy League school like Cornell University without the burden of paying an application fee, without sitting for IELTS, and with a generous $50,000 stipend to cover your living costs. Sounds like a fantasy? It’s real, and it could be your golden ticket to a world-class education.

In this blog, we’ll dive into every detail: eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and practical tips to maximize your chances of winning a fully funded Cornell graduate scholarships. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap you can act on today.

Why Cornell University for Graduate Scholarships?

Scholarship Overview: What’s on the Table?

When you apply to Cornell for graduate scholarships study, here’s what’s possible:

Full Tuition Coverage – no student debt stress.
Stipend of up to $50,000 per year – enough to live comfortably in Ithaca, New York.
No IELTS Required – flexibility for non-native English speakers.
Application Fee Waiver – removing the financial barrier at the entry point.

This isn’t just financial aid, it’s a life-changing academic sponsorship.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Cornell’s graduate scholarships, you need to check off some key requirements:

Academic Excellence: A strong undergraduate GPA and competitive academic record.
English Proficiency Alternatives: Instead of IELTS, Cornell accepts other options like Duolingo or a waiver if your previous degree was in English.
Research Proposal or SOP: Clearly outlining your academic interests and goals.
Letters of Recommendation: Usually 2–3, preferably from professors or employers.

Cornell looks for well-rounded candidates—not just high scorers but leaders, innovators, and future changemakers.

No IELTS? No Problem!

One of the biggest headaches for international students is the IELTS exam, costly, time-consuming, and nerve-wracking. Cornell makes it easier by:

Accepting Duolingo English Test (cheap and online-friendly).
Granting IELTS Waivers for students who studied in English-medium institutions.
Recognizing TOEFL and other global tests.

This flexibility ensures language doesn’t block your dreams.

Application Fee Waiver at Cornell

Did you know the Cornell application fee is normally $105? For many international students, that’s a big barrier, especially when applying to multiple schools.

Cornell offers fee waivers for:

Students from low-income backgrounds.
Applicants from developing countries.
Specific fellowship programs.

You simply need to request it during your online application.

$50,000 Stipend: Breaking It Down

Now let’s talk money. A $50,000 stipend at Cornell is life-changing. Here’s how it works:

Graduate Assistantships (Teaching/Research): You’ll earn while you study.
Fellowships: Full funding without teaching obligations.
Grants and Endowments: Extra funds depending on your department.

This stipend covers rent, food, health insurance, and personal expenses in Ithaca, New York, one of the most student-friendly cities in the US.

Fields of Study Covered

Cornell offers scholarships across a wide range of graduate programs. Some of the most funded fields include:

Engineering & Computer Science
Agriculture & Life Sciences
Business & Management (Cornell Johnson School)
Law & Policy
Social Sciences & Humanities
Architecture & Design
Environmental & Sustainability Studies

Step-by-Step Application Process

Choose Your Program: Visit Cornell Graduate School Programs
Check Scholarship/Funding Options: Each program has unique fellowship opportunities.
Prepare Your Application Materials: SOP, CV, recommendation letters.
Request Application Fee Waiver: Tick the box in the application portal.
Submit Online Application: Ensure all documents are uploaded.
Interview (if required): Some departments may invite shortlisted applicants.

Tips for Writing a Winning Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Your SOP is your voice. Here’s how to make it stand out:

Begin with a personal story (hook the reader).
Clearly state your academic goals and research interests.
Show why Cornell is the right fit for you.
Mention professors you’d like to work with.
End with a vision for the future.

Think of your SOP as a sales pitch for your brainpower.

Documents Required

Transcripts (undergraduate/graduate if applicable).
English proficiency proof (Duolingo/TOEFL/waiver).
Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Resume or CV.
Letters of Recommendation.
Research proposal (for PhD applicants).

Living in Ithaca on a $50,000 Stipend

Ithaca is a small city in New York, known for its natural beauty and student-friendly vibe. On a $50,000 stipend, here’s what you can expect:

Rent: $800–$1,200/month
Food: $300–$400/month
Transport: $50–$100/month
Health Insurance & Miscellaneous: $200–$400/month

You’ll live comfortably without needing extra income.

Why This Scholarship Matters for International Students

For many international students, scholarships are more than money. They mean:

Access: Breaking financial barriers.
Confidence: Knowing your hard work is valued.
Global Opportunities: Opening doors for jobs, research, and networking.
Equity: Leveling the playing field for students from low-income nations.

How to Increase Your Chances of Selection

Apply early, Cornell has rolling deadlines.
Reach out to faculty before applying.
Highlight leadership and extracurriculars.
Tailor your SOP to each program.
Show how your research benefits society, not just yourself.

Other US Universities Offering Similar Scholarships

If you’re inspired by Cornell, also check out:

Harvard University Graduate Fellowships
MIT Research Assistantships
Yale University Graduate Scholarships
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Relevant Resources

Cornell University Graduate School Funding
Duolingo English Test for Cornell
US Graduate Student Visa Requirements

Life at Cornell University

Studying at Cornell isn’t all books and lectures. You get to experience:

Cultural diversity: Students from over 120 countries.
Scenic campus: Located in Ithaca, New York—a mix of waterfalls, hills, and modern labs.
Networking: Connect with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and alumni.

Future Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates from Cornell secure roles at:

Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs.
UN, World Bank, international NGOs.
Startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

Plus, US graduate programs often open pathways to OPT and H-1B visas, extending career opportunities.

Comparison With Other Ivy League Scholarships

Feature	Cornell Graduate Scholarships	Harvard GSAS	Yale Graduate Fellowships
IELTS Requirement	No (in some programs)	Usually Yes	Yes (with few exceptions)
Application Fee	Waived	$105	$90
Stipend	$50,000	$42,000	$38,000
Coverage	Tuition + Living + Benefits	Partial	Partial

Cornell clearly stands out for affordability and inclusivity.

Conclusion

Graduate scholarships in the US are competitive, but opportunities like the Cornell University fellowship with no IELTS, an application fee waiver, and a $50,000 stipend are too good to ignore. This is your chance to study at a world-class Ivy League institution without financial strain.

The door is open, will you walk through it?

Apply now for Cornell University Graduate Scholarships in the US – No IELTS, fee waiver & $50,000 stipend 👉 Apply Here

FAQs

1. Can I apply without IELTS at Cornell University for Graduate Scholarships?
Yes. Cornell accepts alternatives like Duolingo, TOEFL, or waivers for English-medium graduates.

2. How do I get the $50,000 stipend?
Through graduate assistantships, fellowships, or department funding packages.

3. Does every program at Cornell offer a fee waiver?
Not all, but many programs allow applicants to request fee waivers.

4. What’s the deadline for Cornell graduate scholarships?
Deadlines vary by program, check your department’s page on Cornell’s website.

5. Can international students apply for fully funded PhDs at Cornell Graduate Scholarships ?
Yes. Many PhD programs come with guaranteed funding for 4–5 years.