Author: Tina

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ADMISSIONS

Test-optional Policy

Test-Optional Policy for Fall 2024-2025 Application Cycle

Test-Optional Policy for 2024-2025 Application Cycle

Duke Kunshan will continue to offer a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Based on their circumstances, applicants choose in the admission application whether or not they will provide their results from the SAT or ACT exams. The admissions committee places emphasis on all components of all applications, including high school performance, application essays, recommendation letters, and, in some cases, an admissions interview. Submitting SAT or ACT results can strengthen an application by establishing broader context for the student’s achievements. However, applicants who do not submit an SAT or ACT will not be at a disadvantage in our admissions process. Although there are no additional requirements for those who opt to not submit a test score, applicants are welcome to submit any additional academic measurements that they feel may strengthen their application, such as national /external exam scores. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 01 • Why is DKU extending the test-optional policy for Fall 2025?

    In recognition of the disparate levels of preparation and access to the SAT and ACT around the world and because of our ongoing commitment to recruiting a diverse population of students, Duke Kunshan offers a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

  • 02 • If I submit my test results, will they be considered as part of my application?

    Yes, your test results will be included with your application.

  • 03 • How will my application be reviewed if I don’t submit SAT or ACT scores?

    Duke Kunshan reviews all international applicants holistically and in the context of their academic environment. This includes curriculum, school, region, and other relevant circumstances as described in the application. In the absence of SAT or ACT scores, other academic materials that are provided with the application will be considered, such as national/external exam results.

  • 04 • Can I strengthen my application if I submit SAT or ACT scores?

    A standardized test result can strengthen an application in the sense that it provides another application component for consideration. If you have the ability to take the SAT or ACT, and you earned a score that you feel fairly reflects your academic talents, you are encouraged to submit your test results with your application. You may wish to review the Qualities We Look for in a Successful Candidate on our website for further reference.
    Likewise, students whose curriculum lacks national or external exams (e.g. IB, AP, Cambridge, WAEC, CBSE, etc.) may want to consider submitting SAT or ACT scores in order to establish a broader context for their school achievements.
    We ask students to consider their choice carefully and make a firm commitment at the time of their application or no later than the application deadline (November 1, 2024, for Early Decision applicants or January 2, 2025 for Regular Decision Applicants).

  • 05 • Will I be at a disadvantage for admission or scholarship selection if I don’t submit SAT or ACT scores?

    Students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores with their application will not be at a disadvantage in our holistic admissions process or scholarship selection. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional materials that they feel may strengthen their application. The admissions committee will place emphasis on the other components of your application including high school performance, national & school exams, supplemental essays, and, in some cases, an admissions interview.

  • 06 • How do I indicate my plan regarding test score submission?

    All international applicants will answer the “testing plan” question in the Common Application, indicating if they do or do not want their test scores considered with their application.

  • 07 • Once I submit my Common App, can I change my test plan choice?

    We ask students to consider their choice carefully and make a firm commitment at the time of their application or no later than the application deadline (November 1, 2024 for Early Decision applicants or January 2, 2025 for Regular Decision Applicants). After this time, change requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    To request a change, email us at Intl-admissions@dukekunshan.edu.cn.

  • 08 •As a non-native speaker of English, will there be any additional requirements for me?

    In most cases, the admissions committee can determine your level of English proficiency through the materials collected in your application and, if an invitation is extended, an admissions interview. Students with test results in English proficiency exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo are welcome to submit these to support their application, though these are not required in order for an application to be considered complete.

  • 09 • Should I submit anything else in lieu of test scores?

    There are no additional requirements although applicants are welcome to submit any additional materials that they feel may strengthen their application, such as national/external exam results (predicted or official).

  • 10 • What is the average SAT score for DKU students?

    The middle 50% range for SAT scores was 1520-1550 among international students admitted to DKU in the Class of 2027.

  • 11 • If I opt to provide my SAT or ACT scores, can I self-report my scores with my application?

    Although it is preferred to receive the results from the testing agency, applicants can self-report their test scores in order to complete their application. Any future offer of admission is contingent upon providing verified test results sent directly to DKU from the testing agency.

Categories
ADMISSIONS

Scholarship Sources

Scholarship Sources

Scholarship Sources


Duke Kunshan University scholarships are supported through generous contributions from our academic and business community. The following is a list of some of our scholarship sources. Scholarships are awarded automatically at the time of acceptance. A separate application is not necessary.

  • 01 • Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship

    This scholarship was created to fund university students on Duke Kunshan’s full-time undergraduate degree program.

  • 02 • Kunshan Government Scholarship

    The city of Kunshan will fund 10 international students and 10 Chinese students in Duke Kunshan’s second cohort of undergraduate students.

  • 03 • Chancellors’ Scholarship

    Initiated by Mary Bullock upon her retirement in 2015, the scholarship is named in honor of Duke Kunshan’s inaugural Chancellor Liu Jingnan and inaugural Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Bullock, and their shared vision that Duke Kunshan will become a leading international university. It is considered the highest honor for incoming students. The scholarship is awarded to one international student and one Chinese student in the undergraduate program each year.

  • 04 • Bond Scholarship

    This scholarship, awarded by Bond Education, will fund top students with outstanding records in leadership, service and academics.

  • 05 • The Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholarship

    Initiated by Duke Kunshan’s inaugural Advisory Board in recognition of Duke’s 13th president, the Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholars are selected from the very best Chinese and international applicants. The scholarship fund will allow students with exceptional academic talent, demonstrated character and leadership ability to “take the leap” with confidence, to join and help shape this young university.

  • 06 • Ying Hui Scholarship

    Established in honor of the ancient Chinese tradition of benevolence and care for others, this scholarship is awarded to incoming undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to the principles of community service and social progress.

  • 07 • Fubon Scholarship

    The scholarship was created by Fubon Group to inspire and support students from Taiwan and international students to attend Duke Kunshan’s undergraduate program, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

  • 08 • Shu Ren Scholarship

    The Shu Ren (meaning “nurturing the talent” in Chinese) Scholarship was created to support the early growth of Duke Kunshan’s undergraduate degree program, contributing to the university’s vision of creating a new type of globally aware, intellectually agile, ethical leader while also helping transform Chinese higher education.

  • 09 • Green Future Fund

    The fund was created through the generous philanthropy of Ma Lin in contributing to a sustainable future in China and beyond. The fund will provide dedicated support to outstanding undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the protection of China’s environment and related sustainability causes.

  • 10 • Hong Scholarship

    This scholarship is open to students who have declared a major in humanities and demonstrate a strong need for financial aid. The recipients are encouraged to shape their lives in a way that is rich with meaning as they examine and recognize the full range of human values and potential.

  • 11 • Fang Family Scholarship

    This scholarship was established by the Fang family with the intention to help remove financial obstacles, enabling top high school graduates from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as other regions, to choose Duke Kunshan over other prestigious institutions.

  • 12 • Zhi Yuan Scholarship

    Named after the Chinese proverb “Ning jing zhi yuan” (meaning “tranquility yields transcendence” in Chinese), the scholarship is offered to students who are determined to increase their depth of knowledge and experience, and to confront complicated and rapidly changing social realities.

  • 13 • JF Progressive Scholarship

    With their dedication to education and high hopes for students from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas, Jeff C. Chuang and Frances Chang established the JF Progressive Scholarship to support outstanding undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan.

  • 14 • L Scholarship

    This scholarship aims to support excellent undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan for their overall academic and personal development.

  • 15 • Huiyan International Education Fund Scholarship

    The fund was established with support from Yang Huiyan, vice chairman of Country Garden Holdings, and a donation from the Guoqiang Public Welfare Foundation of Guangdong province. The fund supports exceptional undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan and aims for a better world through education.

  • 16 • DKU Foundation Scholarship

    The scholarship is supported by the Duke Kunshan Education Development Foundation, which aims to facilitate the success of the university’s mission to become a world-class liberal arts and research university with a transformational impact on higher education in China and around the globe.

Categories
ADMISSIONS

Qualities We Look for in a Successful Candidate

Qualities We Look for in a Successful Candidate

Qualities We Look for
in a Successful Candidate


We’re seeking talented students who will thrive in our unique global learning environment and who demonstrate the following characteristics:

  • 01High-achievers with a passion for learning

    Do your grades and test scores demonstrate academic distinction? Do you push yourself to excel both inside and outside the classroom? We are looking for well-rounded students who are intellectually engaged in a variety of settings and activities, and are well-prepared for a rigorous academic experience.

  • 02Strong interest in Duke Kunshan’s innovative, integrated and interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum

    Today’s students will soon graduate into a future where global politics, innovation and the environment intersect at every level. Complex global problems can no longer be adequately understood, addressed or solved through the lens of just one discipline, the way that traditional “majors” were designed. We are looking for students who are ready to tackle a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum that will prepare them to understand the world’s complexities from many angles and to make a difference on an international scale.

  • 03An adventurous spirit and global orientation

    Studying in a different country requires an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Are you adaptable? Tolerant? Do you have a genuine curiosity toward other cultures? Applicants must demonstrate an eagerness to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

  • 04Demonstrated impact in campus and community life

    We want students with a desire to have a meaningful impact. We look for demonstrated engagement in various extracurricular, co-curricular and service-learning activities that show how students can apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and experience personal growth. How would you become fully engaged in your educational experience, bring value to the Duke Kunshan and broader community, and ultimately to future organizations?

  • 05Excited about the leadership opportunities in a global environment

    Imagine the opportunities available to you at such a young and vibrant global university. As a member of our fourth class, you will play a crucial role in helping grow our clubs, advancing our newly-created student government and writing for our new school newspaper. In essence, you will be helping shape the culture and legacy of our unique institution. Furthermore, our students can intern and research with multinational corporations and prosperous startups before graduating into the prestigious Duke Alumni Association. We look for students whose leadership experiences have prepared them to take full advantage of this rich environment.

  • 06Strong English language proficiency

    The Duke Kunshan curriculum is taught entirely in English; therefore, all successful applicants must have strong English language abilities. The Admissions Committee will be able to assess an applicant’s English language ability through the application process, which may include a live interview via phone or video chat. For non-native English speakers, TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores may be submitted with an application for consideration, but are not mandatory. The TOEFL school code for Duke Kunshan University is B624.