•  Submitted by the applicant via the Common Application*

•  There is no application fee

•  To be considered for need-based aid, check “yes” to financial aid; refer to the CSS Profile section below
– International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens. Please click here for information on how to determine your eligibility as an international student.

• The application includes the Common App essay and 2 DKU-specific essays:

1. “Why do you think Duke Kunshan University is a good match for you? And what special qualities do you feel you could bring to Duke Kunshan University?” (Required)
2. “Is there anything else you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you?” (Optional)

• Provided by the applicant’s high school counselor or an official of the applicant’s high school who serves in an advisory capacity (identified as the Counselor in the Common App)

• The initial School Report is required to complete the application

• The Mid Year Report should be submitted, if available, after the completion of the first semester of the senior year

• The Final Report is required for enrolling students or for a student who has already graduated at the time of application

• Provided by the applicant’s high school counselor or an official of the applicant’s high school who serves in an advisory capacity (identified as the Counselor in the Common App)

• This is required to complete the application

•  Provided by the applicant’s high school counselor or registrar, or other official of the applicant’s high school (identified as the Counselor in the Common App)

•  An “official” version of the transcript has the signature of a school official, has the high school stamp or seal, and/or has been sent electronically by the school and is on school letterhead.

•  The initial Transcript (Official) is required to complete the application

•  The Mid Year Transcript (Official) should be submitted, if available, after the completion of the first semester of the senior year

•  If the applicant attended multiple high schools, all transcripts must be submitted by an official from the school

•  If courses were taken for credit outside of high school, associated transcripts are also required to be submitted by an official from the school

•  The Final Transcript (Official):

For applicants who have already graduated: the final transcript is required with their application for admission.

For applicants who have not yet graduated: the final transcript must be submitted prior to Fall enrollment.

•  External Exam results (if applicable)

– This includes, but is not limited to: International Baccalaureate, WAEC, SSCE, German Abitur, French Baccalauréat, GCSE, A-Levels, CBSE X/AISSCE X, National Exams, Leaving Exams

– If final results are not available, predicted scores can be provided from the school counselor or official

– Final results are required prior to enrollment

– Exam results should be sent from the appropriate testing authority and/or high school official

•  A certified Graduation Certificate/Secondary Education Diploma (If applicable)

• Provided by the recommenders selected by the applicant in the Common Application (these can be an external educational agent or advisor, additional teachers, coaches, or community members)
• Submitted by the recommenders electronically via Common App or other school system

• After you submit your application, record a short video response to a randomized prompt, directly from your portal. This is not required but is highly recommended.

• There is no cost to record a video in the portal.

• Click here for more information about recording a video, and to watch an instructional video.

• Additionally, applicants who have an InitialView interview or glimpse recording may send their video(s) to DKU via their IntialView account. Applicants can also choose to share their Duolingo video and essay prompt with DKU.

• SAT or ACT test scores (optional for Fall 2026 applications) – Applicants indicate in the Common App their decision to use test scores; if submitting test scores:

  – No minimum test score is required for admission

  – Self-reported scores can be submitted with an application

  – Verified scores are required prior to enrollment and should be sent directly from the testing agency

  – SAT Subject Test are optional

  – International testing school codes for Duke Kunshan University:

SAT – 7059

ACT – 0621

• TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo is optional for non-native English speakers  

• Required only if applying for need-based financial aid; DKU is a need-aware institution 

• Submitted by the applicant and their family via the College Board 

– Additional documentation may be required via IDOC

• The CSS code for Duke Kunshan University is 7059

• The College Board charges students a fee between $16 and $25 for the CSS profile. Some students may be eligible for a fee waiver. To learn more, please visit the CSS Profile Fee Waiver website.

• NOTE: Admitted international students who did not apply for financial aid at the time of admission are ineligible to apply for financial aid at any later point in their undergraduate study.

• NOTE: DKU is not designated as a foreign eligible institution for U.S. Federal Student Aid and associated savings and loan programs. (FAFSA is not needed to apply for financial aid at DKU.)

• NOTE: Eligible students that intend to apply for the Global Leaders Full Scholarship Award must also submit an additional application by the deadline to be considered.

Incoming international students need to hold a valid foreign (non-Chinese) passport and should submit a copy of the passport photo page using the DKU Applicant portal prior to enrollment