Yale University spends $125 mn annually on student aid

George Joseph, Academic Affairs, Development and Public Affairs Deputy Director, Yale University said that they have about 65% students in a class receiving aid

Yale University is spending a whopping $125 million annually on financial aid for students from across the world including India, for those who cannot afford to pay for education in the institute. George Joseph, Academic Affairs, Development and Public Affairs Deputy Director, Yale University said that they have about 65 per cent students in a class receiving aid.

"We at Yale do not have any scholarships for students from any country or region or based on any special talent they have. If a student has been selected for admissions to Yale and cannot afford to pay, the university will pay the fee. Here, an international student would receive $55,000 as average aid, "he added.

Yale University had a total of 166 Indian students (those with Indian passport) in 2014-15. This included 125 students for graduate and professionals schools, and 41 students for undergraduate programmes. This rose from 155 students in 2011-12, including 116 in graduate and professional schools and 39 undergraduate students.

Jeremiah Quinlan, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Yale University explained that there have a good influx of international students every year, though Yale does not have any fixed quotas for admissions for India or for any other country. He was in the city to meet officials from international schools and get a better understanding of the system and student profiles. However, Quinlan said that Yale does not have any tie-ups with any school to meet prospective students.

"We do not wish to enter into any agreements or partnerships since we want to keep the admission process free and fair for all. Those with the necessary requirements, qualifications can apply to us directly," he said. While some international business schools have set up admissions centres in India, he explained that they would not be setting up any such office in India.

The university also has the Yale India Initiative which promotes the study and teaching of India and South Asia both in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and in the Professional Schools, while also creating a platform for innovative leadership education programs.

Yale also has the Yale-NUS College in Singapore which offers 4-year residential programme and an institution specialising in liberal arts and science education. Quinlan said that with the setting up of this institution, Indian students also have been enrolling into it, whose first batch will graduate in 2017. This college had its campus officially launched.