<p>I’m an Indian,thinking of applying to Brandeis later this year. How generous is Brandeis with regards to awarding need-based aid to international students? Also, is the Jewish influence all encompasing? How does being a predominantly jewish university differ from other, non-religious colleges?(These questions might sound wierd but I’ve never met anybody from the jewish community. There aren’t many jews in India.)</p>
<p>Brandeis actually isn’t a Jewish University. While we have a large Jewish population, and received funding for our creation by the American Jewish community, we are a non-sectarian school. And while there is certainly a large Jewish community, we also have very active Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, and other religious communities, with 17 different religions represented on our campus. </p>
<p>As for financial aid for international students, we give out scholarships that range from several thousand dollars to full scholarships covering tuition and room and board. You can learn more about these here: [International</a> Applicants](<a href=“http://www.brandeis.edu/admissions/applying/international.html]International”>http://www.brandeis.edu/admissions/applying/international.html).</p>
<p>Jeff Wong
Admissions Counselor
Brandeis University</p>
<p>thanks a lot !!</p>
<p>Jeff, is exactly correct. Brandeis is very diverse --25% of the student body identifies itself as minority or international. The school has a strong international flavor (in fact the majority of its International Business School is international students). </p>
<p>FYI Brandeis has a special relationship with India in particular. See:[Brandeis</a> and India | Brandeis University](<a href=“Global Brandeis | Brandeis University”>Global Brandeis | Brandeis University)</p>
<p>With respect to the university’s Jewish population, you should understand that less than 50% of its student body is Jewish. Brandeis is a non-sectarian school that embraces students from all types of backgrounds based on merit. The school has no religious affiliation, although it was founded and is funded signigicantly by the Jewish community in the tradition of other great non-sectarian private universities–e.g. Harvard and Yale: Puritan; Brown: Baptist; Princeton: Presbyterian; Columbia:Anglican; Duke: Methodist. etc. etc. Brandeis is no different. It is not a religious institution (in contrast to many Catholic and Fundamentalist colleges and universities).</p>