International Students holding the flags of their home nations pose on a stairway near the Davis International Center

For International Students

Overview

Princeton welcomes applications from students around the world. Information for international students applying for undergraduate degrees are available on the Office of Undergraduate Admission website. International students considering applying to a master's or Ph.D. degree program can learn more on the Graduate School website.

Princeton considers U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens alike in the admission and financial process. In fact, Princeton is one of only a handful of schools in the country that do not limit financial aid for international undergraduates, treating international and U.S. students the same in the financial aid process.

Undergraduate Applicants

The Office of Undergraduate Admission reviews all applications in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. For undergraduate admission, you apply to Princeton and not to a particular department or school. More information for international students is available on the undergraduate admission website.

Long breezeway with arches

Financial Aid

The full need of all admitted international students is met the same as it is for students from the United States. Your family's ability to pay for your university education is not a factor in our admission decision. Our financial aid program is entirely based on need. Princeton does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships.

English Proficiency

If English is not your native language and you are attending a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), in addition to the SAT or ACT.

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Application and Test Requirements

We encourage you to visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission website for a helpful application checklist for undergraduates, as well as information about standardized test requirements and deadlines.

Graduate Applicants

Students from around the world are encouraged to apply for graduate admission to Princeton. More than 40 percent of Graduate School students are citizens of other countries. The application to a master's or Ph.D. program is the same for U.S. citizens, permanent residents or international applicants. More information about graduate admission is available on the Graduate School website.

Graduate students sit around a table talking in a class

Admission Process

Graduate admission decisions at Princeton are made by faculty in your proposed field of study. The Graduate School coordinates the admission process and establishes minimum requirements for admission. You can learn more about the application process on the Graduate School website.

English Language Tests

Graduate students must demonstrate a level of oral proficiency in the English language sufficient to participate successfully in all the activities that comprise a graduate education, including classwork, research, presentations, project teamwork and the teaching of undergraduates. You can learn more about the Graduate School's English Language Proficiency Policy and get answers to your questions about English language testing for graduate admission.

Costs and Funding

Princeton guarantees funding for its regularly enrolled, degree-seeking Ph.D. candidates for all years of regular program enrollment, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance. The funding for master's candidates varies by department.

Resources for International Students

If you are admitted to Princeton, you can take advantage of the many resources on campus that support international undergraduate and graduate students. During your first days of campus, you also will participate in an orientation program to welcome you to the United States and the University.

Visas

The Davis International Center helps international students with all aspects of the visa process in order to study Princeton. You can learn more about obtaining and maintaining a visa on the Davis International Center's website.

English Language and Other Resources

Once on campus, you can participate in a variety of social, cultural and adjustment programs that focus on enhancing the well-being of international students, scholars and their families. The Davis International Center and McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning also offer English language classes and tutoring

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Davis International Center

International Students holding the flags of their home nations pose on a stairway inside the Simpson International Building

The Davis International Center offers specialized support for international students and scholars to help you adjust to your life at Princeton. Dedicated advisers can assist you with questions about your immigration status and your practical adjustment to the United States. You will have an opportunity to develop social connections and gather information that will help you as you settle into the U.S. culture.