🇺🇸United States

The United States hosts the largest number of international students of any country, from Ivy League research universities to large public state schools and community colleges offering a lower-cost transfer pathway. The US system is highly decentralized — admission standards, costs, and student experience vary enormously by institution and state.

Popular Places

New York City

New York

Global city known for Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Broadway.

Hotels from ~$150-450/night

Grand Canyon

Arizona

Massive canyon carved by the Colorado River, iconic natural landmark.

Hotels from ~$100-300/night

Los Angeles

California

Home to Hollywood, beaches, and diverse entertainment industry.

Hotels from ~$120-400/night

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

First US national park, known for geysers like Old Faithful and wildlife.

Hotels from ~$90-250/night

Miami

Florida

Beach city known for South Beach, nightlife and Cuban-influenced culture.

Hotels from ~$100-350/night

Universities in United States

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and a member of the Ivy League, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world across nearly every field. Located in Cambridge, MA, United States. International students: International students made up ~15.4% of the Class of 2028 (~24,596 total enrolled students from 140 countries cited in one source, though this figure appears to describe total university enrollment rather than the international subset specifically — needs disambiguation against Harvard's own factbook) (as of: Class of 2028 admissions cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Exceptional academic performance, strong extracurriculars and leadership; SAT ~1490-1580 / ACT 34-36 typical among admits (test-optional policy in effect for recent cycles). English language: TOEFL IBT: 100+ typical benchmark cited, though Harvard's official policy should be confirmed directly Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate ~3.6% (Class of 2028, 54,008 applications) — among the most selective universities in the world regardless of nationality.

15.4%intl. students

Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Founded in 1861, MIT is a private research university renowned globally as a leader in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for STEM fields. Located in Cambridge, MA, United States. International students: International students are ~11% of the Class of 2029 (56 countries represented); MIT received 6,926 international applications and admitted 136 for that class (as of: Class of 2029 admissions cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: No fixed required course list, but strong demonstrated preparation in math/science expected; holistic review — MIT states it does not use country quotas or caps for international applicants. English language: NOTE: MIT 'strongly recommends' (rather than strictly requires) an English proficiency exam for non-native speakers — exact current policy should be confirmed on mitadmissions.org Acceptance rate: International acceptance rate ~1.9-2% — substantially more selective than MIT's overall ~4.6% rate.

11%intl. students

Stanford, CA

Stanford University

Founded in 1885, Stanford is a private research university in California's Bay Area, closely tied to Silicon Valley's technology industry and consistently ranked among the world's top universities, particularly in engineering, computer science, and business. Located in Stanford, CA, United States. International students: ~14% of Stanford's 6,994 undergraduates are international, from 66+ countries (as of: current search results). Admission requirements — Academic: Holistic, highly selective review; no single GPA/test cutoff published. English language: TOEFL IBT: 100 minimum (graduate: 90 minimum for review); IELTS: 7.0 minimum (graduate); 8.0 TOEFL 109+ exempts from Stanford's own English Placement Test; EXEMPTIONS: Waived for native English speakers or those with a prior US/English-medium degree Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate ~3.9%, down from ~17% two decades ago — extremely selective for all applicants, domestic and international.

14%intl. students

New York, NY

Columbia University

One of the oldest universities in the US (founded 1754 as King's College) and a member of the Ivy League, Columbia is based in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, and is particularly renowned for journalism, international affairs (SIPA), and its Core Curriculum. Located in New York, NY, United States. International students: 13,745 international students university-wide, from 145 countries; a little over 1,000 international undergraduates (about 16% of Columbia College and Columbia Engineering) (as of: Fall 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive process — the same standards apply regardless of citizenship. English language: COLUMBIA COLLEGE TOEFL IBT: 4 or higher (new scale), no subscore below 3.5; COLUMBIA COLLEGE TOEFL PBT: 530 or higher, no subscore below 53; COLUMBIA COLLEGE IELTS: 6.0 or higher, no band below 5.5 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 3.86% (2024 cycle); international-applicant acceptance rate approximately 2.46% (359 admitted out of 14,593 international applications).

16%intl. students

New York, NY

New York University

One of the largest private research universities in the US, NYU is based in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, with a deliberately global model including full degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and is especially known for Stern (business), Tisch (arts), and its law school. Located in New York, NY, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Admissions are holistic; competitive applicants typically present a GPA of 3.7 or higher. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.5+, or Duolingo 125+, unless exempt via 3+ years at a US high school; STERN CAS COMPETITIVE: typically 7.5-8.5 IELTS for the most selective programmes Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate around 8% (2024).

18%intl. students

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University

An Ivy League land-grant university in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is unusually broad for an Ivy, spanning agriculture, engineering, hotel administration, and veterinary medicine alongside its liberal arts college. Located in Ithaca, NY, United States. International students: 1,649 international students among 16,071 total undergraduate admits, about 10.26% (as of: recent admissions cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TYPICAL MINIMUM: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+, or Duolingo 120+; UNDERGRADUATE COMPETITIVE: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.5+, or Duolingo 130+; GRADUATE TOEFL MINIMUMS: Writing 20, Listening 15, Reading 20, Speaking 22; GRADUATE IELTS MINIMUM: 7.0 overall Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 8% (Fall 2025); graduate Master's programmes around 3%, PhD programmes around 17%.

10.26%intl. students

Philadelphia, PA

University of Pennsylvania

An Ivy League university in Philadelphia founded by Benjamin Franklin, Penn is known for the Wharton School (business) and for one of the most selective undergraduate admissions processes in the US. Located in Philadelphia, PA, United States. International students: International students make up approximately 13% of Penn's undergraduate enrollment, from over 100 countries (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Competitive admits typically present an SAT around 1560 or ACT around 35, with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL 100-120, IELTS above 7 (7.5 for some pathways), Duolingo above 130; PTE Academic also accepted Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 5.9% (Class of 2028), 4.9% for the 2025-26 cycle; international-applicant acceptance rate approximately 2.7%.

13%intl. students

New Haven, CT

Yale University

An Ivy League university in New Haven, Connecticut, founded in 1701, Yale is known for its residential college system, strength in the humanities and law, and highly selective admissions. Located in New Haven, CT, United States. International students: 3,913 international students enrolled, about 24% of the student body, from over 150 countries (as of: 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: TOEFL MINIMUM: 100 (internet-based), competitive applicants typically 100+ with speaking/listening at least 28; IELTS MINIMUM: 7.0, competitive applicants typically 7.0 or higher Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 4.6% (Class of 2029, 2,308 admitted from 50,228 applicants); international-applicant acceptance rate around 4.3-4.6% in recent cycles.

24%intl. students

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University

An Ivy League university in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1746, Princeton is known for its undergraduate focus (no business or law school), strength in the sciences and public policy through the School of Public and International Affairs, and among the most selective admissions in the US. Located in Princeton, NJ, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Competitive admits typically present a GPA of 3.9 or higher on a 4.0 scale. English language: ACCEPTED TESTS: TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test (DET), and PTE Academic — no preference expressed between TOEFL and IELTS; GRADUATE RETAKE THRESHOLD: scores below TOEFL 27, IELTS 8.0, or DET 125 on the speaking section require an English retest on arrival; TYPICAL ADMITTED IELTS: 8.0-9.0 Acceptance rate: International undergraduate acceptance rate around 4.6%; overall acceptance rate about 4%, early acceptance rate about 10%.

18%intl. students

Providence, RI

Brown University

An Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is known for its Open Curriculum — no core requirements or mandatory distribution courses — and highly selective admissions. Located in Providence, RI, United States. International students: Over 2,700 international students, about 14% of the student body, representing over 100 nations (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: TOEFL BEFORE JAN 2026: minimum 105 (internet-based); IELTS: typically minimum 7.0 for undergraduate admission Acceptance rate: International acceptance rate about 4.3% for the 2024 cycle (475 admitted from 10,919 international applicants).

14%intl. students

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern American research university (founded 1876) and is particularly renowned for medicine, public health, and biomedical engineering. Located in Baltimore, MD, United States. International students: 11,000+ international students, alumni, faculty, researchers, scholars, and staff combined (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: MINIMUM: TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 130; COMPETITIVE: IELTS 7.0 (7.5+ competitive) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 8.8% (2024).

18%intl. students

Washington, DC

Georgetown University

A Jesuit research university in Washington, DC, Georgetown is especially known for the Walsh School of Foreign Service and its strong ties to government, diplomacy, and international affairs. Located in Washington, DC, United States. International students: 1,127 international students out of 7,968 total students, about 14.14% of the student body, from over 135 countries (as of: 2023-2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: TOEFL: minimum 80-100 depending on the programme (new scale: 4-5); IELTS: minimum 7.0-7.5 depending on the programme Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 12-13%, early acceptance rate about 9.6%; a separate international-applicant rate is not published.

14.14%intl. students

Ann Arbor, MI

University of Michigan

A large public research university and one of the original 'Public Ivies,' Michigan is known for its strength across engineering, business (Ross), and the sciences, and for an unusually globally diverse student body for a public university. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, United States. International students: 11,766 international students on the Ann Arbor campus, from 130+ countries (as of: 2023-2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL: 100 range, section scores 23+ in listening/reading, 21+ in speaking/writing; UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 7.0 range, section scores 6.5+; GRADUATE VARIATION: minimum requirements vary by school — e.g. TOEFL 84 and IELTS 6.5 for some graduate programmes Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 17.7% (heavily skewed toward in-state admits); acceptance rate for international students specifically reported around 18%.

18%intl. students

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute of Technology

Based in Atlanta, Georgia Tech is one of the top US engineering and computing universities, with a particularly large graduate and online-learning population alongside its residential undergraduate program. Located in Atlanta, GA, United States. International students: 10,935 international postgraduate students (online and on-campus combined) and about 1,600 international undergraduates, representing 149 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL minimum 69, IELTS minimum 6.0, Duolingo minimum 100; GRADUATE: IELTS 7.0 overall (Reading/Listening/Speaking 6.5, Writing 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 90 with each section at 19+ Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate about 8.2% (Fall 2024).

18%intl. students

Austin, TX

University of Texas at Austin

The flagship of the University of Texas System, UT Austin is one of the largest US public research universities, particularly strong in engineering (Cockrell), business (McCombs), and computer science. Located in Austin, TX, United States. International students: More than 6,800 international students, up from 6,600+ (2024-2025) and 6,000+ (2023-2024), representing 130 countries (as of: 2025-2026). Admission requirements — Academic: Most admitted applicants present a GPA above 3.25 and SAT scores around 1420. English language: GRADUATE TOEFL: 79 (120-point scale) or 4 (6-point scale); GRADUATE IELTS: 6.5 overall (Academic) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 26.6% (2024 cycle, 19,417 admitted from 72,885 applicants) — competition is significantly tighter for out-of-state/international applicants to competitive majors.

18%intl. students

Durham, NC

Duke University

A private research university in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is known for strength in medicine, public policy (Sanford School), and its Blue Devils basketball program, and is a member of the highly selective 'Ivy Plus' tier. Located in Durham, NC, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: not strictly required, but accepted from non-native speakers: Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL; GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+, or Duolingo 120+, unless exempt via sustained English-medium schooling Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate around 6.2% overall; Early Decision around 12.9%, Regular Decision around 4.3%.

18%intl. students

Chapel Hill, NC

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The flagship of the University of North Carolina system and one of the oldest public universities in the US (chartered 1789), UNC Chapel Hill is known for strength in public health, journalism, and its Kenan-Flagler Business School. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL COMPETITIVE: 100 or higher (not a strict minimum); UNDERGRADUATE IELTS COMPETITIVE: 7.5 or higher (not a strict minimum); GRADUATE: official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Seattle, WA

University of Washington

The flagship of the University of Washington system in Seattle, UW is a major public research university particularly strong in computer science, medicine, and oceanography, closely tied to the region's tech industry. Located in Seattle, WA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 76 (prior to Jan 2026) or 4.0 (new scale), IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 110; GRADUATE: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Urbana-Champaign, IL

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The flagship of the University of Illinois system, UIUC is renowned for engineering and computer science, and hosts one of the largest international student populations of any US public university, with especially large cohorts from China and India. Located in Urbana-Champaign, IL, United States. International students: More than 3,000 international students enrolled; by country of origin: China (1,848), India (808), South Korea (263), Taiwan (159) (as of: Fall 2024 headline figure, 2023 country breakdown). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNIVERSITY WIDE MINIMUM TOEFL: 79; ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES: typically TOEFL 103 or IELTS 7.0 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

New York, NY

Fordham University

A Jesuit research university with two main campuses in the Bronx (Rose Hill) and Manhattan (Lincoln Center), Fordham is known for its Gabelli School of Business, communications and media programmes, and law school. Located in New York, NY, United States. International students: More than 2,500 international students, about 7.4% of the student body (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 90 iBT minimum; UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4.5 minimum (new scale); IELTS: 7.0 or higher; DUOLINGO: 120 or higher Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 59%.

7.4%intl. students

New York, NY

Pace University

A private university with campuses in Lower Manhattan and Westchester County (Pleasantville), Pace is known for its Lubin School of Business, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, and a Global Pathways route for students not yet meeting direct-entry English requirements. Located in New York, NY, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE VISITING: TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or PTE Academic 54; GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION: TOEFL iBT 88, TOEFL Essentials 9.5, IELTS 7.0, or PTE Academic 61; GRADUATE SEIDENBERG CSIS: TOEFL iBT 78, TOEFL Essentials 8.5, IELTS 6.5, or PTE Academic 52; GLOBAL PATHWAYS PROGRAM: TOEFL 61-66, TOEFL Essentials 7.0, IELTS 5.5, or PTE 44-46 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

New York, NY

City University of New York

A public university system of 25 campuses across all five boroughs of New York City, CUNY is one of the largest urban public university systems in the US, with member colleges spanning community colleges through PhD-granting institutions such as City College, Hunter College, and Baruch College. Located in New York, NY, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; varies by individual CUNY college. English language: COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 45 (internet-based) or IELTS 5.0 overall; COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND GRADUATE: TOEFL 79 (internet-based) or IELTS 6.5 overall; YORK COLLEGE GRADUATE: TOEFL 61+, IELTS 6+, Duolingo 85+, or PTE 44+ Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Rochester, NY

University of Rochester

A private research university in Rochester, New York, known for its Eastman School of Music, strength in optics and photonics — a legacy of the city's Kodak and Xerox history — and its distinctive open curriculum with no core requirements. Located in Rochester, NY, United States. International students: More than 12,197 students from over 100 countries; for the 2024-25 cycle, 290 international students enrolled out of 1,300 admitted from over 7,500 international applications (as of: 2024-25). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL: 90 iBT or 610 PBT; IELTS: 6.5; PTE ACADEMIC: 52; DUOLINGO: 110 Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate about 18% (2024-25 cycle); overall acceptance rate about 40.13%.

18%intl. students

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University

A private research university in Syracuse, New York, known for the Newhouse School of Public Communications (journalism and media), the Whitman School of Management, and a large, well-established international student population. Located in Syracuse, NY, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Completed 12th grade with a strong GPA for undergraduates; a recognized bachelor's degree for postgraduate applicants. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS typically 6.5-7.5, TOEFL typically 80-100; POSTGRADUATE: IELTS typically 7+ Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Troy, NY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1824 in Troy, New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the oldest technological research university in the English-speaking world, known for engineering, computer science, and strong industry-research partnerships. Located in Troy, NY, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL: 90 iBT or 610 PBT minimum; IELTS: 6.5 minimum; DUOLINGO: 115 minimum; PTE ACADEMIC: 59 minimum Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Berkeley, CA

University of California, Berkeley

The flagship of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is one of the world's leading public research universities, particularly renowned for engineering, computer science, and economics, and consistently ranks among the most selective UC campuses for international applicants. Located in Berkeley, CA, United States. International students: International students made up approximately 15% of Fall 2024's freshman class (as of: Fall 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum 3.4 GPA in UC-approved A-G courses; admitted students typically present 3.9+ unweighted. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 80 minimum (100 preferred), IELTS 6.5 minimum, or Duolingo 115; GRADUATE: TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.0-7.0, varies by programme Acceptance rate: International-applicant admission rate below 11% (Fall 2024).

15%intl. students

Los Angeles, CA

University of California, Los Angeles

One of the most selective public universities in the US, UCLA is based in Los Angeles and particularly strong in film and media, engineering, and the life sciences, hosting students from over 100 countries. Located in Los Angeles, CA, United States. International students: Over 12,000 international students and scholars from 107 countries; international students made up 11% of Fall 2024's freshman class (as of: Fall 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum 3.4 GPA in UC-approved A-G courses; admitted students typically present 3.8+ unweighted, with a median weighted GPA of 4.60 among 2024 admits. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+; competitive scores are TOEFL 130+ or IELTS 7.5+ Acceptance rate: International admission rate below 9% (one of the most selective UC campuses for international applicants).

11%intl. students

Los Angeles, CA

University of Southern California

A private research university in Los Angeles, USC is known for the Marshall School of Business, one of the most prestigious film schools in the US, and strong engineering programmes, with close ties to the entertainment industry. Located in Los Angeles, CA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 100 minimum, no section below 20; UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 5 minimum, no section below 4 (new scale); UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 7.0 (IELTS or IELTS Indicator); GRADUATE EXEMPTION TOEFL: 90 minimum, no section below 20; GRADUATE EXEMPTION IELTS: 6.5 minimum, no band below 6; SOCIAL WORK SCHOOL: TOEFL 100 (no category below 20) or IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

San Diego, CA

University of California, San Diego

A public research university on the La Jolla coast in San Diego, UC San Diego is particularly renowned for biological sciences, oceanography via the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and engineering. Located in San Diego, CA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Applicants must have completed secondary school with a superior average in academic subjects and hold a certificate of completion equivalent to a US high school diploma. English language: GRADUATE UNIVERSITY WIDE TOEFL: 85 (previous version) or 4.5 (new iBT scale); GRADUATE UNIVERSITY WIDE IELTS: 7.0 overall (Academic Training) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 24.76%.

18%intl. students

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University

A large public university in San Diego, SDSU is known for its business school, international business programmes, and a well-established international student support office. Located in San Diego, CA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: ACCEPTED TESTS: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo accepted; specific minimum scores not surfaced in this pass Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Davis, CA

University of California, Davis

Located near Sacramento, UC Davis is particularly renowned for agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences, and is one of the more accessible UC campuses by acceptance rate. Located in Davis, CA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Undergraduate applicants who studied in the US for fewer than three years in a non-English language of instruction must demonstrate English proficiency. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL: 80 minimum; UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 7.0 minimum (9-point scale) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 42%.

18%intl. students

Irvine, CA

University of California, Irvine

A public research university in Orange County, UC Irvine is known for its Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences and a fast-growing international graduate population, drawing students from over 65 countries. Located in Irvine, CA, United States. International students: Nearly 1,000 international graduate students from over 65 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum high school GPA of 3.0; competitive SAT range 1130-1350 for undergraduate international applicants. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80, paper-based 60, or IELTS 6.5; GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 7.0 overall, no band below 6.0 Acceptance rate: Overall admit rate about 28.9% (Fall 2025); in-state applicants faced a tighter 22% rate versus 50% for out-of-state.

18%intl. students

Santa Barbara, CA

University of California, Santa Barbara

A public research university on the Santa Barbara coast, UC Santa Barbara is known for strength in physics and materials science alongside a well-regarded undergraduate experience, drawing students from 107 countries. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, United States. International students: Students come from 107 different countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 80 minimum, or IELTS 6.5 minimum (academic modules); GRADUATE: IELTS 7.0 minimum, or Duolingo 120 as an alternative Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 28-33%.

18%intl. students

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose State University has particularly strong ties to the tech industry through its engineering and computer science programmes, drawing international students seeking proximity to major tech employers. Located in San Jose, CA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 61, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 95 minimum; GRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE Academic 53, or Duolingo 120 minimum Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Chicago, IL

University of Chicago

A private research university on Chicago's South Side, UChicago is known for its rigorous Core Curriculum, the Booth School of Business, and a long list of Nobel laureates, particularly in economics. Located in Chicago, IL, United States. International students: 4,748 international students out of 18,452 total students, about 13%, from more than 100 countries (as of: reported 2023). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: MINIMUM: TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 130; ACCEPTED GRADUATE TESTS: only TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic accepted for graduate applications — Duolingo, PTE, and TOEFL ITP Plus explicitly rejected Acceptance rate: Institutional acceptance rate roughly 4.5% (2024-2025 cycle).

13%intl. students

Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute of Technology

A private technology-focused university on Chicago's South Side, Illinois Tech (IIT) is known for engineering, architecture — via its Mies van der Rohe-designed campus — and a majority-international graduate student body. Located in Chicago, IL, United States. International students: More than half of Illinois Tech's graduate students are international (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS Academic 6.5, or Duolingo 115; GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each subsection), or Duolingo 115 overall (110 in each subsection) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University

A private research university based in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago, Northwestern is known for the Kellogg School of Management, the Medill School of Journalism, and highly selective undergraduate admissions. Located in Evanston, IL, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic, highly competitive. English language: GENERAL MINIMUM: TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.5+, or Duolingo 120+; PHD MINIMUM: TOEFL 90, IELTS 7.0 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 7-8% (7.5% for Class of 2028, 7.2% for Classes of 2026-2027).

18%intl. students

Boston, MA

Boston University

A large private research university in the heart of Boston, BU is known for its Questrom School of Business, communication programmes, and one of the largest international student populations of any US private university. Located in Boston, MA, United States. International students: Over 7,000 to 12,845 international students depending on the measure used, from 100-140+ countries; 23% of the Class of 2028 is international (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: COMPETITIVE TOEFL: 90 or higher (recommended overall 84, or 4.5 new scale, for graduate); COMPETITIVE IELTS: 7.0 or higher (recommended 6.5 for graduate) Acceptance rate: Class of 2028 acceptance rate approximately 14%.

23%intl. students

Boston, MA

Northeastern University

A private research university in Boston known for its cooperative education (co-op) model — extended paid work placements integrated into the degree — and for hosting one of the largest international student populations of any US university. Located in Boston, MA, United States. International students: More than 20,000 international students from 141 countries — reportedly the second-highest international enrollment of any US university (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: RECOMMENDED: IELTS 7.5-8.0 or TOEFL 106+; TYPICAL UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 90-100+ (79-85 for many programmes), IELTS 7.0+ Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 6%; international-applicant acceptance rate reportedly 4-8% over the last decade.

18%intl. students

Boston, MA

Boston College

A Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Boston College is known for the Carroll School of Management and a strong liberal arts core. Located in Boston, MA, United States. International students: International students account for more than 30% of the Carroll School of Management specifically; a university-wide figure was not surfaced (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL MINIMUM: 100 (iBT/Home Edition), 250 (computer-based), 600 (paper-based); IELTS MINIMUM: 7.5 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 16%.

30%intl. students

Medford, MA

Tufts University

A private research university based in Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts, Tufts is known for international relations via the Fletcher School, a strong pre-medical program, and a genuinely global undergraduate body across 89 countries. Located in Medford, MA, United States. International students: More than 3,300 students representing 89 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: MINIMUM: TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 115; FLETCHER SCHOOL GRADUATE: TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate reported as 11-14% depending on source/year.

18%intl. students

Waltham, MA

Brandeis University

A private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis is a relatively young institution (founded 1948) known for strong sciences and social-justice-oriented programmes, while remaining non-sectarian. Located in Waltham, MA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: RECOMMENDED TOEFL IBT: 100+; RECOMMENDED TOEFL ITP: 627+; RECOMMENDED IELTS: 7.0+; RECOMMENDED DUOLINGO: 130+; RECOMMENDED PTE: 68+ Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Worcester, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

A private technological university in Worcester, Massachusetts, WPI is known for its project-based curriculum — the 'WPI Plan' — integrating real-world projects into every degree, particularly in engineering and robotics. Located in Worcester, MA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE RECOMMENDED: TOEFL 90 (no sub-score below 20), or IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5); GRADUATE GENERAL: TOEFL 84, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 115; GRADUATE BUSINESS MASTERS: TOEFL 90, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 115; GRADUATE BUSINESS PHD: TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.5 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University

A private research university in Philadelphia known for its cooperative education (co-op) programme integrating paid, full-time work experience into most degrees, alongside strong engineering and design programmes. Located in Philadelphia, PA, United States. International students: About 5,000 international students, scholars, and faculty combined, out of 22,344 total students (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL MINIMUM: 550 (paper) / 88 (computer); IELTS MINIMUM: 6.5 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 79.6%; acceptance rate for international students specifically about 67.8%.

18%intl. students

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University

A large public research university in Philadelphia known for the Fox School of Business, journalism via the Klein College of Media and Communication, and law. Located in Philadelphia, PA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: DIRECT ADMISSION TOEFL: 79 iBT (or 4.0 new scale, all sub-sections); DIRECT ADMISSION IELTS: 6.0; DIRECT ADMISSION PTE: 53; PROVISIONAL ADMISSION TOEFL: 65-78; PROVISIONAL ADMISSION IELTS: 5.5; PROVISIONAL ADMISSION PTE: 46-52 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 83%.

18%intl. students

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University

A private research university in Pittsburgh, CMU is renowned for computer science via its School of Computer Science and for drama, with one of the highest international student proportions of any major US research university. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, United States. International students: 6,674 international students out of 15,888 total students (42.01%), including 1,405 undergraduates and 5,269 graduate students; international students made up 19% of the undergraduate body (as of: 2024-2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: IELTS MINIMUM: 7.5 overall; TOEFL MINIMUM BEFORE JAN2026: 102 overall, subscores of 25+ considered Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 11.7% (3,959 admitted from 33,941 applicants, 2024).

42.01%intl. students

Pittsburgh, PA

University of Pittsburgh

The flagship public research university of the Pittsburgh region, Pitt is known for medicine, its Cathedral of Learning landmark building, and a substantial though recently declining international student population. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, United States. International students: 2,711 total international students, a 5.2% decline from Fall 2024; international students make up about 11.3% of the student body (as of: Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: IELTS MINIMUM: 6.5; TOEFL MINIMUM BEFORE JAN2026: 80 (department-dependent, often higher); TOEFL MINIMUM AFTER JAN2026: 4.0, all subscores 4.0+; COMPETITIVE: IELTS 7.0 (subscores 6.0+), Duolingo 125+, or TOEFL 95+ (subscores 20+) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 58-59.4%.

5.2%intl. students

University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University

The flagship of the Penn State system based in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State is one of the largest US universities by enrollment, with strengths across engineering, business (Smeal), and a large international graduate population. Located in University Park, PA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL MINIMUM: 80 overall, minimum 19 on speaking; IELTS MINIMUM: 6.5 overall (Academic) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Storrs, CT

University of Connecticut

The flagship public research university of Connecticut, based in Storrs, UConn is known for its business school, pharmacy programme, and strong Division I athletics. Located in Storrs, CT, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Test-optional policy in effect for undergraduate admission. English language: TOEFL MINIMUM: 79 (internet-based) / 4.5 (new scale, programme-dependent); IELTS MINIMUM: 6.5 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University

The flagship public research university of New Jersey, spread across New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden campuses, Rutgers is known for pharmacy, business via Rutgers Business School, and one of the largest international student populations among US public universities. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, United States. International students: About 9,000 international students from over 120 countries, out of 70,876 admitted students (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GENERAL TOEFL: 79 (internet-based); GENERAL IELTS: 6.5; GENERAL DUOLINGO: 105; SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH: TOEFL iBT 88 or IELTS 7.5 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate around 66-68% across campuses collectively; lower for competitive programmes like Nursing and Business.

18%intl. students

Hoboken, NJ

Stevens Institute of Technology

A private technological university in Hoboken, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Stevens is known for engineering, computer science, and quantitative finance, with a global student community from 50+ countries. Located in Hoboken, NJ, United States. International students: Students from 50+ countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GRADUATE: TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ in each component; UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 550 (paper) / 80 (internet-based), or IELTS 6.0 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Washington, DC

George Washington University

Located blocks from the White House in downtown Washington, DC, George Washington University (GW) is known for its Elliott School of International Affairs and strong ties to government, policy, and law careers. Located in Washington, DC, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 90 minimum; UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4.5 minimum (new scale); GRADUATE GENERAL: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 81, or PTE Academic 53 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate around 44%.

18%intl. students

Washington, DC

American University

Located in northwest Washington, DC, American University is known for the School of International Service — one of the largest schools of international affairs in the US — and strong programmes in public policy and communications. Located in Washington, DC, United States. International students: Total enrollment of 14,311 students from across 123 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GENERAL: IELTS 7.0 minimum, TOEFL 100 minimum, PTE 68 minimum, or Duolingo 120 minimum Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University

The flagship land-grant university of Michigan, based in East Lansing, MSU is known for its College of Communication Arts and Sciences, agriculture programmes, and one of the largest campuses in the US. Located in East Lansing, MI, United States. International students: 4,419 international students (8.48% of enrollment) for 2024-2025, including 2,182 undergraduate and 2,237 graduate students; Fall 2025 enrollment declined 3.8% to 4,589 from 4,768 (as of: 2024-2025 / Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL: 79 or above, no subscore below 17; UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 6.5 or higher; UNDERGRADUATE PROVISIONAL: TOEFL 60-78 or IELTS 6.0; GRADUATE TOEFL: 550 paper / 80 internet-based, no subscore below 19 (22 for writing); GRADUATE PROVISIONAL: TOEFL 520 paper / 70 internet-based, or IELTS 6 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 84.8% (2024-25 cycle, 52,690 admitted from 62,138 applicants).

8.48%intl. students

Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University

A public technological university in Houghton, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Michigan Tech is known for engineering, forestry, and applied sciences, and charges the same tuition rate to international and domestic graduate students alike. Located in Houghton, MI, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. English language: IELTS MINIMUM: 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 on speaking and writing; TOEFL GRADUATE MINIMUM: 79 overall (100 iBT recommended); TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4.5 minimum Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Atlanta, GA

Emory University

A private research university in Atlanta, Emory is known for Goizueta Business School, its close ties to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and strong pre-medical and public health programmes. Located in Atlanta, GA, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 5.5 or higher recommended (new 1-6 scale); UNDERGRADUATE IELTS EXPECTED: 7.5 overall (not a strict cutoff); ROLLINS SPH GRADUATE TOEFL: 550 paper / 213 CBT / 79-80 iBT (before Jan 2026) / 4 overall (after); ROLLINS SPH GRADUATE IELTS: 6.0 overall Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 10%.

18%intl. students

Athens, GA

University of Georgia

The flagship public research university of Georgia, based in Athens, UGA is known for journalism through Grady College, business through Terry College, and is one of the oldest state-chartered universities in the US (1785). Located in Athens, GA, United States. International students: Approximately 2,466 international students (5.72% of total enrollment), including 435 undergraduate and 2,031 graduate students, from 125 countries (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL or IELTS scores accepted; specific minimums not surfaced; GRADUATE TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 80 overall, at least 20 on speaking and writing; GRADUATE TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4.5 overall, at least 4 on speaking and writing; GRADUATE IELTS: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 Acceptance rate: Fall 2023 acceptance rate about 37.1%.

5.72%intl. students

Houston, TX

Rice University

A private research university in Houston, Rice is known for its small size relative to its research output, strength in engineering and the natural sciences, and a residential college system similar to Oxbridge. Located in Houston, TX, United States. International students: About 25.6% of enrolled students are international (approximately 2,275 students), from more than 108 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE BEFORE JAN2026: TOEFL 100 minimum; UNDERGRADUATE AFTER JAN2026: TOEFL 5.0 minimum (new scale); GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 4.5+ (90 before Jan 2026), IELTS 7, or Duolingo 115 Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate about 3.95% (roughly 300 admitted from nearly 8,000 international applications, Fall 2024) — notably tighter than the overall ~8% rate.

25.6%intl. students

Houston, TX

University of Houston

The flagship of the University of Houston System, UH is known for its Bauer College of Business, Cullen College of Engineering, and a large, diverse student body reflecting Houston's international character. Located in Houston, TX, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GENERAL IELTS: 6.5 minimum (graduate departments may require up to 7.0); GENERAL TOEFL: 79 minimum; DUOLINGO: 105 minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 61%.

18%intl. students

College Station, TX

Texas A&M University

The flagship of the Texas A&M University System in College Station, Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the US, known for engineering, agriculture, and a strong Corps of Cadets military tradition. Located in College Station, TX, United States. International students: 8,000+ international students from 140 countries, making up more than 12% of the student body (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: FRESHMAN: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, or TOEFL Essentials 8.5 (within two years); GRADUATE: TOEFL Essentials 8.5 or IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (within two years) Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate approximately 56.5-63%, close to the general admit rate.

12%intl. students

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University

A private university in Dallas, Texas, SMU is known for the Cox School of Business, the Dedman School of Law, and strong ties to the Dallas-Fort Worth business community. Located in Dallas, TX, United States. International students: More than 12,000 total students (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GENERAL TOEFL: 80 minimum; GENERAL IELTS: 6.5 minimum; TOEFL ESSENTIALS: 8.5 minimum, minimum 8 in all subsections Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University

A private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt is known for Peabody College of education, its law school, and a highly selective undergraduate admissions process. Located in Nashville, TN, United States. International students: International students made up 10.2% of the undergraduate population (Fall 2022, 70 countries); 13.4% of Regular Decision admits for the Class of 2030 were international (as of: Fall 2022 / Class of 2030 cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0, unless exempt via SAT EBRW 630+/ACT English 26+ or English-medium schooling; GRADUATE TOEFL: 89 minimum; GRADUATE IELTS: typically 7.0, varies by programme Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 5.1% across cycles (3.7% Regular Decision, Class of 2028); international-applicant acceptance rate about 4.3%.

10.2%intl. students

Knoxville, TN

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The flagship public research university of Tennessee, UT Knoxville is known for engineering, nuclear science tied to nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a global community from more than 100 countries. Located in Knoxville, TN, United States. International students: Enrolls over 33,000 total students, with international students from more than 100 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL 70-80, IELTS 6.5+, or Duolingo 105-120; TYPICAL MINIMUM: TOEFL 550 paper / 80 iBT / IELTS 6.5 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Coral Gables, FL

University of Miami

A private research university in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami is known for marine science through the Rosenstiel School, business, and a large international student community reflecting Miami's global ties, especially to Latin America. Located in Coral Gables, FL, United States. International students: Approximately 3,000 international students out of more than 19,000 total students, from around 120 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE AVERAGE IELTS: 6.5; UNDERGRADUATE AVERAGE TOEFL: 80 (competitive applicants score above 80 on the 0-120 scale); GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION: TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5 minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 19%.

18%intl. students

Miami, FL

Florida International University

A large public research university based in Miami, FIU is known for its Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and strong ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting Miami's international character. Located in Miami, FL, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Direct-admission first-time-in-college international students are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, subject to other criteria. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 110; GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80 (or 4.5 after Jan 2026) or IELTS 6.5 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Gainesville, FL

University of Florida

The flagship public research university of Florida, based in Gainesville, UF is one of the largest and most selective US public universities, known for pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and a broad academic offering. Located in Gainesville, FL, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL paper 550 / computer-based 213 / internet-based 80, IELTS 6.0, or MELAB 77; GRADUATE RECOMMENDED: Bachelor's with 3.0 GPA plus IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 20% (Class of 2029); international-applicant acceptance rate also around 20%.

18%intl. students

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University

The flagship public research university based in Tallahassee, Florida State is known for its College of Business, film school, and strong Division I athletics. Located in Tallahassee, FL, United States. International students: Around 1,700 international students enrolled each year (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL IBT: 80 overall minimum, minimum 20 in each section (100 for College of Business graduate programmes); IELTS: 6.5 overall minimum, no band below 6.0 (7 for graduate business programmes); PTE: 66 minimum; DUOLINGO: 120 minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 25%.

18%intl. students

Madison, WI

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The flagship public research university of Wisconsin, UW-Madison is known for its strength in the biological sciences, journalism, and a historically strong graduate program tradition, on a campus bordering Lake Mendota. Located in Madison, WI, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL: 80 iBT minimum; IELTS: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0; DUOLINGO: 115 minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 43%.

18%intl. students

St. Louis, MO

Washington University in St. Louis

A private research university in St. Louis, Missouri, WashU is known for medicine, its Olin Business School, and a highly selective undergraduate admissions process. Located in St. Louis, MO, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Typical minimum GPA of 3.5 for undergraduate; SAT middle-50% range 1500-1570, ACT 33-35. English language: TOEFL IBT MINIMUM: 90; IELTS ACADEMIC MINIMUM: 6.5; HIGHER STANDARD PROGRAMMES: IELTS 7 recommended Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 12% (25% Early Decision, 8% Regular Decision).

18%intl. students

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University

The flagship public research university of Ohio, based in Columbus, Ohio State is one of the largest US universities by enrollment, known for a broad academic offering and major Division I athletics. Located in Columbus, OH, United States. International students: 5,901 international students out of 66,901 total enrollment (as of: Fall 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum GPA equivalent to a 3.0 (B average) in university coursework. English language: TOEFL TYPICAL: 80 iBT, minimum subscores of 20 in each section (or 550 old paper-based / 213 old computer-based); IELTS TYPICAL: 6.5, minimum subscores of 6.0 in each section Acceptance rate: International-student acceptance rate about 28%.

18%intl. students

Cincinnati, OH

University of Cincinnati

A large public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its co-operative education (co-op) programme — one of the oldest in the US — and strong design, architecture, and engineering programmes. Located in Cincinnati, OH, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: IELTS: 6.5 overall for undergraduate and graduate; TOEFL: 79 iBT, minimum 15 reading/20 writing/20 speaking; DUOLINGO: 100 overall (100 production, 100 conversation); PTE: 53 minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 85.3%; international-applicant acceptance rate about 68.9%.

18%intl. students

Kent, OH

Kent State University

A public university in Kent, Ohio, known for its fashion school — one of the few university-based fashion design programmes in the US — and journalism programme, with a relatively accessible admissions process for international applicants. Located in Kent, OH, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 6.0; GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 6.0, or PTE 48; INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 54, IELTS 5.0, or Duolingo 75; INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY PROGRAM GRADUATE: TOEFL 61, IELTS 5.5, or Duolingo 90 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University

A private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, formed by the 1967 merger of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, known for biomedical engineering and a genuinely global undergraduate body. Located in Cleveland, OH, United States. International students: Nearly one-fourth of CWRU undergraduates are citizens of a country other than the US, representing more than 100 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 90 (internet-based) or 577 (paper-based); TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4.5 minimum; IELTS: 7.0 (6.5 for Course Focused Engineering master's programmes) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate around 35%.

18%intl. students

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington

The flagship of the Indiana University system, IU Bloomington is known for its Kelley School of Business, the Jacobs School of Music, and a large, globally diverse student body. Located in Bloomington, IN, United States. International students: 4,984 international students at the Bloomington campus; over 7,200 across all IU campuses, representing 164 nations (as of: Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Average grade of B or equivalent in high school for undergraduate; graduate applicants need a 3.0/4.0 GPA and an average GRE score of 319. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 6.0; GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 78.2% (Fall 2025); international-applicant acceptance rate about 70.6% (Fall 2023: 3,398 admitted from 4,810 international applications).

18%intl. students

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University

A public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue is renowned for engineering and aviation/aerospace, and hosts one of the largest international student populations of any US public university. Located in West Lafayette, IN, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 88 minimum, at least 20 per section; TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4.5 minimum, at least 4.0 per section; IELTS: 6.5 or higher, minimum 6.0 in each section (IELTS Online Academic and IELTS Indicator accepted; IELTS General Training NOT accepted) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 50%.

18%intl. students

Minneapolis, MN

University of Minnesota

The flagship of the University of Minnesota system, based in the Twin Cities, the university is known for its Carlson School of Management and strong medical and public health programmes. Located in Minneapolis, MN, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL: 80 iBT minimum; IELTS: 6.5 Academic minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 80%.

18%intl. students

Ames, IA

Iowa State University

A public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa, known for agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering, with a community of over 2,700 international students from more than 100 countries. Located in Ames, IA, United States. International students: Over 2,700 international students from more than 100 countries; Fall 2024: 2,250 admitted from almost 3,300 international applications, though only about 190 enrolled (as of: Fall 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum high school GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0; four years of English, three years of science (with two lab sciences), three years of mathematics, two years of social studies. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL: 71, minimum 17 in speaking and writing; UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 6.0, no section below 5.5; GRADUATE TOEFL: 550 paper / 79 internet-based; GRADUATE IELTS MINIMUM: 6.5 Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate about 68.3% admitted, though actual enrollment yield was much lower (about 190 of 2,250 admits).

18%intl. students

Iowa City, IA

University of Iowa

The flagship public research university of Iowa, based in Iowa City, known for its Writers' Workshop (creative writing) and a strong medical school, with international students making up about 5.5% of enrollment. Located in Iowa City, IA, United States. International students: International students make up 5.5% of enrollment; total enrollment 31,452 (22,130 undergraduate, 6,079 graduate) (as of: Fall 2023-2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum 3.0 GPA and three years of completed high school coursework for undergraduate; SAT/ACT not required for applicants from outside the US except for scholarships, Tippie Direct Admission, or the Honors Program. English language: TOEFL: 80 overall, minimum 17 in each section; IELTS: 6.5 overall, minimum 6 in each section; DUOLINGO: 105 minimum; ACT ENGLISH ALTERNATIVE: 21 minimum; SAT READING ALTERNATIVE: 29 minimum; GRADUATE ENGLISH PLACEMENT WAIVER: TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 8.0+ waives an on-campus English Placement Evaluation Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 83.62%; international-applicant acceptance rate about 44% (Fall 2023: 726 admitted from 1,648 applications).

5.5%intl. students

Lawrence, KS

University of Kansas

The flagship public research university of Kansas, based in Lawrence, KU is known for pharmacy, journalism, and Division I basketball, hosting nearly 2,000 international students. Located in Lawrence, KS, United States. International students: 1,924 international students, of which 294 are of Indian origin (as of: Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum GPA of 2.5 (75%) for graduate programmes; some courses require GMAT or GRE. English language: TOEFL: 80 iBT or 610 PBT; IELTS: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 88%; international-applicant acceptance rate about 78%.

18%intl. students

Lincoln, NE

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The flagship public research university of Nebraska, based in Lincoln, known for agriculture, engineering, and Division I football, hosting international students from more than 130 countries. Located in Lincoln, NE, United States. International students: Over 2,485 international students from more than 130 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 for both undergraduate (with a high school diploma) and graduate (with a four-year bachelor's degree) applicants. English language: TOEFL BEFORE JAN2026: 79 iBT minimum; TOEFL AFTER JAN2026: 4 minimum (new scale); IELTS: 6.5 overall (Academic test only — General Training not accepted); DUOLINGO GRADUATE: 120 minimum Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

College Park, MD

University of Maryland, College Park

The flagship public research university of Maryland, based in College Park just outside Washington, DC, UMD is known for its Robert H. Smith School of Business and strong computer science and engineering programmes, benefiting from proximity to federal research agencies. Located in College Park, MD, United States. International students: 4,889 international students (11.72%) for 2024-2025, including 1,143 undergraduate and 3,746 graduate; declined from about 4,260 (Fall 2024) to about 3,980 (Fall 2025), a 6.7% drop (as of: 2024-2025 / Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL: 96 minimum; UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 7.0 minimum (typical) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 44%.

11.72%intl. students

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University

The flagship technical/land-grant university of North Carolina's 'Research Triangle,' NC State is known for engineering, textiles, and design, hosting a substantial international student body. Located in Raleigh, NC, United States. International students: 3,733 international students (9.71%), including 722 undergraduate and 3,011 graduate; other sources cite 6,000+ total across all measures, from over 120 nations (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL IBT: 80 overall, minimum 18 in each section; IELTS: 6.5 overall minimum; DUOLINGO: 110 minimum Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate about 22.8%; overall university acceptance rate about 39.5%.

9.71%intl. students

Charlottesville, VA

University of Virginia

A public research university founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, UVA is known for its distinctive 'Academical Village' campus, strong pre-law and pre-med tracks, and highly selective admissions. Located in Charlottesville, VA, United States. International students: 2,543 international students (9.63%), including 886 undergraduate and 1,657 graduate; nearly 3,000 students from 109 countries in 2023-24; Class of 2030 offered admission to 971 international students from 83 countries (as of: 2023-24 / Class of 2030 cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0 (typical); GRADUATE: varies by programme; IELTS typically 7.0 in each section Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 17%; international-applicant acceptance rate about 10.4%.

9.63%intl. students

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University

One of the largest public universities in the US by enrollment, based in Tempe, Arizona, ASU is known for its W. P. Carey School of Business and a deliberately high-access admissions philosophy relative to most large research universities. Located in Tempe, AZ, United States. International students: Over 17,900 international students from 165+ countries at peak; declined to about 11,000 in a recent fall from 14,000 the prior year, a 20% drop attributed to visa processing delays (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE IELTS: 6.0 minimum; UNDERGRADUATE TOEFL: 61 minimum; GRADUATE IELTS: 6.5 minimum; GRADUATE TOEFL: 80 minimum; GRADUATE DUOLINGO: 105 minimum; GRADUATE PTE: 60 minimum (Master's) Acceptance rate: International-applicant acceptance rate approximately 89.6-90% (Fall 2025) — one of the most accessible major US research universities for international applicants.

20%intl. students

Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

The flagship public research university of Arizona, based in Tucson, known for astronomy and optical sciences — home to major telescope facilities — and a growing international student body from a record 141 countries. Located in Tucson, AZ, United States. International students: 3,649 international students, about 6.9% of the total student body (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS 6.5 overall, or TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 60, or Duolingo 110; GRADUATE: IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 79, or PTE 60 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 85-90% (rising from 87% in Fall 2024); international-applicant acceptance rate about 57.7%.

6.9%intl. students

Boulder, CO

University of Colorado Boulder

The flagship public research university of Colorado, based in Boulder at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, CU Boulder is known for aerospace engineering and environmental sciences. Located in Boulder, CO, United States. International students: More than 2,900 international students from over 100 countries, with the largest groups from China, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and South Korea (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Typical admitted GPA of 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale; holistic review. English language: ENGINEERING MAJORS: TOEFL 83, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 125; OTHER MAJORS: TOEFL 75, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 120 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 76-81%.

18%intl. students

Salt Lake City, UT

University of Utah

The flagship public research university of Utah, based in Salt Lake City, known for its medical school, entrepreneurship programmes, and proximity to major ski resorts, hosting students from 106 countries. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, United States. International students: 3,467 total international students and scholars from 106 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL: 80 minimum (typical); IELTS: 6.5 overall minimum, no band below 6.0 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 86-87% (2024-2025 cycle, 23,062 admitted from 26,822 applicants).

18%intl. students

Eugene, OR

University of Oregon

The flagship public research university of Oregon, based in Eugene, known for its journalism school, architecture, and a strong track and field/athletics tradition. Located in Eugene, OR, United States. International students: 824 international students (3.38%), including 287 undergraduate and 537 graduate — a notable decline from a historical high of 1,293 (836 undergraduate) (as of: recent cycle). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: MINIMUM: TOEFL 88, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 120 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 84-88%.

3.38%intl. students

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University

A public land-grant research university in Corvallis, Oregon, known for oceanography, forestry, and engineering, with a growing international graduate population from almost 90 countries. Located in Corvallis, OR, United States. International students: 2,181 international students (Fall 2025); over 900 international graduate students from almost 90 countries; top countries India, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Kuwait (as of: Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE MINIMUM: TOEFL iBT 60 or IELTS 5.5; UNDERGRADUATE HIGHER STANDARD: TOEFL iBT 70 or IELTS 6.0; UNDERGRADUATE STANDARD BEFORE JAN2026: TOEFL iBT 80, minimum 16 per subsection; GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 80 (minimum 18 per subsection) or IELTS 6.5; GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP: TOEFL speaking 22 or IELTS speaking 7.0 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 77-78.8%.

18%intl. students

Auburn, AL

Auburn University

A public land-grant research university in Auburn, Alabama, known for aerospace engineering, veterinary medicine, and major Division I football and athletics. Located in Auburn, AL, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL 79 (no part below 18) or IELTS 6.5 (no sub-score below 6.0); GRADUATE: TOEFL 550 paper / 213 computer / 79 internet-based (minimum 16 each section), or IELTS 6.5 overall Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 44%.

18%intl. students

Tuscaloosa, AL

University of Alabama

The flagship public research university of Alabama, based in Tuscaloosa, known for its Culverhouse College of Business and a rapidly growing enrollment, alongside major Division I football. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, United States. International students: 1,289 international students for Fall 2025, up from 1,207 (95 countries) in 2024 (as of: Fall 2025). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, DET 110, or PTE 59; GRADUATE: TOEFL 550 paper / 79 iBT, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105, or PTE 59 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 71.2% (Fall 2025: 44,124 admitted from 61,994 applicants, 8,127 enrolled).

18%intl. students

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University

The flagship public research university of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, known for petroleum engineering, tied to the state's oil and gas industry, and major Division I athletics, hosting students from over 130 countries. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, United States. International students: 1,590+ international students from 130+ countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Equivalent of a US high school diploma with a 'B' average (3.0+/4.0) for first-time freshman applicants. English language: LOWER TIER PROGRAMMES: IELTS 5.5 (no part below 5.0) or TOEFL 68 (no sub-score below 14); STANDARD PROGRAMMES: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79 (iBT) / 550 (PBT) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

New Orleans, LA

Tulane University

A private research university in New Orleans, Tulane is known for its Freeman School of Business, public health programmes, and a distinctive New Orleans culture woven into student life. Located in New Orleans, LA, United States. International students: 350+ international undergraduates, 900+ international graduate students, 90+ international exchange students; more than 11% of all Tulane students are international, from 83 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; holistic. English language: TYPICAL SUCCESSFUL SCORES: TOEFL 95+, IELTS 6.5+, or Duolingo 130+; SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE MINIMUM: TOEFL iBT 5 (after Jan 2026) or 90 (before Jan 2026) Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 11% (Fall 2024: 4,828 admitted from 43,891 applicants).

11%intl. students

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky

The flagship public research university of Kentucky, based in Lexington, known for its College of Engineering and major Division I basketball, hosting international students from more than 130 countries. Located in Lexington, KY, United States. International students: Approximately 11% of over 25,000 total students are international, from more than 130 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (65%) for undergraduate international applicants. English language: FRESHMAN BEFORE JAN2026: TOEFL iBT 71+; FRESHMAN AFTER JAN2026: 4+ overall and subscores (new scale); FRESHMAN ALTERNATIVES: IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105; STANDARD ADMISSION: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0, PTE 53, or Duolingo 110 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 92.1% (2024: 26,000 admitted from 28,233 applications).

11%intl. students

Clemson, SC

Clemson University

A public land-grant research university in Clemson, South Carolina, known for engineering, architecture, and major Division I football, with a relatively small but growing international student population. Located in Clemson, SC, United States. International students: More than 1,400 international students, about 1% of the overall student body (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: TOEFL IBT: 80 minimum; IELTS: 6.5 overall minimum Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate about 42% (Class of 2030 cycle); international-applicant acceptance rate about 38.44% (Fall 2025: 560 admitted from 1,457 applications).

1%intl. students

Las Vegas, NV

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

A public research university in Las Vegas, Nevada, known for its William F. Harrah College of Hospitality — one of the top hospitality management programmes in the US, reflecting Las Vegas's tourism and gaming industry. Located in Las Vegas, NV, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: First-year international applicants: 3.0 cumulative GPA, or 1120 SAT (EBRW + Math), or 22 ACT composite. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 72 (no section under 17), PTE Academic 59, or Duolingo 100; GRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0); HOTEL COLLEGE: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Michigan Exam 81 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Honolulu, HI

University of Hawaii at Manoa

The flagship public research university of Hawaii, based in Honolulu, known for oceanography, astronomy via the Mauna Kea observatories, and Asia-Pacific studies given its unique geographic position. Located in Honolulu, HI, United States. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 68, TOEFL ITP 520, or IELTS 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5); GRADUATE: TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.

18%intl. students

Waco, TX

Baylor University

A private Baptist research university in Waco, Texas, Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, founded in 1845, known for its Hankamer School of Business and a rapidly growing international student population. Located in Waco, TX, United States. International students: 963 international students in the most recent semester, up from 895 in 2023 and 2024 (as of: recent semester). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80; GRADUATE MASTERS PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE: IELTS 6.5 and Duolingo 125; GRADUATE PHD RESEARCH: TOEFL 4.5 (new scale); BUSINESS PROGRAMMES: TOEFL 600 paper / 250 computer / 100 internet-based, and IELTS 7.0 Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate approximately 51%.

18%intl. students