International Applicants

International applicants to Northwestern include citizens of foreign countries in foreign education systems, citizens of foreign countries in the United States educational system, and United State citizens studying abroad. All applicants to Northwestern, international and domestic, apply using the same process and timeline. International applicants are evaluated in the same group as domestic students except for citizens of foreign countries who apply for financial aid (see our section on financial aid for international students for more information).

Applications are submitted and reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admission for entrance to one of Northwestern's six undergraduate schools. Admission to Northwestern is determined by a detailed review of an applicant's academic records, test scores, recommendations from teachers or counselors, involvement outside the classroom, and submitted essays. Northwestern is looking for motivated students from a variety of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in diverse ways.

International students interested in applying to Northwestern should carefully review the following information before beginning the application process. When you are ready, please follow the standard instructions for applying as an incoming freshman or as a transfer applicant. Deadlines for both applications can be found in Applications and Deadlines.

Secondary School Report (PDF)

Strong candidates for admission are encouraged to take a demanding program of study throughout their secondary school career. "Demanding program" is defined differently in each country, school, and educational system. Northwestern does not prescribe the curriculum candidates should study in secondary school, but expects clear academic success and strong results in all courses and on all examinations.

Prior to the expected date of enrollment of Northwestern, students should complete an academic program which would allow them to enter a university in their home country. For example, students in a British-based education system should complete A-level examinations before enrollment. Most applicants will begin the application process during their final year of pre-university preparation. Students who have already enrolled at another postsecondary institution are not eligible for freshmen admission and should apply for transfer admission.

Due to application materials deadlines, applicants should have their schools send predicted scores for university entrance examinations (i.e., A-level, Baccalaureate, Abitur, International Baccalaureate, Australian HSC, etc.) to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Admitted students should send official copies of the final results when they become available. These final scores will be evaluated by the University registrar on an individual basis for the possible award of up to one full year of academic credit.

Test Scores

Northwestern University requires all undergraduate applicants, whether educated in the United States or abroad, to submit the results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT Reasoning Test) or American College Test (ACT) with writing.

Two SAT Subject Test scores are required of all applicants to the Honors Program in Medical Education, and three SAT Subject Test scores are required for the Integrated Sciences Program. SAT Subject Tests are recommended for all other applicants. Higher SAT Subject Test scores tend to offset lower SAT Reasoning Test or ACT results.

English Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. An evaluation of English proficiency includes reviewing all test scores, grades in classes taught in English, writing samples, and comments by recommenders.

International applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit exam results from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

International applicants who complete 3 to 4 years of their secondary school curriculum in English and score 650 or above on the Critical Reading section of the SAT Reasoning Test are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Northwestern does not accept scores from other English proficiency exams, including the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (ITP).

Please see our International Student Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about English proficiency requirements.

Visa Information

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents require a visa to attend a university in the United States. Admitted students will receive detailed instructions about the procedure for obtaining a visa.

How to Apply

International applicants follow our general application process. Please refer to the instructions for applying as an incoming freshman or as a transfer applicant. Deadlines for application can be found on the Applications and Deadlines page.