International Students Admission to MIT

Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Country: United States

City (Metropolitan Area): Boston -- MA

Applicant Eligible Countries: Worldwide

Type of Opportunity: Degree

Study Levels: Undergraduate

Academic Year: 2018 - 2019

Application Deadline: February 15, 2018

Price: $49,892

MIT - Building - Outside Landscape

MIT welcomes international applicants to its prestigious programs. Each year, over 4,000 international students apply to MIT, though only about 150 can be accepted. Although the international process is slightly different for each student, depending on language proficiency and deadlines, the university is open to applicants from all around the world.

The application process for American schools may be different for many international students. Any student who does not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is considered an international applicant. This is regardless of where a student lives or attend schools. If a student holds a green card, he or she does not have to follow the international application process.

Students should apply during their final year of high school (most at seventeen to eighteen years of age, though MIT does accept younger and older students). Students who have already attended or enrolled at another university, whether in the United States or abroad, should apply as transfer students.

The number of accepted international students is so limited because MIT aims to be generous with its financial aid. MIT is “need blind”, meaning that they will not view a student as disadvantaged in the admissions process due to his or her financial need. MIT provides enough financial aid so that each individual student can afford to attend.
Nevertheless, over 116 countries are represented at MIT. Nine percent of undergraduates at MIT are international. 40% of graduate students are international.

To apply to MIT, you must take the SAT or ACT (plus two SAT subject tests in math and science), or the TOEFL and two SAT subject tests. Other exams may not be substituted for these two options. Although there are no minimum testing requirements for the SAT or ACT, most admitted students will meet recommended standards for the TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score is a 600+ on the paper exam or 100+ on the Internet-based test. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.

MIT recognizes that other countries’ plans of study may be drastically different from that of the United States. As a result, they do not discriminate against international students in that regard when viewing transcripts. There is no “minimum” GPA or course requirement. However, the university does recommend four years of English, mathematics to the level of calculus, two or more years of history, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

International students will complete the same admissions application as domestic students. They should submit a personal essay, information, academics, activities, secondary school report, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and, in some cases, a personal interview. Applications should be submitted by November 1 for Early Action, and January 1 for Regular Admission. Questions and applications can be submitted on mitadmissions.org.

To learn more and apply, click here.