International Students At Mit: Acceptance And Opportunities

how many international students does mit accept

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a highly selective university with an acceptance rate of usually less than 10%. In 2020, MIT was home to approximately 3,274 international students out of a total of 11,254 students, with 448 of them being international undergraduates. The majority of international students at MIT are from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The university is ranked 12th out of 1,232 colleges for providing a quality educational experience to international students.

Characteristics Values
Total number of international students 3,274
Number of international undergraduate students 448
Total number of students 11,254
Number of undergraduate students 4,361
Number of Chinese students 805
Number of Indian students 353
Acceptance rate for the class of 2028 4.5%
Acceptance rate for the class of 2027 4.8%
Acceptance rate for the class of 2026 3.9%
Acceptance rate for the class of 2024 7.2%
Number of applications for the class of 2027 26,914
Number of applications for the class of 2024 20,075
Number of admissions for the class of 2027 1,291
Number of admissions for the class of 2024 1,457
SAT/ACT score requirement >1550/34
GPA requirement 4.19

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International student numbers at MIT

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a highly selective university with an acceptance rate of usually less than 10%. For the class of 2027, MIT received 26,914 applications, out of which only 1,291 students secured admission, a rate of 4.8%. The number of applicants has been increasing in recent years, with a total of 20,075 candidates applying for the class of 2024, of which 1,457 were admitted, a rate of 7.2%.

MIT is a popular choice for international students, with approximately 3,274 international students out of a total of 11,254 students on campus, as of 2020. This includes 448 international undergraduates out of a total of 4,361 undergraduates. MIT is ranked 55th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.

The majority of international students at MIT come from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. MIT is especially popular with Chinese students, with approximately 805 Chinese students enrolled in 2020, making it the 92nd most popular university in the US for students from China. MIT is also a popular choice for Indian students, with around 353 Indian students enrolled in 2020, ranking it as the 109th most popular university in the US for Indian students.

MIT offers a high-quality educational experience to international students, ranking 12th out of 1,232 colleges and universities in this regard. The university is particularly well-ranked for students from France, Canada, and Germany. However, MIT is less affordable for international students, ranking 722nd out of 820 colleges for providing value to Chinese students and 552nd out of 641 colleges for value offered to Indian students.

International students applying to MIT face a highly competitive process. In addition to exemplary academic scores, applicants must demonstrate a well-rounded profile with extracurricular activities, scholarships, and strong college essays. International applicants must also meet specific admission requirements, such as achieving a high SAT/ACT score and maintaining a GPA of 4.19 or higher.

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Acceptance rates for international students

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a highly selective university with an acceptance rate of usually less than 10%. In recent years, the acceptance rate has decreased even further, with the rate for the Class of 2028, 2027, and 2026 standing at 4.5%, 4.8%, and 3.9%, respectively. The number of applications has also increased, with 26,914 applications received for the Class of 2027, out of which only 1,291 students were admitted.

International students make up a significant portion of the student body at MIT. In 2020, MIT was home to approximately 3,274 international students out of a total of 11,254 students. The majority of these international students come from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. MIT is particularly popular with Chinese students, hosting approximately 805 Chinese students in 2020, and is ranked as the 92nd most popular university for Chinese students. The university is also a popular choice for Indian students, with around 353 Indian students in 2020, and is ranked as the 109th most popular university for Indian students.

To secure admission, international applicants must fulfill certain requirements, including submitting academic scores and maintaining a high GPA. For instance, Indian applicants are expected to have high SAT/ACT scores and a GPA of 4.19 or higher. International students can apply through Early Action or Regular Action, with admissions being offered on a rolling basis.

MIT is recognized as a top-ranking university worldwide, consistently ranking #1 in the QS World University Rankings for 13 years in a row. The university is also ranked highly for providing a quality educational experience to international students, especially those from France, Canada, and Germany.

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International student origin countries

MIT has a long history of educating international students and continues to welcome them. In 2024–2025, MIT students came from 138 foreign countries. MIT has approximately 3,274 international students, with 448 of them being undergraduates. MIT ranks 55th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students. The university ranks 12th out of 1,232 colleges for providing a quality educational experience to international students.

MIT is most popular with students from China, with approximately 805 Chinese students enrolled in 2020. The university ranks 92nd out of 1,079 colleges for popularity with Chinese students. MIT is also popular with Indian students, with around 353 Indian students enrolled in 2020. The university ranks 109th out of 999 colleges for popularity with Indian students. MIT ranks 58th out of 967 colleges for popularity with South Korean students, with approximately 106 South Korean students enrolled in 2020.

MIT ranks the best for students from France, Canada, and Germany. The university is ranked 7th out of 789 colleges for popularity with French students. MIT also provides the best value for students from Singapore, Israel, and Greece.

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Requirements for international students

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a long history of educating international students and continues to welcome them today. In 2020, MIT was home to approximately 3,274 international students, out of a total of 11,254 students. Of these, 448 were undergraduates. MIT is ranked 55th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students.

Application Process

International applicants should apply at the beginning of their final year of high school, just like US students. MIT admissions counsellors are trained to understand the educational system in your part of the world and do not convert your grades to the American system. Each student is considered an individual as they proceed through the process. However, all students need to demonstrate minimum competence in fields they will continue to study at MIT. All applicants need to submit the SAT or the ACT, although the ACT writing section and the SAT optional essay are not required.

English Language Proficiency

All departments at MIT require a comprehensive knowledge of the English language, although each department has its own language requirements and policies. All instruction at MIT is in English, and all papers and theses must be written in English. Thus, all applicants whose first language is not English, including those currently enrolled in US institutions, must present evidence of their ability to continue their studies in English. Qualifying applicants must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic), or the Cambridge English Qualification (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency exams only). However, even students who meet the requirements for waiving the standardised English proficiency tests for admission to MIT are still required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) upon arrival.

Visa Requirements

To enter the United States, each international student admitted to MIT needs a passport issued by their government. Students must also visit US embassies or consulates in their home countries to be issued student visas. Students must present a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) with supporting financial documentation when applying for their visas. The International Students Office at MIT will send the required document to all admitted students who provide evidence of sufficient funds to meet the estimated costs and of adequate English language proficiency.

Financial Aid

MIT is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for international students, just as it does for domestic students. The financial aid team works closely with students and their families to develop a plan tailored to their financial circumstances. Before deciding on financial aid, MIT requires students to submit the CSS Profile and their parents' tax returns or income documentation. If parents live outside the US, they can provide the tax return from their country, along with an English translation if applicable.

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MIT's ranking for international students

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked as the world's top university by the QS World University Rankings for 2025-26. This is the 14th year in a row that MIT has received this distinction. MIT is also ranked first in 11 subject areas, including Chemical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Computer Science and Information Systems.

In terms of popularity with international students, MIT ranks 55th out of 1,279 colleges and universities, with approximately 3,274 international students out of a total of 11,254 students. MIT is particularly popular with students from China, with around 805 Chinese students enrolled in 2020. College Factual ranks MIT as 92nd out of 1,079 colleges and universities for popularity with Chinese students. MIT is also a popular choice for Indian students, with approximately 353 Indian students enrolled in 2020. College Factual ranks MIT as 109th out of 999 colleges and universities for popularity with Indian students.

When it comes to providing a quality educational experience to international students, MIT excels, ranking 12th out of 1,232 colleges and universities. MIT is especially well-regarded for students from France, Canada, and Germany. However, when it comes to providing value to international students, MIT ranks lower, placing 1,092nd out of 1,204 colleges and universities.

Overall, MIT has a strong reputation internationally and is a popular choice for students from around the world. The university's diverse and vibrant campus environment, emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, and top rankings across various subjects contribute to its appeal for international students.

Frequently asked questions

Approximately 3,274 international students are enrolled at MIT, with 448 of them being undergraduates.

For the class of 2027, 26,914 students applied to MIT, with 1,291 securing admission.

The acceptance rate for international students at MIT is usually less than 10%, with a recent downward trend. For the class of 2027, the acceptance rate was 4.8%.

MIT has been ranked #1 and #3 for the lowest acceptance rates in QS World Ranking 2025 and THE Universities Ranking 2024, respectively.

International students must meet certain requirements, including high SAT/ACT scores and a GPA of 4.19 or higher. Other factors considered include extracurriculars, college essays, and scholarships.

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