Savanna Hoffman
Princeton University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of around 4%. The university welcomes applications from students worldwide and reviews them all in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. In 2020, Princeton was home to approximately 1,824 international students, with 557 of them being undergraduates. The university guarantees funding for regularly enrolled, degree-seeking PhD candidates and meets the full need of all admitted international students, similar to domestic students.
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What You'll Learn
International student acceptance rate
The acceptance rate for first-year applicants to Princeton University is infamously low, with students joking that it is 0%. In reality, the overall acceptance rate is around 4%. However, Princeton does not publish data on the acceptance rates for international students specifically.
Princeton University is a private institution founded in 1746. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,671 students (as of Fall 2023) and a campus size of 690 acres. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #1.
Princeton welcomes applications from international students and reviews them in the same manner as applications from the United States, with no preference given to any particular country or educational system. The admissions team is trained to understand the educational systems of different countries, and applicants can provide additional context about their educational background in the 'additional information' section of their application.
Princeton defines international students as any students applying from schools outside the United States. The university does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships, but it meets the full financial need of all admitted students, including international students, through need-based grants.
According to College Factual, in 2020, Princeton was home to approximately 1,824 international students out of a total of 7,853 students, making it the 125th most popular college or university for international students. The most popular degrees at Princeton among international students are Computer Engineering, Physics, and Electrical Engineering.
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English language proficiency requirements
Princeton University is a private institution that was founded in 1746. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,671 as of Fall 2023, with a campus size of 690 acres. The university ranks 125th out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students. In 2020, Princeton was home to approximately 1,824 international students, with 557 of them being undergraduates.
Princeton University welcomes applications from students worldwide. The university evaluates applicants outside the United States within their immediate context, including their national and international education systems. The admissions team does not give preference to any particular country or educational system outside the US, and they are trained to understand the educational systems of different countries.
If English is not your first language and you attend a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Additionally, Princeton requires a graded written paper as part of the application process. This paper must be written in English and cannot be a translation from another language. Teacher comments and the grading rubric, if submitted, must also be in English.
For graduate students, Princeton University requires a level of oral proficiency in English sufficient to actively participate in graduate-level activities, including classwork, research, presentations, project teamwork, and teaching undergraduates.
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Financial aid for international students
Princeton University is known for its diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students from across the globe. The university does not discriminate based on citizenship or country of residence during the application process and treats international and domestic students equally in terms of financial aid.
Princeton University is one of the few institutions in the United States that does not limit financial aid for international undergraduates. The university's financial aid program is solely based on need, and they strive to meet the full financial need of admitted international students, just as they do for domestic students. This means that your family's financial situation will not impact your admission decision, and you can apply for aid without worrying about any disadvantages in the admission process.
Princeton's need-blind admission policy ensures equality of opportunity for students from all economic backgrounds. The university carefully reviews each family's individual financial circumstances and determines financial aid awards accordingly. Personal attention is given to every admitted student's aid application, taking into account any special circumstances. It is important to note that academic and athletic merits are not considered when awarding financial aid.
As an international student, you might be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other English language proficiency tests, as specified by the university. Additionally, Princeton offers various resources and support for international students, including the Davis International Center, which helps with the visa process and provides cultural and adjustment programs to ease your transition to life at Princeton.
Princeton University is committed to making its education accessible to talented students worldwide, and its financial aid packages reflect this commitment. By meeting the full demonstrated need of admitted international students, Princeton ensures that finances are not a barrier for those seeking a world-class education.
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Application process and requirements
Princeton University is a private institution that reviews applications in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. The admissions team does not give preference to any particular country or educational system outside the United States. However, they are trained to understand the educational systems of different countries.
The application process and requirements for international students applying to Princeton University are outlined below:
Application Review
Princeton University evaluates applicants outside the United States within their immediate context and opportunities, including the education systems of different national and international systems. The university is familiar with the education systems of most countries. Still, applicants can provide additional information about the schools they have attended if needed.
Standardized Testing
International applicants whose native language is not English and who attend schools where English is not the language of instruction must take one of the following English language tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Academic Records
Princeton University evaluates applicants' academic records within the context of their educational system and school curriculum. The academic record should include any available internal grades from classes and achieved marks from external exams, such as IGCSE, British A-Level, International Baccalaureate, or national leaving exams.
Graded Written Paper
Applicants must submit a graded written paper in English, which can be from O- or A-level coursework. The paper must not be translated from another language and should meet all other requirements. Teacher comments and any accompanying rubrics must also be in English.
Extracurricular Activities
Princeton values extracurricular activities and encourages applicants to showcase their passions and initiatives. For example, applicants can highlight their involvement in student organizations, clubs, internships, or jobs relevant to their interests.
Financial Aid
Princeton University provides need-blind admission, meaning financial aid applicants are not disadvantaged during the admission process. The university meets the full need of all admitted international students, and financial aid awards are based solely on need. Princeton does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships, and awards cover the difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution.
Orientation Program
International students admitted to Princeton University participate in an orientation program during their first days on campus, welcoming them to the United States and the university community.
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Popularity with international students
Princeton University is a popular choice for international students, with a total of 1,824 international students on campus, 557 of whom are undergraduates. This accounts for around 23% of the total student population of 7,853. The university welcomes applications from students around the world and reviews them all in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. The admissions team does not give preference to any particular country or educational system outside of the US, and they are trained to understand the educational systems of different countries.
Princeton is ranked highly by College Factual for providing a quality educational experience to international students, placing 24th out of 1,232 colleges and universities. It is particularly popular with students from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada, ranking as the 17th best out of 691 institutions for Canadian students. The university also ranks 154th out of 1,079 colleges and universities for popularity with students from China, with approximately 437 Chinese students enrolled in 2020.
The most popular degrees at Princeton among international students are Computer Engineering, Physics, and Electrical Engineering. International students make up around 32% of the undergraduate student body, with a total of 557 international undergraduates out of 4,774 undergraduates. Princeton's need-blind admission policy and financial aid program, which meets the full need of all admitted students regardless of citizenship, may also contribute to its popularity with international students.
Extracurricular activities are an important factor in the application process, and Princeton encourages international applicants to showcase their involvement in clubs, internships, or jobs relevant to their passions. Additionally, international students whose native language is not English may be required to take English language tests, such as the TOEFL or IELTS Academic, to demonstrate proficiency. Overall, Princeton's inclusive admissions process and strong academic offerings make it an attractive option for international students seeking a high-quality education in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 1,824 international students at Princeton, out of a total of 7,853 students.
Princeton reviews all applications in the same manner, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. The admissions team does not give preference to any particular country or educational system outside the US, and they are trained to understand the educational systems of different countries.
Princeton meets the full need of all admitted international students, the same as it is for US students. The university's financial aid program is entirely based on need and does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships.
