Douglas Olsen
Applying to college as an international student can be a daunting process, but MIT welcomes applicants from around the world. MIT has a long history of educating international students and is committed to making MIT an affordable option for all admitted students. MIT admissions counselors are trained to understand the educational system in your part of the world and do not try to convert your grades to the American system. All applicants must meet the same test requirements, including the SAT or the ACT, and non-native English speakers are strongly recommended to submit the results of an English Proficiency Exam. International students must also show that they can meet MIT’s minimum budget projection for a new graduate student before the International Students Office may issue a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Timing | International applicants should apply at the beginning of their final year of high school, just like US students. |
| Age Range | Most applicants are 17–19 years old. |
| Application Evaluation | MIT admissions counselors are trained to understand international school systems and evaluate applications in context. |
| Academic Requirements | All applicants must meet the same test requirements, including the SAT or ACT. Non-native English speakers are strongly recommended to submit English proficiency exam results. |
| Financial Aid | MIT is committed to making education affordable for international students, just like domestic students. Parental tax returns or income documentation may be required. |
| Language of Instruction | English is the primary language of instruction. International students whose education was not conducted in English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) before the fall semester. |
| Visa Requirements | International students must meet MIT's minimum budget projection for a new graduate student to be eligible for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Health insurance is mandatory for F-1 visa holders. |
| Citizenship Status | Students with non-US dual citizenship should select their preferred country for the application. |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
Applying to colleges as an international student can be a challenging process. MIT, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is one of the top engineering schools in the world, and its application process for international students is quite detailed. Here is an overview of the application process and requirements for international students wishing to attend MIT.
Application Process:
MIT has a long history of educating international students and continues to welcome them with open arms. The admissions committee is well-versed in international school systems, including IB, A Levels, the French Baccalaureate, and CBSE. They understand that international applicants may have unique transcripts and courses, and their admissions officers are trained to evaluate applications in context. The application process for international students at MIT typically involves the following steps:
- Understanding the Requirements: International applicants should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements for international students, which may differ from those for domestic students.
- Standardized Tests: MIT requires all applicants, including international students, to submit scores from standardized tests. This includes either the SAT or the ACT, with the SAT being more commonly submitted by enrolled students.
- English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to submit English proficiency exam results, such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or Cambridge English Qualifications. This is an important requirement, as all instruction at MIT is in English.
- Transcript Submission: Official transcripts must be sent by a school counselor or representative. MIT admissions officers are trained to understand transcripts from various countries and look for foundational subjects like science, math, and the humanities.
- Financial Aid: International students can apply for financial aid using tools like the CSS Profile to determine their need-based scholarship eligibility. Parental tax returns or income documentation must also be submitted through the College Board's IDOC platform.
- Demonstrated Interest: While MIT does not consider demonstrated interest in terms of campus visits, they do take interviews into account. International students are advised not to worry excessively about this aspect.
- Submission and Review: A committee of experienced admissions officers will review the submitted applications in detail, considering each student as an individual.
Requirements for International Students:
In addition to the standard application requirements, international students applying to MIT should keep the following in mind:
- Timing: International applicants should aim to apply at the beginning of their final year of high school, similar to most US students.
- Age: Most applicants are 17-19 years old, but ages may vary due to factors such as mandatory military service after secondary school in some countries.
- Transfer Students: Students who have previously enrolled in another university, either in the US or abroad, must apply to MIT as transfer students.
- Foundational Knowledge: While there are no required high school classes, MIT looks for foundational subjects like science, math, and the humanities on transcripts.
- Visa Requirements: International students must meet the financial requirements for an F-1 or J-1 visa. The specific visa requirements depend on the student's funding sources.
- English Language Instruction: Students whose education was not primarily in English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) upon arrival at MIT.
- Country-Specific Considerations: International applicants should be aware of any foreign exchange regulations or limitations on purchasing US dollars that may impact their ability to study in the US.
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English language proficiency
As an international student, you may be unfamiliar with the application process for American colleges, including MIT. Here is a detailed overview of the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants.
MIT requires all applicants whose first language is not English, including international students enrolled in US institutions, to provide evidence of their proficiency in English. This can be done by submitting official scores from one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic)
- Cambridge English Qualification (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency exams only)
Most departments require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100, while the minimum IELTS Academic score varies across departments. It is important to refer to the specific department's information for their testing requirements.
English Evaluation Test (EET)
All incoming students whose education was not primarily in English from a young age through high school, even those who received a waiver on their proficiency tests, are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) upon arrival at MIT. This diagnostic test helps identify weaknesses in written and oral English that may hinder academic, research, and work communication challenges.
Additional Requirements
International students must also meet other requirements, such as obtaining a student visa and presenting a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) with supporting financial documentation. For financial aid, international students may be required to submit parental tax returns or income documentation, translated into English if necessary.
In summary, international applicants to MIT must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests and, upon admission, further assess their English skills through the EET. These requirements ensure that international students can effectively participate in the academic and research environment at MIT.
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Financial aid
MIT Student Financial Services works to make MIT affordable for every family so that their students can join the community and make the most of their education. 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.
To apply for financial aid, international students must complete the CSS Profile and provide verification of parent income. The CSS Profile is a tool provided by the College Board to determine if applicants qualify for a need-based MIT Scholarship. Parental income verification can be submitted through the College Board's secure Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). If the applicant's parents live outside the U.S., they must provide the tax return from their country, along with an English translation if necessary. If the applicant's parents are separated or divorced, each parent will need to complete their own CSS Profile application and submit their tax returns and income documentation.
International students do not need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, they must reapply for financial aid each year, with a deadline of February 15 of the previous academic year. Students may appeal for financial aid for additional terms by submitting the Extended Aid Form.
MIT also offers a range of other financial assistance options, including part-time jobs during the term or full-time summer jobs. On-campus work is usually available in residence halls, offices, libraries, and laboratories, while off-campus positions are also listed. MIT also participates in the Federal Community Service Program, where eligible students can work in jobs that have a direct impact on the Cambridge and Boston communities or their hometown communities over the summer.
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Visas
International students at MIT must obtain the correct visa to be able to study in the United States. The International Students Office will issue a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa, but students must first show that they can meet MIT's minimum budget projection for a new graduate student.
Students who wish to bring dependents to the United States during their studies must apply for F-2 visas for them. Dependents can include family members such as a spouse or children. To be eligible for this, the F-1 student may apply for Form I-20 for each dependent. The F-1 student must also have health and hospitalization insurance for themselves and their dependents.
To be eligible for a J-1 visa, students must be substantially (more than 51%) funded by their home government, educational institutions, international or national organizations, private companies, etc. The F-1 visa is for students who are funding their studies with personal/family funds.
All international students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their ability to continue their studies in English. This can include submitting 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). A minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT is required, although some departments may require a higher score.
Additionally, all incoming students whose education was not primarily conducted in English from age six through high school are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) at MIT in the week before the fall semester begins.
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High school grades
International applicants to MIT may not be familiar with the application process for American colleges. It is recommended that international students refer to the MIT Admissions website and other organisations such as Education USA for a comprehensive overview of the application process.
International applicants are not required to submit their final high school grades until they have been accepted to MIT. This is because MIT understands that the timing of final grades being released varies across different countries.
MIT admissions counsellors are trained to understand the educational system in your part of the world. They do not convert your grades to the American system or try to find other sorts of equivalence. Instead, each student is considered as an individual as they proceed through the application process.
However, all students need to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in the fields they will continue to study at MIT. International applicants are required to take the SAT or the ACT (excluding the writing section). MIT accepts both the paper and digital versions of the SAT.
If your high school education was not conducted in English, you will be required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) at MIT before the fall semester begins. This is to ensure that your English language abilities are strong enough to meet the academic, research, and work communication challenges required of you.
Additional Requirements
International students must also show that they can meet MIT's minimum budget projection for a new graduate student before the International Students Office may issue a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Financial aid for international students may be limited, so applicants are encouraged to secure additional funds outside of MIT.
Parental tax returns or income documentation must be submitted through the College Board's secure IDOC platform. If your parents live outside the U.S., you must provide the tax return from your country, along with an English translation if applicable.
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Frequently asked questions
MIT welcomes applications from international students and has a long history of educating them. The application process is the same for all students, but international students may have different requirements, such as demonstrating English language proficiency. MIT admissions officers are trained to understand the educational system in your part of the world and evaluate your application in that context.
All applicants whose first language is not English must present evidence of their ability to continue their studies in English. You 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). A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 is required by most departments, but some may require higher scores.
International students are considered for financial aid using the same process as all applicants. MIT is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for international students. The financial aid team works closely with students and their families to develop a plan to cover expenses. To apply for financial aid, students must submit their parents' tax returns or income documentation through the College Board's secure IDOC platform.
