Douglas Olsen
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League university with a competitive acceptance rate of around 8%. For international students, the acceptance rate is even lower at 2.8%, making it challenging for international students to gain admission. However, with proper planning and a strong application, it is not impossible. International students must excel academically, meeting all admission requirements, including a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and achieving competitive scores on standardized tests. They should also showcase their intellectual potential, extracurricular involvement, character, and reasons for choosing Cornell. Additionally, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted exams and may need to apply for financial aid simultaneously with their application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 7.9% overall; 2.8% for international students; 8% according to another source; 8.7% according to another source |
| Number of applications received | 65,000-67,000 |
| Number of applicants enrolled | 5,000-5,300 |
| Application requirements | SAT or ACT scores, GPA of 3.0 or higher, English proficiency, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, community engagement, reasons for choosing Cornell |
| Financial aid | Need-based; international students may be eligible |
| Scholarships | Levitan Family Scholarships, Tata Scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, KC Mahindra Trust Scholarship |
| Student contribution | Employment during studies, personal savings |
| Parent contribution | Income, family size, assets |
| Deadlines | Vary by program; early application encouraged |
| Interviews | May be required for some programs |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution with a highly competitive admissions process. The overall acceptance rate is 7.9% to 8.7%, but for international students, the acceptance rate is even lower at 2.8%. Cornell University received over 65,000 to 67,000 applications for the Fall 2024 term, out of which only about 5,000 to 5,300 candidates were admitted.
International applicants are defined as those who "do not hold US citizenship or approved permanent resident status (green card)." Students with pending permanent resident status are also considered international students. Undocumented students with or without DACA status are considered domestic students for admissions and financial aid.
International applicants must excel academically and meet all of Cornell's admission requirements. A strong command of the English language is essential, and proficiency can be demonstrated through various methods, including US citizenship, native language status, or English as the primary language of instruction for the past four years. Applicants who do not meet these criteria must submit English proficiency exam scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, with minimum scores required for competitive consideration.
For undergraduate admissions, SAT Subject Tests are not required. However, students may opt to self-report AP, IB, or AICE exam scores in the Common Application. Students enrolled in IB and A-Level curricula with predicted scores submitted for admission consideration must complete their exams and submit final results.
When reviewing applications, Cornell considers intellectual potential, extracurricular involvement, character, and reasons for choosing the university and a particular subject. International applicants who anticipate needing financial assistance must apply for aid when submitting their application. To apply for need-based financial aid, applicants must complete and submit the CSS Profile by the deadline. Cornell does not offer merit, athletic, or talent-based aid.
International students can explore scholarship opportunities, such as the Levitan Family Scholarships, which provide full scholarships and access to mentorship and financial assistance for academic and professional experiences through the Levitan Scholars Fund. Additionally, students can research scholarships offered by external organisations, governments, or their home countries.
For graduate admissions, achieving a strong GPA of 3.0 or higher is crucial, with more competitive programs aiming for a GPA of 3.5 or above. Standardised tests like the GRE or GMAT are also important, and applicants should highlight academic achievements and extracurricular impact to demonstrate leadership and initiative.
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Scholarships and financial aid
Cornell University provides need-based financial aid to admitted international students who have applied for financial aid and demonstrated financial need. The university does not offer merit, athletic, or talent-based aid to students. Cornell meets 100% of admitted international undergraduates' demonstrated financial need with annual aid offers that include Cornell grants, an annual work-study award, and reasonable student loans depending on total family income.
All first-year and transfer undergraduate international applicants seeking Cornell grant or scholarship aid must complete the CSS Profile when they apply for admission. The undergraduate admission process for international students is "'need-aware'", meaning interest in or need for financial aid is one factor in admission decisions.
International students commencing the Cornell Masters of Engineering program are eligible for merit-based scholarships, such as the Knight Scholarship (up to $60,000 USD per year) and the MEC Scholarship ($10,000 USD per semester for two semesters). At the graduate level, students may also be shortlisted for assistantships and fellowships, with an average award of $28,036 USD per year. Graduate students are eligible for both need-based assistance and merit-based Cornell University scholarships and fellowships.
Students eligible for Cornell University grants can avail of a named endowed scholarship, which is provided by donors, including Cornell University alumni. Students applying for financial aid are automatically considered for these endowed scholarships.
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English language proficiency
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution with a highly competitive acceptance rate of 8%. The acceptance rate for international students is even lower, at 2.8%. As such, international students must present the strongest possible application to gain admission.
If you do not meet any of these criteria, you must submit an English proficiency exam score. Cornell University accepts several English proficiency tests, including the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. The minimum scores required for admissions consideration are a 100 on the TOEFL internet-based exam or a 7.5 on the IELTS. You can submit unofficial test scores with your application, but if you are admitted and choose to enrol, you will need to submit official test scores sent directly from the testing agency.
In addition to demonstrating English proficiency, international applicants to Cornell University must meet several other requirements. These include maintaining a high GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher and demonstrating intellectual potential, extracurricular involvement, and a strong fit with the university. Financial considerations also play a role in admissions decisions for international applicants, and those who anticipate needing financial assistance must apply for aid when they apply for admission.
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Acceptance rates
Cornell University is a highly selective and prestigious Ivy League institution. It is extremely competitive to gain admission, with an overall acceptance rate of just 8%. In Fall 2025, Cornell received 67,380 applications, with only 5,852 students being accepted. The acceptance rate for the class of 2028 was slightly lower at 7.9%, with 5,139 students accepted out of 65,000 applicants. The university's selectivity has increased over the years, with the acceptance rate for the class of 2027 being 0.6% higher than that of the class of 2026.
For international students, the acceptance rate is even lower, at around 2.8%. Cornell University is a popular choice for students from around the globe, receiving nearly 17,000 international applications in the 2022-2023 application season. International applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement, typically a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and have strong SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, international students need to provide English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL, with a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT.
Cornell University offers an Early Decision programme, which has a slightly higher acceptance rate of around 11-17%increase an applicant's chances of admission. However, admitted students under Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and commit to enrolling at Cornell.
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Student life and opportunities
Student life at Cornell University is vibrant and diverse, with a range of opportunities for international students to get involved and make the most of their time at this prestigious Ivy League institution.
With a thriving international student community of over 1,600 undergraduates from more than 120 countries, Cornell is a truly global campus. The university offers a world-class education with a global perspective, strengthened by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its students, faculty, and staff. International students bring their unique cultural perspectives to the classroom, enriching the learning environment for all.
Cornell's main campus is located in Ithaca, New York, a small city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city offers ample off-campus housing options and is known for its natural beauty, situated close to Canada and offering a different experience from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
The university itself provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom. With over 900 student organizations, clubs, and societies, students can explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others who share their passions. These organizations cover a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational pursuits.
For international students, Cornell offers a supportive environment with various resources and networks for assistance. The university provides extensive financial aid opportunities, including need-based aid, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help international students manage the costs of their education and living expenses. Additionally, international students have access to mentorship programs and academic and professional experience opportunities through funds like the Levitan Scholars Fund.
Cornell also recognizes the importance of English language proficiency for international students' success. Students who do not meet the English proficiency criteria are required to submit exam scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. The university may also accept unofficial test scores during the application process, but official scores will be required upon admission and enrolment.
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Frequently asked questions
Cornell University received around 65,000 to 67,000 applications for the Fall 2024 term, out of which only about 5,000 to 5,300 candidates were admitted, making the overall acceptance rate around 8%. However, the acceptance rate for international students is much lower at 2.8%.
Cornell University considers the following points when reviewing applications: intellectual potential, involvement (extracurricular activities, work experience, community engagement, etc.), character, reasons for choosing Cornell University, and reasons for choosing a particular subject. International students must also demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following methods: being a U.S. citizen/permanent resident, having English as their native language, having English as the primary language of instruction for the past four years, or submitting an English proficiency exam score from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Additionally, international students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Cornell University offers various scholarship opportunities to assist international students with financial aid. The university provides need-based financial aid, and applicants must complete and submit the CSS Profile by the deadline. International students may also be eligible for external scholarships offered by organisations, state governments, federal governments, or their home countries.
