Lori Meadows
Getting into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is challenging, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of just under 4%. International students make up almost one-quarter of applicants, and the process for international students is largely the same as for domestic students. However, there are some additional requirements and considerations for international applicants. MIT admissions officers are trained to understand the context of the educational system in the applicant's country and evaluate applications holistically. While grades and test scores are important, MIT also values unique passions and interests. International applicants whose first language is not English may need to provide evidence of their English proficiency, and all applicants must submit application materials in English.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $75 |
| Application deadline | Beginning of the final year of high school |
| Age of applicants | 17-19 years |
| Student-faculty ratio | 3:1 |
| Average GPA requirement | 4.17 |
| Average SAT score requirement | 1535 out of 1600 |
| Average ACT score requirement | 35 out of 36 |
| English proficiency exam score requirement | TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS Academic: varies by department, Cambridge English Qualification: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency |
| Additional requirements | Two SAT II subject tests (Mathematics and Science), five short essay questions, two LORs, work portfolios for certain majors |
| Interview | Required |
| Visa requirements | International Students Office will issue a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa if the student can meet the minimum budget projection |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
Applying to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an international student can be a challenging process. MIT has a very low acceptance rate of under 4%, and the application process is highly competitive. However, MIT has a long history of educating international students and is committed to evaluating applications from around the world holistically and in context. Here is a detailed guide to the application process and requirements for international students:
Application Timeline:
It is recommended that international students apply at the beginning of their final year of high school, which is when most US students apply. This allows MIT to understand that your grades will not be available until the summer months.
Academic Requirements:
MIT does not have specific high school class requirements or mandatory coursework. However, all students need to demonstrate minimum competence in fields they will continue to study at MIT. The university recommends reviewing its "What to do in high school" page for guidance on expected proficiency levels.
Standardized Tests:
MIT requires all applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is typically around 1535 out of 1600, while the average ACT score is 35 out of 36. Fresh applicants must also submit two SAT II subject tests in Mathematics and Science. While these scores are essential, MIT considers them in conjunction with other application components.
English Proficiency:
For non-native English speakers, MIT strongly recommends submitting results from an English proficiency exam, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Cambridge English Qualification. This is especially important if you have been using English for fewer than five years or do not speak English at home. The minimum required TOEFL score is typically 100, but some departments may require higher scores.
Essays and Letters of Recommendation:
As part of the application process, you must submit five short essay questions. These essays should showcase your unique skills, interests, and passions. MIT values students with distinct passions and quirks, not just good test scores. Additionally, you will need to submit two letters of recommendation (LORs). Building good relationships with your teachers can help you obtain strong and compelling recommendations.
Interviews:
MIT values interviews as part of the admissions process. Interviews typically last between 30 and 100 minutes and are used to assess your aspirations, passions, and goals. Interviews can be conducted in person or virtually.
Application Fee:
There is a $75 application fee for MIT. However, fee waivers are available for students facing financial barriers.
Additional Considerations:
MIT does not consider "demonstrated interest" in its admissions process. Simply visiting the campus or meeting with admissions representatives will not impact your application. Additionally, MIT does not convert your grades to the American system or seek equivalence. Instead, they consider each student as an individual.
Finally, as an international student, you must demonstrate that you can meet MIT's minimum budget projection for a new graduate student to obtain a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Financial aid for international students may be limited, so it is essential to explore external funding options.
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English language proficiency
English is the language of instruction at MIT, and all papers and theses must be written in English. Therefore, all applicants whose first language is not English must present evidence of their ability to continue their studies in English.
For applicants, this means submitting official scores from an English proficiency exam. The accepted exams are 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). Some departments may only accept one or two of these exams, so applicants should check with their specific department of interest. While there is no minimum score required to apply, most departments require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100, and scores below this may result in the withholding of visa documentation. There are also minimum and recommended scores for the English language tests that are used to evaluate applicants' English language proficiency.
After admission to MIT, all incoming students whose education was not 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. The EET is a diagnostic test intended to help international students identify weaknesses in written and oral English that will inhibit their ability to meet the many academic, research, and work communication challenges required of them from the moment they arrive on campus. Even students who met the requirements to waive the standardized English proficiency tests for admission to MIT are still required to take the EET upon arrival. English classes may be recommended as a result of the applicant’s EET scores, with the goal of strengthening these abilities.
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Interviews and personal statements
As an international student, there are a few additional considerations for the interview and personal statement process. Firstly, it is recommended that non-native English speakers provide the results of an English proficiency exam, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Cambridge English Qualification. This is to ensure that applicants have the necessary language skills to succeed in an English-language learning environment.
Secondly, international students should be prepared to discuss their unique perspectives and experiences during the interview. Admissions officers are interested in understanding the context of your application, including your family, school, cultural, regional, and country-specific circumstances. This is your opportunity to showcase not just your academic achievements but also your personal qualities, skills, and interests that align with MIT's values and mission.
In your personal statement, focus on highlighting your strengths and what makes you unique. Discuss any awards, competitions, or achievements that demonstrate your positive attitude and potential contribution to the MIT community. Strong and compelling recommendations from teachers or mentors can also enhance your application. Remember, MIT values students with quirks and unique passions, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through!
Additionally, it is worth noting that MIT does not consider "demonstrated interest" in their admissions process. This means that campus visits or meetings with admissions representatives are not a factor in their evaluation. However, they do consider interviews, including virtual interviews, as part of their holistic assessment of your application.
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Costs and financial aid
MIT is one of only nine colleges in the U.S. that is need-blind and full-need. This means that no student is disadvantaged in the admissions process because of their financial need. The university meets the full financial need of all admitted students who apply for aid, offering financial aid based entirely on a family’s demonstrated financial need. MIT is committed to making sure that it is an affordable option for all of its admitted students.
The full price of an MIT education is $89,340 for the 2025–2026 academic year. However, most students pay far less than that. The median annual price paid by an undergraduate who received an MIT Scholarship was $12,938 in 2023–2024. Beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, students whose family income is under $200,000 a year (with typical assets) will attend MIT tuition-free.
The annual student budget, or cost of attendance, includes costs that are billed by MIT, such as tuition, housing, food, and estimates for other expenses, such as books, supplies, and personal expenses. This budget is used to determine financial aid for every student. Families choose how to pay for their student’s MIT education in a variety of ways, including from income and savings, outside scholarships, student employment, and federal loans.
MIT offers full-need financial aid, which means it meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need for all four years of your undergraduate career. 87% of MIT students from the Class of 2024 graduated debt-free. Those who do borrow tend to have debt at graduation lower than the national average—a median of $14,844. All alumni benefit from the lifelong return on investment of an MIT education, including an average starting salary of $126,438 for graduates entering industry.
MIT has a full team of financial aid counselors that will help guide international applicants through the application process.
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Acceptance rates
Getting into MIT is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. The overall acceptance rate for the 2024-25 academic year was 4.55%. The undergraduate acceptance rate is just under 4%, and for graduate admissions, 11% of applicants secured a place.
For international students, the acceptance rate is even lower. For the 2024-25 academic year, MIT received 6,700 applications from international students, of which 129 were accepted, giving an acceptance rate of 1.9%.
There is no quota for the number of students accepted from each country outside the US, and MIT does not have a cut-off score for SAT or ACT tests. However, a high score is important, and the majority of admitted students (78%) sent in SAT scores. MIT also strongly recommends that non-native English speakers submit the results of an English proficiency exam.
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Frequently asked questions
MIT has a holistic admissions process, meaning they consider more than just your grades and test scores. However, your application should still include:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Two SAT II subject tests (Mathematics and Science)
- Five short essay questions
- Two letters of recommendation
- A demonstrated passion or quirk
- A competitive GPA (average requirement is 4.17)
- Strong performance in high school exams
Non-native English speakers are strongly recommended to provide results from an English proficiency exam, such as TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or the Cambridge English Qualification. These exams are required for applicants whose education was not primarily conducted in English.
MIT does not consider "demonstrated interest" in their admissions process. However, they do take interviews into consideration, so it is beneficial to prepare for a potential interview as part of your application. Additionally, international students must demonstrate that they can meet the financial requirements for studying at MIT, as financial aid for international students may be limited.
Most U.S. students apply to MIT at the beginning of their final year of high school, and international applicants should follow the same timeline.
MIT has an extremely low acceptance rate, with an overall undergraduate acceptance rate of just under 4%. However, they have a history of welcoming international students, and nearly a quarter of their applications come from international students worldwide.
