Douglas Olsen
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. The university defines an international student as someone who does 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. US citizens living abroad are also not considered international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Applicants without US citizenship are considered international students. US citizens living abroad are not considered international students. |
| Permanent resident status | Applicants without approved permanent resident status (green card) are considered international students. Students with pending permanent resident status are also considered international students. |
| Undocumented students | Undocumented students with or without DACA status are considered domestic students. |
| School location | Cornell reads applications based on where the applicant currently attends school rather than by their citizenship status. |
| English proficiency | Applicants who do not meet specific criteria related to English proficiency are required to submit an English proficiency exam score from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. |
| Financial aid | Cornell's undergraduate admission process for international students is "need-aware", meaning that interest in or need for financial aid is one factor considered when making admission decisions. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students are those without US citizenship or a green card
- English proficiency tests are required for international students
- International applicants must apply for financial aid at the same time as admission
- Cornell is test-optional for SAT and ACT through fall 2025
- Early Decision is binding but the best option for international applicants; College Report is also required
International students are those without US citizenship or a green card
Cornell University defines international students as those without US citizenship or approved permanent resident status (green card). Students with pending permanent resident status are also considered international students. However, undocumented students with or without DACA status are considered domestic students for admissions and financial aid. US citizens living abroad are also not considered international students.
Cornell University's admissions process for international students is "need-aware," meaning that the applicant's financial situation is considered when making admission decisions. International applicants who anticipate needing financial assistance during their undergraduate studies at Cornell must apply for aid when they apply for admission. Those who do not apply for financial aid when they apply for admission will not be eligible to apply for financial aid at any time as an undergraduate at Cornell.
International applicants seeking financial aid at Cornell must complete the CSS Profile when they apply for admission. Cornell meets 100% of admitted international undergraduates' demonstrated financial needs with annual aid offers that include Cornell grants, an annual work-study award, and reasonable student loans depending on total family income.
International applicants to Cornell University must also demonstrate English proficiency. This can be done through various methods, including submitting test scores from English language proficiency examinations.
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English proficiency tests are required for international students
At Cornell, a student is considered an international student if they do not hold US citizenship or approved permanent resident status (green card). Undocumented students with or without DACA status are considered domestic students for admissions and financial aid.
English Proficiency Tests for International Students
Cornell University requires all international students to demonstrate a strong command of the English language to be successful in their academic pursuits. Applicants who do not meet any of the following criteria are required to submit an English proficiency exam score:
- The applicant is a US citizen or permanent resident.
- English is the applicant's native language.
- English has been the primary language of instruction throughout the applicant's secondary school career.
Cornell accepts English proficiency exam scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. The minimum scores for admissions consideration are:
- 100 on the TOEFL internet-based exam
- 7.5 on the IELTS
- 130 on the Duolingo English Test
While applying, students can self-report their TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores on the Common Application or Cornell's English Language Proficiency Form. However, if they are admitted and choose to enrol, they will be required to submit official test scores sent directly from the testing agency.
Additionally, international applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a recommendation from a teacher who can directly address their English proficiency. This can provide valuable information to the admissions committee about the applicant's language skills and proficiency in English.
For graduate students, there is an option to take an in-person test whenever possible. However, if a safe in-person option is unavailable, applicants may opt for an online or at-home version.
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International applicants must apply for financial aid at the same time as admission
At Cornell, international students 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.
Cornell University's admissions decisions for international applicants are need-aware. This means that applications from international students are evaluated for admission with consideration of the ability of students or parents to pay educational costs. Therefore, international applicants must apply for financial aid at the same time as admission. Those who are admitted and did not apply for financial aid when they applied for admission will not be eligible to apply for financial aid as an undergraduate at Cornell.
To apply for the university’s need-based financial aid program, applicants must complete and submit the CSS Profile by the deadline. The CSS Profile is used to prepare a personalized Cornell Aid Estimate for admitted students only, which includes the expected family contribution, updated cost of attendance, and the financial aid the student is eligible for in the upcoming academic year. The Cornell Aid Estimate is available shortly after admission decisions are released.
All financial aid awarded by Cornell is need-based. 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.
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Cornell is test-optional for SAT and ACT through fall 2025
At Cornell, an international student is defined as someone who does not hold US citizenship or approved permanent resident status (green card). Undocumented and DACA students are considered domestic students, as are US citizens living abroad.
Cornell University will not require standardized test scores for students seeking undergraduate admission for Fall 2025, making it the latest Ivy League college to maintain its test-optional policy. The university will remain test-optional for applicants seeking admission for Fall 2025, according to a release, although Cornell encouraged students to still submit SAT or ACT scores. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art and Planning, and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business do not consider standardized test scores. However, five of Cornell's other colleges do use the tests if they are submitted. If the college you are applying to would consider SAT or ACT scores, it is recommended that you submit a strong score as an international applicant. This can underline your academic readiness and may even exempt you from the English Proficiency Testing requirement.
Applying to Cornell as an International Student
Applying to Cornell isn’t especially difficult, but gaining admission as an international student can be. To succeed, you need to plan far ahead and present the strongest picture of yourself, which may mean taking on extra work. You can submit an Early Decision or Regular Decision application, but ED is a more powerful tool. You must also decide which school within Cornell you want to apply to; once you’ve submitted your application, you cannot change the college you are applying to.
Financial Aid
All financial aid awarded by Cornell is based on financial need. Cornell does not offer merit, athletic, or talent-based aid to students. Cornell University admissions decisions for international applicants are need-aware, meaning they will be evaluated for admission with consideration of the ability to pay educational costs. Applicants who anticipate the need for financial assistance during their undergraduate course of study at Cornell must apply for aid when they apply for admission. International applicants who are admitted but did not apply for financial aid when they applied will not be eligible to apply for financial aid as an undergraduate at Cornell.
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Early Decision is binding but the best option for international applicants; College Report is also required
At Cornell, international students are defined as those who "do not hold US citizenship or approved permanent resident status (green card)". Undocumented and DACA students are considered domestic, as are US citizens living abroad.
For international applicants, applying to Cornell is not especially difficult, but gaining admission is. Early Decision is a binding commitment for students who have selected Cornell as their first choice. However, it is the most powerful tool available to international applicants and is strongly recommended. Students may initiate applications to other colleges under non-binding plans but must withdraw those applications if admitted to Cornell.
To apply through Early Decision, students submit their application and an $85 application fee or fee waiver by November 1, submit supporting materials by November 15, and will receive their admissions decision by mid-December. There are three possible outcomes from Early Decision: Admit, Defer, or Deny. Admitted applicants must withdraw all other college applications, may not submit any additional applications after accepting the offer, and must accept Cornell's offer by submitting an enrollment deposit by early January. Deferred applicants are reconsidered in the Regular Decision pool and are no longer bound by the Early Decision commitment. Denied applicants will not be considered in the Regular Decision pool.
International applicants who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid award at the time of admission. Students may be eligible to be released from the early decision agreement if the financial aid award does not make a Cornell education affordable for applicants and their families. Cornell University will honor any required commitment to matriculate that has been made to another college under an Early Decision plan.
In addition to the above, international applicants are required to submit a College Report. A dean, registrar, advisor, or another college official who has access to the student's records must complete this report. The form should be filled out as completely as possible by the official, and the sections regarding academic standing and disciplinary record are required. Cornell cannot review an application without a completed College/Registrar Report.
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Frequently asked questions
Anyone who does not hold US citizenship or approved permanent resident status (green card) is considered an international student at Cornell.
Yes, undocumented students with or without DACA status are considered domestic students for admissions and financial aid.
If you are a US citizen living abroad, you are not considered an international student at Cornell.
If your permanent resident status is pending, you are considered an international student. However, if your status changes to approved during the application process, you can update your status by contacting Cornell.
If you have dual US citizenship, you are not considered an international student at Cornell.
