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International applicants · 2026–27

Brown University: what international applicants need

Providence, Rhode Island

Requirements for the 2026–27 season, updated September 25, 2026.

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The questions international applicants ask

What are Brown University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Brown University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 5, 2027.

  • Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
  • Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Brown University's acceptance rate?

5.4% for students who started in fall 2024: Brown University admitted 2,638 of its 48,904 first-year applicants.

  • The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
  • US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Brown University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. Brown University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.

  • This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
  • For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
  • For the Regular Decision deadline (January 5, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
  • Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.
Testing policy page

What SAT score do you need for Brown University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 770–800 in Math and 740–780 in Reading and Writing (61% of them sent SAT scores).

  • On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 34–35.
  • If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
  • US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Brown University's application fee for international students?

Brown University's application fee is $80 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Brown University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Brown University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

  • Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Brown University accept?

Brown University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

  • Brown highly recommends an English proficiency test if English isn't your first language, your main language at home, or your language of instruction for all of secondary school. Proficiency must be reached before admission: Brown offers no ESL courses and no provisional admission. Source · checked September 25, 2026
  • Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.
International applicants page

How many recommendation letters does Brown University require?

Brown University requires 2 teacher recommendations and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

  • It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
  • Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Brown University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Brown University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

  • It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

Does Brown University have supplemental essays in 2026–27?

Yes. Brown University asks 4 supplemental questions for 2026–27, on top of the Common App personal essay.

  • Source · checked September 25, 2026
See the questions

How many international students does Brown University have?

1,069 of Brown University's 7,910 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 13.5%.

  • US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Brown University cost for international students?

Brown University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $71,412, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $17,444. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $91,676 before any financial aid.

  • US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Brown University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. Brown University is need-blind for international applicants and meets their full demonstrated need. In 2025-26, it gave institutional grants to 254 international undergraduates.

  • Need-blind policy, on the university's site Source
  • Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source

Every requirement, in one place

Deadlines

  1. Early DecisionNovember 1, 2026
  2. Regular DecisionJanuary 5, 2027
Application fee
$80International applicantsUS applicants: $80
Common App fee waiver
Accepted
SAT / ACT
RequiredThis is the policy for American applicants. It can differ for international students: check the testing page.
English proficiency tests accepted
Listed on the university's site
Letters and school reports
2 teacher recommendations · Counselor recommendation · Mid-year report
Also required
Common App personal essay · Portfolio

Supplemental essays

On top of the Common App personal essay, Brown University asks for the essays below. They're copied word for word from its official page, in English, as you'll see them in the application. Some programs ask for more: check the official page.

Four essays are required for all first-year and transfer applicants

  1. "There is something distinctive about Brown students. It is a blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and humility. A commitment to collaboration. An openness to new ideas and perspectives. A desire to make the world better. And it is resilience: the ability to recover and thrive after experiencing difficulties." From President Christina Paxson's 2025 Convocation Address. How will you use these characteristics or others to shape your approach to the Open Curriculum?150-250 words
  2. Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community.150-250 words
  3. If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?100-150 words
  4. Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy.100-150 words

Official source · read on September 25, 2026 · Paste your draft for feedback