Northwestern University: what international applicants need

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

Northwestern University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 4, 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 Northwestern University's acceptance rate?

7.7% for students who started in fall 2024: Northwestern University admitted 3,806 of its 49,474 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 Northwestern University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Northwestern University is test-flexible for 2026–27: it accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT, and its testing page lists which ones.

• 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 4, 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.

What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 770–800 in Math and 740–770 in Reading and Writing (46% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 33–35.
• 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 Northwestern University's application fee for international students?

Northwestern University's application fee is $75 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

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

Yes. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University accept?

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

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Northwestern University require?

Northwestern University requires one teacher recommendation 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 Northwestern University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Northwestern University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Northwestern University have?

1,070 of Northwestern University's 9,399 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 11.4%.

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

How much does Northwestern University cost for international students?

Northwestern University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $68,322, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $21,126. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $94,878 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 Northwestern University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, Northwestern University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 314 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25