Princeton University: what international applicants need

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

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

• Restrictive Early Action isn't binding, but it limits where else you can apply early.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Princeton University's acceptance rate?

4.6% for students who started in fall 2024: Princeton University admitted 1,868 of its 40,468 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 Princeton University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Princeton University is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• 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 Restrictive Early Action 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 1, 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 Princeton 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 (56% 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 Princeton University's application fee for international students?

Princeton University's application fee is $85 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

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

Yes. Princeton 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 Princeton University accept?

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

• If English isn't your native language and your school doesn't teach in English, Princeton requires the TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic. You don't need one if English is your native language or you've spent at least three years at a secondary school that teaches in English. 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.

How many recommendation letters does Princeton University require?

Princeton 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 Princeton University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Princeton 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 Princeton University have supplemental essays in 2026–27?

Yes. Princeton University asks 7 supplemental questions for 2026–27, on top of the Common App personal essay.

• Source · checked September 25, 2026

Does Princeton University give financial aid to international students?

Princeton is need-blind for international applicants and meets their full need as it does for US students, with grants rather than loans. It offers no academic or athletic merit scholarships. In 2025-26, it gave institutional scholarships or grants to 597 international undergraduates.

• Source · checked September 25, 2026
• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source

How many international students does Princeton University have?

751 of Princeton University's 5,813 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 12.9%.

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

How much does Princeton University cost for international students?

Princeton University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $62,688, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $20,250. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $87,888 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