The Ohio State University: what international applicants need

What are The Ohio State University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

The Ohio State University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is The Ohio State University's acceptance rate?

60.6% for students who started in fall 2024: The Ohio State University admitted 44,116 of its 72,829 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 The Ohio State University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. The Ohio State 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 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 15, 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 The Ohio State University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 670–760 in Math and 640–720 in Reading and Writing (17% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 28–32.
• 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 The Ohio State University's application fee for international students?

The Ohio State University's application fee is $70 for international applicants: $10 more than the $60 US applicants pay.

Does The Ohio State University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. The Ohio State University accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does The Ohio State University accept?

The Ohio State 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 The Ohio State University require?

The Ohio State University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does The Ohio State University require the Common App personal essay?

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

How many international students does The Ohio State University have?

3,564 of The Ohio State University's 46,815 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 7.6%.

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

How much does The Ohio State University cost for international students?

The Ohio State University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $40,022 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $13,244). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $14,738. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $58,860 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 The Ohio State University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2023-24, The Ohio State University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 5 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2023-24 Source