International applicants · 2026–27
Tufts University: what international applicants need
Medford, Massachusetts
Requirements for the 2026–27 season, updated September 25, 2026.
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The questions international applicants ask
What are Tufts University's application deadlines for 2026–27?
Tufts University has 3 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 2, 2026, Early Decision II on January 4, 2027, 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 Tufts University's acceptance rate?
11.5% for students who started in fall 2024: Tufts University admitted 3,957 of its 34,432 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 Tufts University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?
No. Tufts 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 Early Decision deadline (November 2, 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 Tufts University?
The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 750–790 in Math and 720–770 in Reading and Writing (40% 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 Tufts University's application fee for international students?
Tufts University's application fee is $75 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.
Does Tufts University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?
Yes. Tufts 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 Tufts University accept?
Tufts 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 Tufts University require?
Tufts 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 Tufts University require the Common App personal essay?
Yes. Tufts University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.
How many international students does Tufts University have?
890 of Tufts University's 7,126 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 12.5%.
- US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source
How much does Tufts University cost for international students?
Tufts University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $70,704, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $18,588. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $92,088 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 Tufts University give financial aid to international students?
Yes. In 2024-25, Tufts University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 231 international undergraduates.
- Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source
Every requirement, in one place
Deadlines
- Early DecisionNovember 2, 2026
- Early Decision IIJanuary 4, 2027
- Regular DecisionJanuary 4, 2027
- Application fee
- $75International applicantsUS applicants: $75
- Common App fee waiver
- Accepted
- SAT / ACT
- OptionalThis 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
- 1 teacher recommendation · Counselor recommendation · Mid-year report
- Also required
- Common App personal essay