University of Iowa: what international applicants need

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

University of Iowa has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 3, 2026 and Regular Decision on February 1, 2027.

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

What is University of Iowa's acceptance rate?

83.6% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Iowa admitted 23,222 of its 27,770 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 University of Iowa require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. University of Iowa requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• 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 3, 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 (February 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 University of Iowa?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 560–660 in Math and 570–670 in Reading and Writing (19% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 21–28.
• 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 University of Iowa's application fee for international students?

University of Iowa's application fee is $80 for international applicants: $25 more than the $55 US applicants pay.

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

No. University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa accept?

University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa require?

University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa require the Common App personal essay?

No. University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa have?

292 of University of Iowa's 22,738 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 1.3%.

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

How much does University of Iowa cost for international students?

University of Iowa is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $33,371 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $11,283). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $12,920. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $51,307 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