University of Wisconsin- Madison: what international applicants need

What are University of Wisconsin- Madison's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of Wisconsin- Madison 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 University of Wisconsin- Madison's acceptance rate?

45.2% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Wisconsin- Madison admitted 29,782 of its 65,894 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 Wisconsin- Madison require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. University of Wisconsin- Madison 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 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 University of Wisconsin- Madison?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 710–780 in Math and 670–740 in Reading and Writing (15% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 29–33.
• 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 Wisconsin- Madison's application fee for international students?

University of Wisconsin- Madison's application fee is $80 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does University of Wisconsin- Madison accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. University of Wisconsin- Madison 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 University of Wisconsin- Madison accept?

University of Wisconsin- Madison lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

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

Does University of Wisconsin- Madison accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests University of Wisconsin- Madison accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does University of Wisconsin- Madison require?

University of Wisconsin- Madison requires one teacher recommendation for 2026–27.

• 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 Wisconsin- Madison require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. University of Wisconsin- Madison requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does University of Wisconsin- Madison have?

4,101 of University of Wisconsin- Madison's 38,040 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 10.8%.

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

How much does University of Wisconsin- Madison cost for international students?

University of Wisconsin- Madison is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $42,103 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $11,603). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $14,124. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $60,505 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