Yale University: what international applicants need

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

Yale University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Restrictive Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 2, 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 Yale University's acceptance rate?

3.9% for students who started in fall 2024: Yale University admitted 2,227 of its 57,517 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 Yale University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. Yale 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 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 2, 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 Yale University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 740–790 in Math and 730–780 in Reading and Writing (61% 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 Yale University's application fee for international students?

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

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

Yes. Yale 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 Yale University accept?

Yale 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 Yale University require?

Yale 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 Yale University require the Common App personal essay?

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

Does Yale University have supplemental essays in 2026–27?

Yes. Yale University asks 8 supplemental questions for 2026–27, on top of the Common App personal essay.

• Source · checked September 25, 2026

How many international students does Yale University have?

756 of Yale University's 6,814 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 11.1%.

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

How much does Yale University cost for international students?

Yale University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $67,250, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $19,900. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $91,950 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 Yale University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. Yale University is need-blind for international applicants and meets their full demonstrated need. In 2025-26, it gave institutional grants to 459 international undergraduates.

• Need-blind policy, on the university's site Source
• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source