Cornell University is a global community. Since Cornell’s founding in 1865, our campus has welcomed students and scholars from all reaches of the world. Globally, Cornell students, faculty, and alumni apply their knowledge to improve life for all on our planet. They strive to cure disease, solve food and water security issues, and alleviate poverty. We believe it takes an international, diverse community to envision and create a more sustainable, just world.
We define international applicants as students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or do not have refugee/asylee status. U.S. undocumented residents with DACA or without DACA status are considered domestic students both for admissions and financial aid purposes. U.S. citizens who are living abroad or applicants who have dual U.S. citizenship are not considered international students.
Our international applicants follow the same application process as our first-year applicants and transfer applicants.
All Cornell students must have a strong command of the English language to be successful in their engagement in their university studies. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following methods:
Applicants who do not meet one of these criteria are required to submit an English proficiency exam score from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Score requirements for admissions consideration to be most competitive in our review process include a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL internet-based exam, a minimum of 7.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum of 130 on the Duolingo English Test. We will accept self-reported TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores from the Common Application. You may also self-report new or updated scores on Cornell’s English Language Proficiency Form which will be available in your applicant portal once you become an applicant. Should you be admitted to and enrolled at Cornell, we will require official test scores sent from the testing agency at that time.
* The map indicates the countries outside of the United States where Cornell University students reside.
Olav is a mechanical engineering major and a true renaissance man. Originally hailing from Germany, he is a talented musician, a member of the varsity Crew team, and an avid researcher. Hear how he breaks the rules by going “beyond the quad” and making the most of his time at Cornell.
As I sifted through my acceptances while choosing colleges, I knew I had a tough decision to make as I had not had the opportunity to visit any of the universities. After deliberating on each acceptance, my final decision was Cornell. After a year and a half I have never looked back on my decision, perhaps because Cornell offers everything a student might hope for. Cornell is a diverse, intellectual and cohesive community and is a place I proudly call home!
Kompella '20 (New Delhi, India)
Surprisingly enough, there is actually a very strong international community in Cornell. There are many cultural events hosted by various culture clubs, for example, a mid-autumn festival dinner with dim sum, a Japanese summer festival, and a Holi celebration in the arts quad — all of which were extremely fun! It's one of the things that I really appreciate about Cornell — everyone here embraces other cultures and is excited to share their own traditions.
I fell in love with Cornell right away — I loved the campus, the food, the classes and, perhaps most importantly, the people. I knew I wanted to go to a school with an amazing engineering program and also one that was large enough so that I could hypothetically meet a new person, from a different place or with a different major, every day for four years. Cornell was the perfect choice. That said, transitioning from Nigeria to America wasn't easy — whether it's missing home or struggling to understand your professor. Fortunately, there are many resources available on campus to help make the transition go a little smoother. I found that just by reaching out, many people were going through the same thing that I was and it was great to know that I wasn't alone.
The most attractive part of Cornell is the number of choices here! As an international student, I benefit a lot from the international student community. Every semester, there are many events celebrating major cultural holidays. However, with the many choices Cornell provides, this is definitely not the only way to be involved. Personally, I find a home in the Cornell Outdoor Education program (aka the “basement land”) where I meet like-minded adventurers, and my engineering project team, where I find intelligent individuals who share the same passion. With new discoveries every day, Cornell has never failed to surprise me!
May I apply as an international student during early decision?
Yes, an increasing portion of the College of Engineering's early decision pool are international applicants.
May I apply for financial aid as an international applicant?
Yes, but it is limited. Cornell University provides need-based financial aid on a limited basis to a selected number of admitted international students who have applied for financial aid. For international applicants and undocumented applicants without DACA status, we are need-aware for admissions.
We do not offer merit, athletic or talent-based aid to students. Students who are admitted and demonstrate financial need will receive a financial aid package that meets 100% of their demonstrated need (Cornell University does not provide partial financial aid awards). For further information on applying for aid as an international student, please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.
I want to enroll at Cornell but I am still waiting to hear from my scholarship committee. What should I do?
Please email the Engineering Admissions Office at engr_admissions@cornell.edu to let us know of your special circumstance. Include your full name, address, and when you expect to hear from the scholarship committee. Deposit extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
When will I receive my I-20 Form?
In order to receive an I-20, students must: be accepted to Cornell, submit their $400 required acceptance deposit, and document their ability to meet the cost of attendance by submitting the Declaration of Finances form. Visa documentation and approval will take time so please submit your Declaration of Finances form when you send your acceptance deposit. For more information, see the United States Government's Visa website and Cornell's International Services Office.
I have been admitted to Cornell Engineering but my country requires military service, what should I do?
Admitted first-year students who are required to complete military service can apply for a 1 or 2 year deferral of their enrollment. Please note that a deferral is not formally granted until the Cornell Bursar's Office has received the enrollment deposit of $400 for a 1-year deferral or $800 for a 2-year deferral.
