FAQs
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/faqs?category%5B1021%5D=1021 Parent: https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/international-students
Cost & Aid
Early Action
Academic Preparation
Application Process
Graded Written Paper
Testing
Optional Arts Supplement
International Students
QuestBridge
Visiting Campus
Undocumented/DACA Students
Military and Nontraditional
FAQ categories
Academic Preparation
Application Process
Cost & Aid
Early Action
Graded Written Paper
International Students
Military and Nontraditional
Optional Arts Supplement
QuestBridge
Testing
Undocumented/DACA Students
Visiting Campus
Search questions and answers
Are applications from non-U.S. citizens treated differently in the admission process?
No. We consider all applications in the same way, regardless of citizenship or high school location. We also make no distinctions between international and domestic students when considering financial need.
Are international students eligible for application fee waivers?
Yes. International students are eligible for application fee waivers. You may request a fee waiver if you are from a lower-income background, or if the application fee is a hardship for your family, and you are applying for financial aid. Please note that applying for a fee waiver will not disadvantage your application in any way. You can learn more about fee waivers on the Application Checklist.
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. Our policy of meeting financial need in full for admitted students applies to all admitted students, regardless of citizenship.
Are the admission officers familiar with the educational systems of other countries?
Yes, we are familiar with the educational systems and academic credentials of most countries around the world. You are welcome to provide additional information about the educational system in your country.
Are there special admission requirements for students applying from abroad?
If English is not your native language and you are attending a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), the Duolingo English Test (DET) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Otherwise, there are no additional admission requirements for international students or U.S. citizens attending high schools abroad.
Do my recommendations have to be written in English?
If the person you ask to complete a teacher recommendation or School Report is not comfortable writing in English, he or she may complete the forms in another language. However, you will need to have the forms officially translated before they are submitted to the Admission Office.
How many years do you need to be in an English-medium school to be exempt from an English Proficiency Test?
Students must be in an English-medium school for at least three of the four years of high school to be exempt from an English Proficiency Test.
What are the graded written paper requirements for an international student?
The graded written paper must have been written in English, not translated from another language into English. More information is available on ourinternational students page.
What if English is not my first language?
If English is not the primary language spoken in your home and you attend a school where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), the Duolingo English Test (DET) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
What if I cannot take the SAT or ACT in my country?
Please see COVID-19 Update for complete changes to the 2022-23 cycle.
For the 2022-23 application cycle, Princeton will not require submission of standardized testing (SAT or ACT). Those who still wish to sit for standardized testing should do so by the October test date for Single-Choice Early Action and December date for Regular Decision., if possible. In our experience, scores from the October or December test date for test takers outside the United States will reach us in time.