International Applicants

No, international applicants follow the same application procedures as domestic applicants.

That said, any Northwestern applicant whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English is required to submit proof of English proficiency. More information on accepted English proficiency exams can be found on Northwestern’s application requirements page and in the English proficiency FAQ below.

No, all applications to Northwestern are for a fall (September) quarter start.

Applicants may submit a score if they wish, but scores are not required for the 2024–25 application cycle. For more information, take a look at our Testing Policy FAQs.

An English proficiency score is required for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English. English proficiency scores may not be self-reported; these must be submitted officially via the appropriate testing organization as part of the application.

Northwestern accepts official results from the following exams:

• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• IELTS, including IELTS Indicator
• TOEFL iBT, including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition but not TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution

While there is no minimum score required by Northwestern, competitive applicants demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and typically score in the high range on all sections of the exams we accept.

Note: Northwestern does not superscore English proficiency exams, and will not review TOEFL’s MyBest Scores.

Testing code

• The Northwestern TOEFL code 1565.

No. All applicants with foreign academic credentials must provide Northwestern with certified English translations of their original transcripts. Applicants may use any transcript translation service, including one in their home country. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) maintains a list of some of the companies that will provide this service. You may also connect with your local EducationUSA Advising Center for support, including help finding local and affordable translation services.

Interviews are an optional addition to your application for admission and are conducted by members of Northwestern’s Alumni Admission Council (AAC) or through InitialView. Applicants who are unable to or choose not to interview are not at a disadvantage in the admission process. That said, completed  interviews do provide the admission committee with additional perspective about your potential fit for Northwestern and will be considered as part of our holistic review.

For more information, please visit our Application Requirements page.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission understands that applicants to Northwestern study in diverse educational systems. Indicate as best as you can the information that the application requests. If you cannot find an appropriate place for this information, please submit it as additional information in the Common Application or Coalition Application.

Northwestern understands that students in some countries and school systems have restricted time for involvement beyond schoolwork. We also know that the importance of these activities is viewed differently in many parts of the world. Although this knowledge is taken into account, applicants are still highly encouraged to pursue activities (organized or unorganized) during their free time. The most competitive candidates for admission demonstrate achievement and engagement inside and outside the classroom.

Northwestern requires one recommendation from a counselor or school administrator and one recommendation from an academic teacher. While these requirements are not permitted to be substituted, you may submit an additional recommendation from another source. The Office of Undergraduate Admission recommends submitting no more than three letters of recommendation altogether.

Northwestern encourages all students to finish a program that will allow them to enter an accredited university in their home country. Students who apply with partially completed academic programs are at a disadvantage in the admission process.

No, Northwestern seeks the most diverse student body possible and does not place limits on the number of students from any country or group of countries.

Yes. Requests for a gap year due to National Service or for another reason must be made in writing to the Director of Undergraduate Admission and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Northwestern awards credit for eligible Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) higher-level examination results. For more information, please review our most up-to-date credit policy on the Office of the Registrar’s website.  

Examination results from other international curricula will be evaluated for academic credit on an individual basis. You must arrange to have your final examination results sent to Northwestern should you be admitted and plan to enroll.