Quick Information
| Last Verified Date | November 10, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Link | Apply via the official page |
| Official Source | https://admissions.cornell.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-international-applicants |
Why Cornell University stands out
Cornell University is a private research university in Ithaca, New York, with a large and varied academic community. Its undergraduate students choose one of several colleges, each with its own focus, from engineering and agriculture to arts, business and human ecology. The university also runs a substantial graduate school, so students can move from a first degree into advanced study on the same campus. Cornell states that about one in ten of its students comes from outside the United States, representing more than 125 countries, which gives new international students a broad and well-established global community to join.
What you can study
Undergraduate study at Cornell covers engineering, computer science, applied economics and management, biological and physical sciences, agriculture and life sciences, architecture, arts and humanities, and social sciences. Graduate programmes include masters and doctoral degrees across engineering, computing, the sciences, business, law, medicine-related fields and agriculture. Each undergraduate college sets its own subject recommendations, so applicants should check the requirements of the college they plan to apply to.
International admissions
International students apply through the Common Application, with a Cornell supplement, and must show English language proficiency through an exam or other criteria set by the university. Cornell says its undergraduate admission process for international students is need-aware, so an interest in financial aid is one factor among many in the decision. Full details are on the official international admissions page. Admitted students who need a visa complete further steps to receive their immigration documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do international students apply to Cornell?
Apply through the Common Application with the Cornell supplement, school reports, teacher recommendations and proof of English proficiency. Check the official international admissions page for the current list of required materials.
What are the application deadlines?
For first-year entry, Cornell lists Early Decision on 1 November and Regular Decision on 2 January, with supporting materials due a few days later. Confirm the current dates on the official admissions page before applying.
Does Cornell offer financial aid to international students?
Cornell offers need-based aid to admitted international undergraduates and says it meets the demonstrated need of those it admits, but the process is need-aware. Some named scholarships, such as the Tata Scholarship for students from India, are also listed on the official site.
What English test is needed?
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted exam or other criteria published by Cornell. Check the official page for the accepted tests and any exemptions.