5 Videos,
Northwestern University Admissions 2026: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs
- Private University
240 acre campus- Estd. 1851
Talk to Expert
Last updated on 22 Nov '25Northwestern University AdmissionsWhat's new?
International students can apply for Northwestern University admission in Early and Regular modes. The Northwestern University application deadline for undergraduate and graduate programs is given below:
Undergraduate Deadline:
- Early decision: Nov 1, 2025
- Regular decision: Jan 2, 2026
Graduate Deadline:
- MS: Varies as per programs (some programs may have multiple rounds)
- MBA: Sep 10, 2025 (Round 1), Jan 7, 2026 (Round 2), Apr 1, 2026 (Round 3)
- Northwestern University Admission Overview 2026
- Northwestern University Admission Dates 2026
- Northwestern University Admissions Requirements 2026
- How to get into Northwestern University in 2026?
- Northwestern University Enrollment Statistics 2026
- + 1 more item
Northwestern University Admission Overview 2026
With a focus on research and real-world application, Northwestern University offers a great academic atmosphere with a strong mix of theory and practice. International students from all over the globe apply to Northwestern University admissions for its excellent teaching, innovative research, and personal growth.
The university offers over 177 UG and PG programs available for international students, and the popular programs offered are Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics, Robotics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Information Systems, and more.
Also Check: Study Guide to the USA for International Students
Northwestern University Admissions 2026 Highlights
International students can complete their Northwestern University application process via the university application portal for UG and PG admission. Students must fulfill the basic eligibility requirements and submit the required documents requested by the university. Once they have fulfilled the eligibility requirements and submitted the necessary documents, students must pay the Northwestern University application fees to apply. Look at the tabel below are the Northwestern University admission requirements for international students -
|
Particular |
Northwestern University Info |
|---|---|
|
Application portal |
UG: admissions.northwestern.edu PG: northwestern.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions MBA: kellogg.northwestern.edu |
|
Application fee |
UG: USD 75 (INR 6.44K) PG: USD 95 (INR 8.2K) MBA: USD 250 (INR 21.5K) |
|
Acceptance rate |
7% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
|
|
International application deadlines |
Undergraduate Deadline:
Graduate Deadline:
|
(USD 1 = INR 88.7)
Commonly asked questions
The Harvard University tuition fee is lower than that of Northwestern University, Harvard is way harder to get into, as its acceptance rate is just 6%. The Northwestern University acceptance rate is 13% which is more than double that of Harvard. So, if you are looking for better chance to get in, Northwestern is calling, but if you want cheaper tuition and the ivy league status, Harvard is reallly good.
Northwestern University doesn't specify any minimum GPA required for admission. The selection process is based on academic rigor, essays, recommendations, mandatory documents, along GPA. Applicants must also make sure to fulfill additional requirements as per their choice of program, for example, they must have a bachelor's degree for PG programs and a high school certificate for UG programs. Moreover, they must have English proficiency test scores as a mandatory requirement.
Northeastern University has not specified any minimum GPA requirement for admissions. But from the past data, a GPA of 3.85 on a 4.0 scale is very competitive. Most of the applicants with the mentioned GPA were offered admission.
On a related note, although the entrance tests like the SAT or ACT are not required for this year admission cycle, having a good score in these exams and submitting them with your application can raise your chances of admission at Northwestern.
Northwestern University Admission Dates 2026
For Indian applicants going for the upcoming Northwestern University intakes, the entrance tests are optional. However, other important admission requirements are important like submitting the transcripts, taking an English proficiency test like IELTS TOEFL or PTE. For all these docs, the students should be aware of the Northwestern University application process, so that they can plan it better.
Northwestern University Application Deadlines 2026
The university prefers to admit students in Early and Regular modes for undergraduate admission. However, the MBA admissions are taken on a Round basis. The students willing to join the master's program must meet the deadline, as it varies based on the course. International students can check the Northwestern University application deadline for popular programs below:
UG Deadline:
|
Program |
Early |
Regular |
|---|---|---|
|
UG |
Nov 1, 2025 |
Jan 2, 2026 |
Graduate Deadline:
MS Deadline: Varies as per the programs. Some programs might have additional rounds; hence, applicants must refer to the official program page carefully.
MBA Deadline: (Kellogg School of Management)
|
Program |
Round 1 |
Round 2 |
Round 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MBA |
Sep 10, 2025 |
Jan 7, 2026 |
Apr 1, 2026 |
Also Read: Admission Intakes in US Universities
Commonly asked questions
The Northwestern University tuition cost depends on the level of the programme and its duration. ranges between INR 55.63L and INR 61.16L for undergraduates and INR 17.05L and INR 99.4L for postgraduates. Students can check the Northwestern University tuition fees for popular programs below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
B.Sc. (14 courses) | INR 56 L |
B.E. / B.Tech (26 courses) | INR 55 L - 56 L |
MIM (7 courses) | INR 20 L - 57 L |
MS (30 courses) | INR 26 L - 66 L |
MBA/PGDM (13 courses) | INR 20 L - 95 L |
B.A. (35 courses) | INR 56 L |
BBA (3 courses) | INR 55 L - 56 L |
MEM (1 course) | INR 55 L |
MDS (1 course) | INR 34 L |
LL.M. (4 courses) | INR 48 L - 65 L |
Northwestern University offers an MS in Computer Science (MSCS) program, which delivers a flexible curriculum on foundational computational courses and core subjects AI/ML, Robotics, Cybersecurity, HCI, and many more for students who are willing to take their tech skill set to an advanced level. Graduates of this course are well prepared to grab secure roles in Software engineering, Data Analytics, IT consulting, Database Management and many more. According to unofficial sources, 98% of students get places three months after graduation. Graduates get places in companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, Visa, Deloitte, Visa, Oracle, IBM. The average salaries of these graduates are nearly USD 108,000
No, Northwestern University is not considered as a part of the Ivy Leagues. The original Ivy League consists of eight prestigious private universities, of which Northwestern is not a part of. Although, the university is considered extremely prestigious enough to be considered as Ivy equivalent due to its academic excellence, reputation, Competitive admission, and high research output.
Northwestern University Admissions Requirements 2026
The Northwestern University courses comprise over 177 UG and PG programs in specializations such as Sports Administration, Management Studies, Finance and more.
Students can check Northwestern University admission eligibility below for some popular courses among international students:
Northwestern University PG Admission Requirements 2026
International students can go for Northeastern PG courses which are offered in many specialisations. Electronic Engineering, Agriculture and Aerospace Engineering and Public Policy are popular ones. There are many admisssions requiremens which need to be met but the most common is having a UG degree.
Look at the table below for PG admission requirements at this Uni -
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MIM(9 months-2 years) |
|
TOEFL: 100 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above, GMAT |
|
Not required |
|
MS(9 months-2 years) |
|
TOEFL: 80 - 100, IELTS: 6.5 - 8, GRE, GMAT |
|
Not required |
|
MBA/PGDM(9 months-2 years) |
|
IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, GMAT, GRE, Duolingo |
|
Required |
Northwestern University UG Admission Requirements 2026
To be a part of Northwestern University UG courses, international students should meet the undergraduate courses important requirements. Given in the table below are the same:
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
B.Sc.(4 years) |
|
IELTS, SAT, TOEFL |
|
|
B.E. / B.Tech(4-5 years) |
|
IELTS, TOEFL, SAT |
|
|
B.A.(4-5 years) |
|
IELTS |
|
|
BBA(4 years) |
|
IELTS |
|
Northwestern University Visa Requirements for International Students
Applicants must apply for the USA VISA as soon as they receive the offer letter from the university. International students must receive their I-20/DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS fee once they receive an offer letter from the university. They must fill out their DS-160 visa application and schedule visa interviews. Students must submit the following documents before attending the interview and receiving the review mail from Northwestern University:
- Offer letter from Northwestern University
- Passport
- Financial documents
- DS-160 form
- Valid I-20/ DS-2019 form
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Passport photos
- Proof of permanent residence
Northwestern University MS Admissions 2026
You can choose MS programs offered by the Northwestern University for around 9 months to 2 years, in various specializations like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics, Robotics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Information Systems, and more. the tuition fees fo tese courses are around INR 26 L - INR 66 L. You would need to meet teh eligibility citeria as per the program you choose hwich includes meeting the academic requirements as well as the english requirements. You must also submit certain mamndatory documents such as LOR, academic records, SOP, CV, Employment history etc and any additional documents required by you program
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT
Commonly asked questions On MS Admissions
Northwestern University Provides with MS in Informational Technology Courses (MSIT) which is industry-focused and is inclined towards training and preparing students for strategic and technology-driven leadership roles. The programme focuses on foundational computing core subjects and specialised electives like Cybersecurity, Data analytics, Database Management, Artificial Intelligence among more. Graduates from this course get recruited by top tech companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Visa, Fidelity, JP Morgan and Samsung. Graduates typically go for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, IT Project Manager, Business Intelligence, Data Analyst and more. Their salary range starts from around USD 99,000 and can go upto USD 150,000
Northwestern University MBA Admissions 2026
You can choose MBA programs offered by the Northwestern University for around 1-2 years, in various specializations Sports Administration, Management Studies, Finance, Project Management, Integrated Marketing Communications Professionals, Design Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Leadership for Creative Enterprises, Public Policy and Administration, and more. The tuition fees for these courses are around INR 62L and INR 94L. You would need to meet the eligibility criteria as per the program you choose which includes meeting the academic requirements as well as the english requirements. You must also submit certain mandatory documents such as LOR, academic records, SOP, CV, Employment history etc and any additional documents required by your program
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: PTE, Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE
Commonly asked questions On MBA/PGDM Admissions
Northwestern University offers two-year full-time MBA, which is regarded as one of the most sought after programs of the university. This programme is specifically designed for students who want to grow their careers in leadership and business administration. Graduates from this course are well prepared for industries like Consulting, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods and many more. The top recruiters are Mckinsey, BCG, Bain and Co, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, PepsiCo, etc. As of recent available data, 90% of graduates get placed within three months of graduation. Their median base salary goes upto USD 190,00
How to get into Northwestern University in 2026?
Students who want to apply to Northwestern admissions process must meet admission eligibility and submit important documents according to program requirements. Student must pay application fee before submitting applications before deadlines. Check out the steps for the application process mentioned follows :
- Start by registering via the university application portal
- You can explore and choose a program of your choice from the official website
- Verify the eligibility, including academic requirements and English requirements, and
submit mandatory documents, such as academic records, 2-3 LORs, SOP, updated CV, standardized test scorecards like ACT, SAT, GMAT, or GRE as per the program chosen, and employment history as required. - Complete the form by filling out the additional information as required
- Pay the application fee and submit the application.
What all documents are required for the application submission at Northwestern University?
It is important to submit some important documents to be able to apply to Northwestern University. The students are required to show proof of previous education.
Look at the document checklist given below -
| Northwestern University UG Documents Requirements |
Northwestern University PG Documents Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Academic Transcripts (Of all the completed courses and grades for all semesters) |
Transcripts |
|
A copy of a valid Passport |
GMAT or GRE |
|
English language proficiency tests (TOEFL and IELTS) |
For some courses, a portfolio or video recordings |
|
Health Insurance |
Letters of recommendation |
|
A completed visa application |
English language proficiency tests (TOEFL and IELTS) |
|
SAT or ACT |
Completed application |
|
Additional documents like LORs, essays and personal statement |
An updated resume or a CV |
Northwestern University Enrollment Statistics 2026
The Northwestern University acceptance rate is around 7%. This shows that Northwestern Uni is very competitive at the time of admission.
The enrollment statistics for this University are given below:
|
Particular |
Statistics 2023-2024 |
|---|---|
|
Application Received |
51,769 |
|
Admitted Students |
3,739 |
|
Total Students Enrolled |
2,111 |
|
Yield Rate |
56.5% |
|
Acceptance Rate |
7.22% |
Northwestern UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
5 Verified Reviews
- 20% students never faced discrimination in this university
Northwestern University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
Northwestern University offers many scholarships for international students who are eligible based on their academic record and overall profile. They can get these scholarships by applying for admission to the university and choosing an option that they are eligible for. After checking the requireme
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hi.
The acceptance rate at Northwestern is 7.2%. For every 100 applicants, only 7 are admitted.
This means the school is extremely selective. Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation.
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a week ago
Northwestern University has a lot of academic schools in areas such as Medicine, Journalism, Communication, Music among others. It is included in the 4 top 10 national universities and is also included in the top 20 in the 4 graduate school rankings. The school rankings at the university are mention
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of around 8%. This means that it is very selective for admissions of international students. The applicants have to submit the GPA, academic records and documents that are mentioned on the official website. If their documents do not fulfill the requirem
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Northwestern University is one of the top ranked universities. It has a ranking of #28 in the world and #14 in the USA based on the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025. It also has been ranked well for its academic schools on the main Illinois campus. The rankings of the university by ranking bodies ar
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
Northwestern University
Northwestern University Hall
Library
Mudd Hall
Northwestern University Popular & recent articles
Northwestern UniversityLocation
| University City | Evanston, Illinois, USA |
| Size of city | Small |
| Population of City | 74,756 |
Northwestern UniversityContact Information
633 Clark Street, Evanston, Illinois-60208, USA
Evanston ( Illinois)
Comments