Brandeis has been a welcoming place for international students since its inception in 1948. Our commitment to the international community was enhanced in 1958 with the establishment of the Wien International Scholarship Program, an extensive grant program that awards deserving students based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. Throughout our history, we have valued the energy, perspective and enthusiasm that the international student population brings towards enhancing campus life.
Applying to Brandeis UniversityIf you are an international student applying as a first-year student, the following are the required components of your Brandeis application:
- Completed application: Submit your Brandeis undergraduate application. The application includes a personal statement or essay.
- Transcripts: Official copies of all high school transcripts as well as marks from any national exams. If the original documents are not in English, please submit both the original documents as well as English translations.
- Official standardized test scores: Except for US/Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international applicants must submit either the SAT or ACT test section. All tests should be completed by the end of January of the senior year. Additionally, international students for whom English is not their native language should submit results from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Applicants who, for four or more years, have attended a high school where the primary language of instruction is English are exempt from this requirement.
- Two teacher evaluations or letters of recommendation from teachers who have instructed you in core academic courses (Math, Science, History, Foreign Language, or English).
- School profile and a letter of recommendation from a secondary school official.
- Financial documentation
If you are applying for financial aid, you must submit:
- CSS Profile
- Supporting financial documentation, demonstrating the funds that the family will contribute to the applicant’s education for first year of study. Examples are statements of earnings from employers, certification of finances from banks or other financial institutions, or tax-returns.
If you are not applying for Financial Aid, you must submit:
- Certification of Finances for International Students
- Supporting financial documentation, demonstrating the funds that the family will contribute to the applicant’s education for four years of study. Examples are statements of earnings from employers, certification of finances from banks or other financial institutions, or tax-returns, if such are available.
Other Requirements and Information- If you are applying as an Early Decision I or Early Decision II applicant you are also required to submit a completed Early Decision Agreement Form.
- If you have been out of high school for a year or more, and are applying for first-year admission, please submit a brief statement explaining what you have been doing since graduating from high school.
- We encourage international applicants to visit Brandeis and, if possible, schedule an interview with an admissions representative.
Gateway ProgramThe Brandeis Gateway Scholars Program was developed to provide international students with the high level of English necessary to be successful in the challenging academic program at Brandeis. These students will join the Brandeis community in July and take courses focused on developing skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will also visit many museums and historical sites in and around Boston.
Upon completion of the summer session, Gateway Scholars will participate in first-year orientation before beginning the fall semester. In the fall, scholars will take a combination of undergraduate courses and Gateway English courses. Upon completion of the program, students will continue with a full undergraduate curriculum in the spring.
Students interested in the Gateway Scholars Program should apply to Brandeis using the regular admissions process. Applicants determined to be a good fit for the Gateway Scholars Program will be selected by the Admissions Committee.
