Applying to Brown

Learning about a university that is hundreds, even thousands, of miles away from your front door can be a difficult process.

We’ve designed our site to give potential students from near and far a comprehensive picture of life at Brown. From food to classes to sports to dorm rooms, we think we’ve covered almost everything. But we understand that as a potential international student, you might have unique concerns and questions. No need to worry. Around ten percent of Brown’s student body hail from abroad, so we’ve had a lot of experience. Here is some additional information that we hope you find helpful.

The Application Process

All applicants to Brown complete the same application. These forms are designed to provide the Board of Admission with detailed information about each applicant. Although these forms most easily accommodate credentials earned in the U.S. secondary school system, they may be adapted to suit the details of any nation’s educational system. Whenever possible, documents should be issued in English or with official translations along with original documents in the original language.

The academic year at Brown consists of two semesters; the first begins in early September and the second in late January. Applicants for first-year admission can apply only for September entrance. Candidates may apply under the Early Decision plan or the Regular Decision plan.

Students who have completed at least one, but not more than two years of university study must apply for transfer admission. Transfer candidates may apply for entrance in either semester, although all applications must be received by March of the academic year prior to anticipated entrance. Students holding a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent are not eligible for admission to the undergraduate college and should direct their inquiries to the Graduate School.

Admission Criteria

The number of exceptional applicants to Brown greatly exceeds the number of available places. Thus, admission is highly competitive. Because of this, we cannot offer admission to many students with impressive academic and personal records. In considering whether or not Brown is the right choice for you, you should feel confident that your records are at a level which would enable you to be admitted to a leading university in your own country.

Brown first-years will have usually completed 12 years of primary and secondary schooling. Prior to matriculation at Brown, you should have completed the programs which, in your home country, would have prepared you for entrance to a university in that country. You should also plan to sit for national external examinations, such as the GCE A-levels, German Abitur, French Baccalauréat, and submit the predicted scores for those examinations as part of your credentials for admission to Brown.

Students who have completed 13 years of schooling, and who have completed their external examinations with exceptional results may be eligible for some advanced standing or credit at Brown. Such standing is not granted, however, until a student has been admitted and has matriculated, at which time his or her credentials will be reviewed by an academic dean and the academic departments in which the credits are to be applied.

Proficiency in English

Since English is the language of instruction at Brown, it is essential that you demonstrate competence in the language. You must be able to understand rapid, idiomatic American English as spoken in the classroom, have the ability to express thoughts quickly and clearly in both spoken and written English, and read the language with ease. This proficiency must be achieved before you are admitted, as Brown does not offer courses in English as a Second Language for its undergraduates and does not accept students on a provisional basis who are deficient in the language. If your native language is not English, the Board of Admission requires that you submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as evidence that your English proficiency is satisfactory for study at Brown. A TOEFL score of 600 or above on the written exam, or 250 or above on the computer-based exam, is required in most cases. The TOEFL requirement is waived for candidates who have scored a 600 or above on the SAT I verbal examination.

Financial Aid

Brown meets full demonstrated need of all admitted students who have applied for financial aid. Financial aid for foreign citizens, however, is limited. If you wish to be considered for financial aid at any time during your four years at Brown, you should apply at the time of admission. All financial aid at Brown is awarded solely on the basis of financial need, which is determined annually by our analysis of applications submitted by students and their families.

International citizens who are not permanent residents should submit the International Student Financial Aid Application and the International Student Certificate of Finances. Canadian students should complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE application. United States citizens and permanent residents living abroad should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the PROFILE. All of these forms are available from the Office of Financial Aid. They must be returned to the Office of Financial Aid by February 1 of the year in which you wish to gain admission. Announcement of financial aid awards is made with admission decisions in April.

Awards are not given in cash, but as credits toward the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid covers books and some personal expenses, but does not cover vacation and summer expenses. Immigration regulations and restrictions on off-campus summer employment in the United States make it imperative that overseas applicants know exactly where they can obtain funds (e.g. family resources, government grants, or savings). All applicants should consult local education officials and make every effort to obtain outside sources of financial aid. The Association of International Educators can also provide you with some useful information on financing an education in the United States.