Come to WashU

More than 50 countries are represented by our undergraduate student body. International students are an important part of our community, and we value the diversity that you help us to create. Whether you are just starting your college search or you already know that WashU is the place for you, we’re excited to connect with you and share in your college journey.

Wondering where to begin?

Visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn more about academics and life at WashU. Applying for college shouldn’t be a confusing chore. Our admissions team has developed a clear process to guide you through the next steps to your future. 

Before you start the application process, review the Guidelines for International Applicants and find answers to commonly asked questions.

Visit and engage with us

Find in-person and virtual visit options – you can hear from current students, explore our beautiful campus, learn about our academic and extracurricular opportunities, and more.

If you still have questions about applying to WashU as an international student, financial aid, or anything else, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Exchange students

Interested in coming to WashU as an exchange student? Overseas Programs will guide you through the admissions process as you pursue your academic goals in St. Louis.

Forty-six percent of our graduate students come from outside the United States. International students are an important part of our community, and we value the diversity that you help us to create.

WashU offers over 50 doctoral and 80 master’s and professional programs. Admission to these programs is school- and department-based. Inquiries regarding specific degree programs should be made to the appropriate department.

Funding & Support

We know that a big part of your graduate school decision hinges on funding, both for your education and for research in your chosen field. We are dedicated to fully covering our graduate students’ needs, with most of our PhD students receiving a full stipend and full tuition remission.

Even if you have guaranteed funding from WashU, we encourage you to pursue additional Graduate Fellowships opportunities. WashU offers several highly competitive and prestigious fellowships for graduate students. There are also various external funding opportunities that can help you broaden your professional network and distinguish your CV when you enter the job market.

• One vehicle for financial assistance to international graduate students is the McDonnell International Scholars Academy. The Academy provides full tuition benefits, a 12-month living stipend and a generous travel allowance. Scholars participate in a collaborative graduate-level leadership program and become part of a unique global community. Scholars are mentored by dedicated faculty, who support their academic and professional growth.
• Since 2012, the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) and WashU have jointly supported more than 50 PhD students in the Taiwan MOE-WashU Scholarship in a range of programs such as biomedical sciences, engineering and applied sciences, and various social sciences. Fellows are part of an elite cohort of scholars from across disciplines and receive tuition, a monthly living stipend, and an annual travel allowance.

“As an international student, my transition to the United States was smooth due to the fact that the WashU community and the McDonnell Academy made my comfort a priority. There was no barrier whatsoever.”

Enoch Azasu, McDonnell Academy Scholar

WashU has a thriving community of more than 800 postdoctoral appointees from all over the world who are conducting research and scholarly work across two campuses, seven schools, and 150+ disciplines. We welcome postdoctoral candidates from different backgrounds and different parts of the world. 

Sixty-seven percent of our postdoctoral appointees are international. As we recognize that relocating to a foreign country can be overwhelming and confusing, we are committed to helping you meet these challenges and making the most of your time here.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs connects you to various opportunities and resources for postdoctoral researchers. Search for postdoctoral openings and fellowships and browse resources by school. Visit the websites of the labs or research groups you are interested in and get in contact with the principal investigator (send a cover letter and your CV).

Washington University in St. Louis welcomes visitors from every corner of the world. Visitors enrich our global perspectives on campus, and we value your contributions to our community. We are happy and excited to welcome you both to WashU and to the St. Louis community.

The St. Louis Visitor’s Commission offers Explore St. Louis, a website offering information about St. Louis dining, events, cultural activities, children’s activities and transportation. It is an authority on what to see and do in the St. Louis area.

On the Office for International Students and Scholars website, you can find a variety of resources to help make your short-term stay in St. Louis more comfortable, including housing options and information on healthcare and health insurance.