UNITED STATES · PROVIDENCE

Brown University

private · Founded 1764 · Languages: en

In short

Brown University is a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island, known for its unique Open Curriculum that allows students to design their own academic path. It offers a diverse community and a collaborative learning environment with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1764
Students: 11,164
International students: 2,300
Acceptance rate: 5%
Tuition (intl): €64–64k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Providence, United States

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Brown University · United States

Africana Studies PhD

The PhD program in Africana Studies at Brown University aims to equip students with the skills to generate innovative knowledge and cutting-edge scholarship within the discipline. The department serves as an intellectual hub for studying the artistic, cultural, historical, literary, and theoretical expressions of people of African descent globally. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, teaching, and public service, contributing to academic and non-academic communities with critical thinking and global perspectives. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary work with a focus on race, class, gender, and sexuality. Students engage with theories and methods from other academic disciplines, preparing them for significant contributions to both academic and non-academic spheres. The department fosters a vibrant intellectual community through resources like the C.L.R. James Journal and the Rites and Reason Theatre, and offers opportunities for cross-institutional study.

Brown University · United States

Archaeologies of the Greek Past

This program focuses on the study of ancient Greek archaeology, particularly during the High Classical period, an era of significant artistic and political development in Athens. It delves into the life and works of Phidias, a prominent sculptor and supervisor of artistic projects under Perikles. The program examines the artistic style of this period, characterized by idealized human forms, and its representation of Athenian dominance. Students will explore Phidias' key contributions, including monumental chryselephantine statues like the Athena Parthenos and the statue of Zeus at Olympia, as well as his work on architectural elements such as pedimental marbles. The curriculum emphasizes understanding Phidias' style and its influence on the broader context of Greek art during the late fifth century BCE, highlighting his role in initiating and perfecting the High Classical Style. The program also touches upon the attribution of various works and copies, encouraging critical analysis of historical evidence.

Brown University · United States

Brown University Graduate Programs

Brown University offers a wide range of master's and doctoral programs across various schools, including Engineering, Public Health, and Professional Studies. The university fosters a collaborative and supportive environment with a friendly scale, featuring 2,500 graduate students and over 700 full-time faculty. This setting provides excellent academic training and mentoring, preparing students for distinguished careers in research, teaching, and as experts in public and private sectors. International applicants must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree and provide official documents detailing their previous educational programs. Brown is committed to attracting diverse talent and cultivating an environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas. For students who are not awarded full financial assistance, proof of financial support covering annual expenses, including travel, is required for final admission.

Brown University · United States

Computer Science

Computer science is a critical tool for exploring a wide range of subjects, from astrophysics to cognitive science. In many scientific and liberal arts fields, cutting-edge research increasingly relies on computational methods. Brown's undergraduate program in Computer Science is designed to provide a broad foundation in both theoretical and practical computer science, alongside the opportunity for in-depth study in specialized areas. These areas encompass traditional computer science topics such as algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, distributed systems, graphics, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, programming languages, robotics, and security, as well as emerging fields like game development and scientific visualization.

Brown University · United States

Design Engineering (A.M.)

The Master of Arts in Design Engineering (MADE) is an 11-month, on-campus joint degree program between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This program focuses on the intersection of design creativity and engineering innovation, offering a flexible, interdisciplinary approach to help students achieve their career goals. Students will develop solutions through iterative making and testing, bringing ideas to life in well-equipped studios and workshops. The curriculum integrates team-based projects to enhance collaboration skills. By leveraging the combined resources of Brown and RISD, students can explore a wide range of interests, from user experience (UX) design and robotics to health technology and data visualization. This program prepares graduates for careers as art directors, creative technologists, design engineers, researchers, and professionals in UX and product design. Alumni have been affiliated with prominent organizations like Disney, Hasbro, and Hyundai, as well as pursuing PhD programs and joining design consultancies.

Brown University · United States

Doctoral Program in Biostatistics

The Doctoral Program in Biostatistics at Brown University aims to train students to conduct independent research in the theory, methodology, and application of statistics to critical problems in biomedical research, including biology, public health, and clinical medicine. The program emphasizes developing new quantitative methods and their underlying theory, applying innovative statistical approaches to complex scientific problems, and fostering leadership in interdisciplinary research across public health, medicine, biology, and social sciences. Students are required to demonstrate mastery of advanced biostatistical methods through coursework and examinations. This includes a strong foundation in statistical inference, general biostatistical methods, specialized domain areas, and public health principles. Additionally, students must develop competency in a substantive field of application, such as genetics, economics, or epidemiology, by completing relevant graduate-level coursework in another department.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Open Curriculum at Brown University?

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Brown University's Open Curriculum allows undergraduate students to design their own academic path without traditional core course requirements. This student-centered approach empowers you to pursue your academic interests freely.

What financial aid is available for international students at Brown?

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Brown University is need-blind for first-year international undergraduate applicants starting with those entering in Fall 2025. For international students admitted prior to Fall 2025, Brown operates under a need-aware aid policy, and financial aid is not guaranteed for future years if not received at admission.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international graduate students?

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International graduate students can demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 100 iBT, an IELTS score of 7.0, or a Duolingo score of 120. Brown also offers an optional free Summer English Language Program to help enhance academic communication skills.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Brown University?

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Brown University boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. This fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can receive more personalized attention from faculty.

Where is Brown University located?

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Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, a dynamic city known for its innovation and cultural diversity. Providence is conveniently situated about an hour south of Boston and three hours north of New York City.

Brown University

Why study here

Student life

For international students