UNITED STATES · PHILADELPHIA
University of Pennsylvania
private · Founded 1740 · Languages: en
In short
The University of Pennsylvania, a historic Ivy League institution in Philadelphia, offers a wide range of interdisciplinary programs and research opportunities. It provides significant financial aid for eligible students, including international applicants.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1740
- Students
- 26,552
- International students
- 6,800
- Acceptance rate
- 6%
- Tuition (intl)
- €71–76k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Philadelphia, United States
The University of Pennsylvania, often referred to as Penn, is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1740, Penn is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and research. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its various schools, fostering a vibrant academic environment. Penn is committed to making a positive impact on the world through its research and community engagement initiatives. Students benefit from a rich campus life, a diverse community, and numerous opportunities for intellectual growth and personal development. The university's urban setting provides access to a dynamic city with a wealth of cultural and professional experiences.
Why study here
- Study at a historic Ivy League university with world-class faculty and research across nearly every discipline.
- Benefit from Penn's interdisciplinary 'One University' approach, taking courses and conducting research across all four undergraduate schools.
- Access the renowned Wharton School, top-ranked medicine, law and nursing programs, and leading engineering and design schools.
- Receive generous, grant-based financial aid: Penn meets 100% of demonstrated need with no-loan packages for eligible students.
- Join a vibrant, entrepreneurial campus community in Philadelphia with a powerful global alumni network.
Student life
Campus life at Penn is energetic and deeply collaborative, centred on its leafy University City campus in West Philadelphia. Students engage with more than 450 student organizations, NCAA Division I Quaker athletics, the historic Franklin Field, and a strong system of college houses and dining. Traditions such as Hey Day and Spring Fling, an active arts and performance scene, and proximity to Center City Philadelphia give students a rich balance of academic, social and cultural experiences.
Fees
InternationalFor International Master of Public Administration (I-MPA) students, estimated tuition and fees for Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 are between $83,304 and $88,342. These rates include a general fee which covers non-instructional student support services like counseling, wellness, student activities, and career services, and a clinical fee that supports Penn Wellness services including Campus Health and Counseling and Psychological Services. All tuition and fee charges are subject to approval and may change without notice. Academic credit is defined by course units (c.u.), with one c.u. typically equivalent to a four-semester-hour course.
HomeUndergraduate tuition, fees, room and board total roughly $85,000-90,000 per year before financial aid; Penn meets 100% of demonstrated need with grant-based, no-loan aid for eligible students.
LivingEstimated living costs in Philadelphia, including housing, food and personal expenses, are approximately $20,000-24,000 per academic year depending on housing choices.
The listed fees are estimates based on registration in 6 course units for Fall 2026 and 6 course units for Spring 2027. Accurate tuition fees for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 will be updated in Spring 2026.
Admissions
Undergraduate ApplicationsPenn accepts the Common Application and Coalition Application. Both are treated equally. Penn is also a QuestBridge partner institution.
Graduate ApplicationsEach graduate program has a separate admissions process. Applicants should apply directly to their program of interest and direct all questions to that specific program.
TOEFL iBT100+ typically expected for graduate applicants (program minimums vary)
IELTS Academic7.0-7.5 typically expected for international applicants
Rankings
QS World University RankingsTop 15 globally
U.S. News & World Report (National Universities)Top 10 in the United States
Wharton SchoolConsistently ranked among the world's leading business schools
University scholarships
Penn Need-Based Financial AidGrant-based, no-loan aid meeting 100% of demonstrated need for eligible undergraduates, including international students
QuestBridge National College MatchFull four-year scholarships for eligible high-achieving, low-income students
Accreditation
The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
For international students
United StatesStudent 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 selectionUniversity of Pennsylvania · United States
Business Economics & Public Policy, MBA
The Business Economics and Public Policy (BEPP) MBA major at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School equips future business leaders with the analytical skills to understand the incentives and policies of firms, governments, and consumers. This program is designed for those who want to grasp how economic principles shape corporate decision-making and influence public policy, providing a critical advantage for roles in analysis, consulting, and executive leadership across diverse industries. The curriculum delves into the economic implications of globalization, technological advancements, intellectual property rights, emerging economies, and evolving government regulations. It prepares students to navigate and influence the dynamic business environment shaped by privatization, deregulation, and shifts in health, antitrust, and environmental policies, all of which significantly impact business interests.
Master's
Level
€71k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Pennsylvania · United States
City & Regional Planning, MCP: Public & Private Development
The Master of City Planning (MCP) program at the University of Pennsylvania offers a core curriculum designed to equip students with essential planning skills and knowledge. This program provides a practical and cutting-edge approach to urban planning education, covering the legal and historical foundations of planning, methods for analyzing population and economic data, and understanding the spatial organization of cities. Graduates will be adept at identifying effective planning strategies for various contexts. The Public & Private Development concentration focuses on the entrepreneurial, design, and financing aspects of developing both for-profit and community-focused housing and commercial projects. Students will learn to create development proposals that balance tenant needs, market demands, and community benefits, while emphasizing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This concentration also explores collaborative models between private developers and public entities, including cities, redevelopment agencies, non-profits, and community groups, to foster affordable housing and public-private partnerships. The skills acquired are highly transferable and valuable internationally, particularly in rapidly developing regions.
Master's
Level
€71k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Pennsylvania · United States
Computer Science, BSE
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Computer Science at the University of Pennsylvania equips students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to excel in the rapidly evolving field of computing. This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in technology, finance, healthcare, research, and more, or for further study in specialized areas. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in computer and network services, consulting, financial institutions, and various industries that rely heavily on information manipulation and technological innovation.
Bachelor's
Level
€71k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Pennsylvania · United States
Criminology, BA
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania offers students a comprehensive understanding of crime and social control. This program integrates theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches from various disciplines, including statistics, neuroscience, sociology, and psychology, to provide a liberal arts perspective on crime. Students will develop the skills to critically analyze and generate knowledge within the field of criminology.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Pennsylvania · United States
CRWR 1010: The Craft of Creative Writing
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of creative writing, suitable for beginners or those seeking to refresh their skills. Through a combination of writing exercises, assigned readings, and group discussions, students will explore various literary genres, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, and journalistic prose. The aim is to develop a consistent writing practice, enhance creative expression, practice effective revision techniques, and become a more perceptive reader of literature. Optional live sessions may be offered.
Certificate
Level
€38k
Tuition
8 mo
Duration
University of Pennsylvania · United States
Educational Linguistics, Ed.D.
The part-time Educational Linguistics Ed.D. program is designed for experienced language educators in the early to mid-stages of their careers. It aims to equip them with advanced knowledge, research skills, and technical expertise to become leaders in language education. The program focuses on a research-based, practitioner-oriented approach, enabling students to address critical issues in curriculum development, instructional practice, program design, teacher development, and assessment. Graduates will be prepared to apply research findings to their professional practice, advance into leadership roles, and train future language instructors.
PhD
Level
€71k
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke 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.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
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.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne 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).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany 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.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
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.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Pennsylvania known for?
+
The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution founded in 1740, is recognized for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and research. It offers a wide range of programs and is committed to making a positive global impact through its research and community engagement.
What are the estimated costs for international students at the University of Pennsylvania?
+
For international Master of Public Administration students, estimated tuition and fees range from $83,304 to $88,342 for the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 academic year. Estimated living costs in Philadelphia are an additional $20,000-24,000 annually.
Does the University of Pennsylvania offer financial aid to international students?
+
Yes, Penn meets 100% of demonstrated need with grant-based, no-loan aid for eligible undergraduate students, including international students. They also offer scholarships such as the Penn Need-Based Financial Aid and the QuestBridge National College Match.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
For graduate applicants, a TOEFL iBT score of 100+ is typically expected, though program minimums vary. For international applicants, an IELTS Academic score of 7.0-7.5 is generally expected.
How can I apply to undergraduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania?
+
Undergraduate applicants can apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application, both of which are treated equally. Penn is also a partner institution with QuestBridge.
Last updated