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UNITED STATES · PITTSBURGH

University of Pittsburgh

public · Founded 1787 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering over 755 degree programs. It is known for its strong research focus and excellent graduate employment rates.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1787
Students: 32,277
International students: 4,900
Acceptance rate: 49%
Tuition (intl): €12–12k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Pittsburgh, United States

The University of Pittsburgh, often called Pitt, is a renowned public research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a history spanning over 230 years, Pitt is dedicated to tackling challenges and fostering innovation. It is a member of the Association of American Universities, signifying its status among the leading research institutions in the country. Pitt offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 755 degree and certificate options across 16 schools and colleges, in addition to four regional campuses. The university prides itself on a strong focus on research, with faculty and students actively engaged in discoveries that advance knowledge and address global issues. This commitment to research is underscored by significant NIH funding and a high patent production rate. The university is known for its strong post-graduation outcomes, with 96% of graduates placed in employment or further education. Forbes has recognized Pitt as a 'New Ivy' for producing highly employable graduates, demonstrating its dedication to preparing students for successful careers and making a tangible impact on society.

Why study here

Access to a vast array of over 755 degree and certificate programs across diverse fields.
Benefit from world-class research opportunities and faculty who are leaders in their fields.
Join a university with a strong track record of graduate success, boasting a 96% post-graduation placement rate.
Become part of a prestigious institution recognized as a 'New Ivy' by Forbes for producing highly employable graduates.
Experience a supportive and innovative learning environment with extensive student resources and over 700 student organizations.

Student life

The University of Pittsburgh offers a vibrant and active campus community with over 700 student organizations, providing diverse opportunities for engagement and personal growth. Students can explore various housing options, from residence halls to apartment-style living. Pitt emphasizes career-ready graduates, offering extensive career services and a high post-graduation placement rate. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, valuing and respecting unique perspectives and experiences from students worldwide. Additionally, students have access to resources like campus housing, financial aid services, and numerous academic support centers.

Fees

InternationalTuition for the School of Public and International Affairs is $13,438 per term for full-time students. Mandatory fees include a Computing and Network Services Fee of $225 per term for full-time students. Other estimated expenses per term for full-time students include Housing ($4,905), Food ($2,959), Books & Supplies ($308), Transportation ($483), Loan Fees ($109), and Miscellaneous Personal Expenses ($1,251).

Home—

LivingEstimated living expenses for full-time students per term are approximately $10,015. This includes Housing ($4,905), Food ($2,959), Books & Supplies ($308), Transportation ($483), Loan Fees ($109), and Miscellaneous Personal Expenses ($1,251).

Tuition and fees vary by program and residency status. The figures provided are specific to the School of Public and International Affairs for the academic year '25-'26. Actual expenses may vary based on individual choices and academic program.

Admissions

Undergraduate DegreeRequired for graduate programs (from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent).

GPAMinimum 3.0 recommended for graduate programs (e.g., MPBA, BMP), with 3.3 or above recommended for some (e.g., BMP). A minimum 3.2 is required for Microbiology and Immunology PhD.

Professional ExperienceA minimum of 2 years is recommended for the MPBA program.

Letters of ReferenceThree letters are typically required for graduate and PhD programs, often from academic, clinical, or laboratory environments.

Personal Statement/EssayRequired for many graduate programs, detailing academic interests, research aspirations, and career goals.

GMAT/GREGMAT is recommended for MPBA applicants with a GPA below 3.0; a successful score may strengthen the application. GRE scores are no longer required for the Program in Microbiology and Immunology (PMI).

TOEFL100 iBT (desired 100+ for MPBA, minimum 80 accepted for MPBA, minimum 100 iBT for PMI)

IELTS7.0 (desired 7+ for MPBA, minimum 6.5 accepted for MPBA, minimum 7.0 for PMI)

Duolingo120 (for PMI and some other graduate programs)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026#281

U.S. News & World Report 2026 – Public Universities#32

U.S. News & World Report 2026 – Nursing (BSN)#8

Forbes – New IvyNew Ivy 2025

University scholarships

The Barbara E. King Scholarship AwardVaries

Russell “Rusty” A. Howard II Memorial ScholarshipVaries

SCI Scholarship FundVaries

Gerald and Catherine Smith Student Resource FundVaries

Elizabeth U. Baranger Predoctoral Fellowship12-month stipend, full tuition scholarship, health insurance

The Koeppel Family Student FundVaries

Jerry and Cathy Smith Endowed Scholarship FundVaries

Orrin E. and Margaret M. Taulbee Graduate Award for Excellence in Computer ScienceVaries

Judith Katany and Daniel Taft Endowed Scholarship FundVaries

Mitchell Family Scholarship in the School of Computing and InformationVaries

Accreditation

The University of Pittsburgh is an accredited U.S. institution. The School of Public Health received early accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

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 →

University of Pittsburgh · United States

Accounting Minor

The University of Pittsburgh offers a minor in Accounting, designed to complement your major studies. This program requires the completion of five courses, totaling 15 credits. To successfully earn the minor, each course must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

University of Pittsburgh · United States

Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence: Dialog Systems

This graduate seminar delves into the fascinating field of dialog systems, which enable human users to interact with computers using natural language. These systems are at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and have numerous practical applications. The course explores both traditional knowledge-based and modern statistical approaches to building effective dialog systems. Topics covered will vary based on student interest and may include tutoring systems, call routing, spoken dialog systems, machine translation, error handling, grounding, evaluation, multi-party conversations, and multi-modal interaction. The course emphasizes critical analysis of research papers and active participation in discussions.

University of Pittsburgh · United States

B.S. in Computational Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology program at the University of Pittsburgh combines biological sciences with computer science to prepare students for a growing field. This interdisciplinary major is jointly administered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Computer Science. Students will develop essential computer programming skills, laboratory techniques, and analytical abilities needed for success in graduate studies or the workforce. The curriculum covers core concepts in biology and computer science, with a focus on applying computational methods to biological problems. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, and medicine, or for advanced study in computational biology, bioinformatics, or quantitative genetics.

University of Pittsburgh · United States

Behavior Analysis Minor

The Behavior Analysis minor is designed for students interested in gaining a deeper understanding of behavior analysis and its principles, often as a supplement to a major in Psychology or another related field. This minor requires the completion of five courses, totaling 16 credits, including one four-credit course. It offers a focused curriculum that builds upon existing knowledge and provides specialized insights into the study of behavior. The program is ideal for those looking to enhance their academic profile with specialized knowledge in behavior analysis.

University of Pittsburgh · United States

Biology - BS

The Bachelor of Science in Biology program at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford offers a comprehensive study of living organisms and their environments. Located in a region rich with natural habitats like national forests, state parks, and creeks, the program provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning and field research. Students engage with a wide range of biological topics, from molecular and cellular biology to ecology and evolution, working closely with faculty in a supportive, close-knit department. The curriculum emphasizes the development of essential research skills, preparing graduates for diverse career paths or further academic pursuits.

University of Pittsburgh · United States

Biology Education 7-12 - BS

The Biology Education 7-12 Bachelor of Science program at the University of Pittsburgh prepares you to become a certified teacher in biology for middle and high school students. The curriculum combines essential biology coursework with practical education training, ensuring you are well-equipped to lead your own classroom. You will gain hands-on experience through observation, assisting, and eventually teaching in real classroom settings, culminating in student teaching opportunities. This program emphasizes practical application and learning from experienced educators.

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 are the estimated tuition and fees for international students at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public and International Affairs?

Tuition for the School of Public and International Affairs is $13,438 per term for full-time students. Additionally, a Computing and Network Services Fee of $225 per term is mandatory. Other estimated expenses like housing, food, and books are not included in this tuition figure.

What are the estimated living expenses per term for a full-time student at the University of Pittsburgh?

Estimated living expenses for full-time students per term are approximately $10,015. This figure includes housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a TOEFL score of 100 iBT or an IELTS score of 7.0. Some programs may have specific score requirements, and applicants from certain English-speaking countries or those who have completed credits at a U.S. institution may be exempt.

Does the University of Pittsburgh offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the University of Pittsburgh offers various scholarships and fellowships, particularly within the School of Computing and Information (SCI), for both undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships are often based on academic merit, specific program of study, and sometimes on diversity or commitment to specific fields.

What are the post-graduation outcomes for University of Pittsburgh graduates?

The University of Pittsburgh reports strong post-graduation outcomes, with 96% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education. Forbes has recognized Pitt as a 'New Ivy' for producing highly employable graduates.

Last updated 3 July 2026