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UNITED STATES · ST. LOUIS

Washington University in St. Louis

private · Founded 1853 · Languages: en

In short

Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university founded in 1853, dedicated to learning, discovery, and societal impact. It offers a collaborative academic environment with diverse programs and a commitment to the St. Louis region, fostering innovation and global problem-solving.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1853
Students: 15,952
International students: 3,400
Acceptance rate: 15%
Tuition (intl): €59–59k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: St. Louis, United States

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. Since its founding in 1853, WashU has been dedicated to learning, exploration, discovery, and making an impact on society. The university is known for fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and alumni to address global challenges, from health to climate change. WashU offers a wide range of academic programs across its schools and departments, emphasizing both disciplinary depth and cross-disciplinary exploration. It provides a vibrant community united by curiosity and empathy, encouraging students to ask big questions and find real solutions. The university is deeply committed to the St. Louis region, working with local leaders and institutions to improve quality of life and contribute to the area's growth. With a strong focus on research and innovation, WashU provides extensive resources and opportunities for students at all levels to engage in hands-on research alongside expert faculty.

Why study here

Engage in world-class research and innovation, contributing to solutions for global challenges.
Benefit from a collaborative academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary exploration and creative problem-solving.
Access a wide range of academic support and experiential learning opportunities.
Join a diverse and inclusive community that values different perspectives and experiences.
Live in St. Louis, a city offering cultural opportunities and career connections, with the university deeply committed to its local impact.

Student life

WashU offers a dynamic student life with over 400 undergraduate and 150 graduate student groups. The university's residential life provides various on-campus housing options, particularly for first-year undergraduates on the South 40. Students can enjoy a rich cultural scene in St. Louis and benefit from extensive resources and amenities on campus. The community is designed to foster new friendships, academic pursuits, and personal growth.

Fees

InternationalTuition for the 2025-26 academic year is $68,240. Additional fees include a student activity fee of $682 and a student health and wellness fee of $672. Average room and board costs are $23,338.

Home—

LivingAverage undergraduate room and board costs are $23,338. New graduate housing is available at Rosedale Court Apartments, offering various unit sizes, private bathrooms, and fully furnished living spaces.

The university provides resources for finding off-campus housing in St. Louis neighborhoods. First-year undergraduate students are required to live in residence halls on the South 40 campus for their entire academic year. Single rooms are extremely limited for first-year students and typically reserved for those with approved accommodations. Most first-year students are assigned to double rooms.

Admissions

Bachelor's DegreeRequired for all graduate programs from an accredited institution. For LL.M. in U.S. Law, a first degree in law (JD or international equivalent) is needed. For LL.M. in Taxation, a Juris Doctor is required.

TranscriptsUnofficial transcripts from all institutions attended must be uploaded with the application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance or before registering for classes. Translations are needed for foreign transcripts if not in English.

GPAA 3.0 undergraduate GPA is standard for online Law programs and preferred for MPH programs. Applicants with lower GPAs are encouraged to provide additional details.

Statement of Purpose/Personal StatementRequired for many programs (e.g., 400-500 words for Law programs, explaining interest, fit, and future plans; articulating commitment to public health mission for MPH).

Letters of RecommendationThree letters required for most graduate programs in Arts & Sciences and Engineering (Sever Institute). Optional for online Law programs but can provide additional context.

Resume or CVRequired for online Law programs, highlighting professional experience, education, and relevant skills.

Application Fee$75 for Engineering (Sever Institute) and Arts & Sciences graduate programs ($45 for Arts & Sciences). Payable by credit card or electronic check from a U.S. banking institution.

Rankings

NIH funding (WashU Medicine)#2 among U.S. medical schools

University scholarships

Arts and Sciences (A&S) Fellowships$37,582 annual stipend for 2025-2026

Dean’s Distinguished Graduate Fellowships in Arts & SciencesMerit stipend supplement + annual summer supplement

Ann W. Spencer T. Olin-Chancellor’s Fellowship (OCF)—

Accreditation

Washington University School of Medicine's MD program received full accreditation for the longest possible term from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in 2023.

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

This executive education course explores the critical leadership implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption within organizations. As AI technologies rapidly evolve, leaders face new challenges in managing human-AI collaboration, driving organizational change, and making strategic decisions. The program examines how AI can reshape workflows and management practices, equipping participants with strategies to lead their teams through ongoing technological and organizational transformations.

Certificate

Level

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 costs for international students at Washington University in St. Louis?

For the 2025-26 academic year, tuition is $68,240, with additional fees totaling $1,354. Average room and board costs are approximately $23,338. These figures do not include personal expenses.

What academic programs are offered at Washington University in St. Louis?

Washington University in St. Louis offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools and departments. The university emphasizes both in-depth study within disciplines and interdisciplinary exploration.

Does Washington University in St. Louis require English proficiency test scores for international applicants?

English language proficiency test scores are required for international applicants applying to online Law programs. Specific requirements may vary by program, so it is advisable to check individual program websites.

What are the housing options for students at Washington University in St. Louis?

First-year undergraduate students are required to live in residence halls on the South 40 campus. The university also provides resources for finding off-campus housing, and graduate housing is available at Rosedale Court Apartments.

What research opportunities are available for students at Washington University in St. Louis?

Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university with a strong focus on research and innovation. Students at all levels can engage in hands-on research alongside expert faculty, contributing to solutions for global challenges.

Last updated 30 June 2026