International Students

Learn More About Universal Need-Blind Admissions

Many Cultures, One Community

At Dartmouth, diversity is one of our most valuable resources. It's fundamental to the learning experience and a core feature of the campus environment. The members of the undergraduate Class of 2023 hail from 57 countries—almost one-third of the world's nations—and make up the most geographically diverse class ever to matriculate at the College.

"Every day I feel like I know more at lunchtime than I did in the morning. I've especially enjoyed meeting other international students and engaging in cross-cultural dialogue with them about their experiences and home countries."

— Tehut Biru '21, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Applying to Dartmouth as an International Student

International students' applications to Dartmouth are evaluated in the same manner as all other applications: the Dartmouth Admissions Committee uses a holistic and individualized review process to make sure we appreciate each candidacy in its entirety. As such, our evaluation goes beyond courses, grades, and test scores. We seek to understand each applicant within their home and school environments, which for international students may extend to the national curriculum, availability of extracurriculars, and access to standardized testing. As part of the holistic review, we evaluate school transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and other information our applicants provide about how they invest their time when they are not in school.

Dartmouth practices need-blind admissions for all applicants including international students. Applicants are admitted to the College without regard to financial circumstances. This means that applications are reviewed and accepted based solely on a student's qualifications, and not on their ability to pay. Once the Admissions office has selected the students it intends to admit to Dartmouth, the Financial Aid Office determines each student's need, and awards financial aid accordingly.

"As an international student at Dartmouth, financial aid has been critical in allowing me to fully enjoy my time here."

Read more of Adrian C '25's thoughts about Dartmouth's financial aid for international students

Explore our most frequently asked questions about the international student admission process:

Who is considered an international student by Dartmouth?

If I attend a secondary school outside of the United States, do I need to file a different application?

What if my country or school has a different curriculum or grading system than the U.S.?

I attend school outside of the U.S., do I have to submit the ACT or SAT?

If English is not my first language, am I required to submit a language proficiency test?

Does Dartmouth accept InitialView interviews?

Are recommendations written in languages other than English accepted?

If my school doesn't have a counselor, who should I ask to write the recommendation traditionally written by a school counselor?

What do I need to know about the supplemental essay response options?

How do I submit supplemental materials?

Should I apply as a first-year student or as a transfer student?

As an international student am I eligible for financial aid?

International Student Voices

Resources for International Students

International students at Dartmouth enjoy access to a robust and varied group of services, programming, and other opportunities to enrich their experience at the College. Below are some of the resources available.

Office of Visa and Immigration Services
Once admitted, the College's Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) guides international students throughout the visa application process. Learn more about how OVIS supports international students, scholars, faculty, and staff on campus through immigration sponsorship on their website

Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL)
OPAL engages students in identity, community, and leadership development. It provides academic and sociocultural advising, designs and facilitates educational programs, and serves as advocates for all students and communities. They provide international student advising and programming, including International Pre-Orientation, International Student Mentoring, International Community Socials, and the International Friendship Family Program. 

International Student Association
The Dartmouth International Students' Association (ISA) is a campus group that represents the interests of Dartmouth's international students and organizes campus-wide programming to promote international and intercultural understanding. The ISA fosters diversity and learning at Dartmouth by designing engaging events that further students intellectually and emotionally while supporting engagement with the greater Dartmouth community.

Global Village
Dartmouth's Global Village is a residential community offering an interdisciplinary, integrated learning experience that holistically equips students to thrive as ethical, engaged, and responsible world citizens and scholars. Living and learning together, residents of the Global Village aim to expand their worldview, hone their intercultural skills, and build relationships within a multicultural, multinational, and multidisciplinary community.

Refugee or Displaced Applicants:

Dartmouth welcomes applications from refugees or displaced students and understands that they may face additional challenges or have further questions relating to the admissions process. 

  • Financial need will never limit access to a Dartmouth education. Dartmouth is need-blind and meets the full financial need of all admitted students.
  • Admissions application fee waivers are available for students who require them.
  • If an education has been disrupted by displacement, crisis, or refugee status, applicants should share as much information as they can with us and explain the circumstances around the disruption or missing information by using the "Additional Information" section of the Common App.
  • If applicants are not able to obtain recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, they should consider asking another advisor, mentor, or person who has come to know them and their situation well. 
  • Applicants may consider contacting a local or regional EducationUSA office to support their application process if they do not have access to a counselor in their school. 
  • Students with questions about their specific situation can email us.

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