Johns Hopkins University (JHU), established in 1876, is a prestigious private research institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is renowned for its focus on innovation, research, and medical education. JHU ranks among the top universities globally, consistently in the top 10 U.S. universities. The university offers over 260 programs in various disciplines including health sciences, engineering, and the humanities. Programs vary in duration from 2-4 years for undergraduate and 1-5 years for graduate studies. Applications typically open in the fall for the following academic year.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Ranking: Consistently ranked in the top 10 U.S. universities (QS, Times Higher Education)
Available Programs: Arts, Business, Engineering, Medicine, International Studies, Public Health, and more.
Program Duration: Undergraduate (4 years), Master’s (1-2 years), PhD (4-5 years)
Application Time: Early Action/Decision – November, Regular Decision – January
Study Areas: Programs and Fields of Study
Johns Hopkins University offers a wide range of programs across nine academic divisions:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences:
- Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science
- Whiting School of Engineering:
- Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
- School of Nursing:
- Pre-Nursing, Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN)
- Peabody Institute:
- Music Performance, Music Education, Recording Arts & Sciences
Graduate Programs:
- School of Medicine:
- MD, PhD, MS in Health Sciences
- Bloomberg School of Public Health:
- Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Policy, Biostatistics
- Whiting School of Engineering:
- Robotics, Data Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering
- School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS):
- International Relations, Development Economics, Global Risk
- Carey Business School:
- MBA, MS in Finance, Healthcare Management
Research Opportunities:
- Extensive opportunities in STEM fields, medicine, public health, and humanities
- Collaborations with top organizations like NASA, NIH, and the World Health Organization
Admission Requirements (Detailed)
Undergraduate Programs:
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (competitive applicants often have a 3.7+ GPA)
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT (optional for the 2024 cycle but recommended for some programs)
- English Language Requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 100+
- IELTS: 7.0+
- Duolingo English Test: 120+
Required Documents for Undergraduate:
- Official high school transcripts
- 2-3 letters of recommendation (academic or extracurricular)
- Personal essay (via Common App/Coalition)
- Extracurricular activity list or portfolio (for arts-based programs)
- Application fee: $75
Graduate (Master’s and PhD) Programs:
- GPA: Minimum 3.5 preferred for competitive programs
- Standardized Tests: GRE/GMAT (depends on program; some waived or optional)
- English Proficiency:
- TOEFL: 100+
- IELTS: 7.0+
- Program-Specific Requirements:
- Statement of purpose
- Updated CV or resume
- Research proposal (PhD applicants)
- Professional portfolio (for arts/design programs)
Application Deadlines:
- Undergraduate: Early Decision I – Nov 1, Early Decision II/Regular – Jan 2
- Graduate: Varies (usually between Dec 1 – Feb 1)
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate:
- $60,480 per year
- Additional fees: $2,000 (lab fees, activity fees, technology fees)
- Total estimated cost with fees: ~$62,000/year
- Graduate (Master’s):
- $45,000 – $55,000 per year (varies by program)
- Public Health: ~$70,000 (including all fees)
- Business (MBA): ~$68,000
- PhD Programs:
- Often fully funded, including tuition waivers and stipends ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 per year
Note: Fees may increase annually by 2-3%.
Living Expenses
Baltimore’s cost of living is moderate compared to other major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco. The estimated yearly living cost is between $17,000 – $20,000.
Breakdown of Living Expenses:
- Housing: $8,000 – $10,000 (on-campus housing) / $700–$1,200 per month (off-campus rent)
- Meals: $4,000 – $5,000 annually (campus meal plans available)
- Health Insurance: $3,000 – $4,500 annually (mandatory for international students)
- Transportation: $800 – $1,000 annually (public transit and personal travel)
- Books and Supplies: $1,500 – $2,000 per year
- Miscellaneous (clothing, entertainment): $2,000 – $3,000
Total Estimated Cost (including tuition + living expenses):
- Undergraduate: ~$80,000 – $85,000 per year
- Graduate: ~$70,000 – $75,000 per year
Why Choose Johns Hopkins University?
- World-Class Reputation: Known for excellence in research and education, especially in health sciences, public health, and engineering.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Programs encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration (e.g., Medicine + Engineering, Business + Public Health).
- Research Facilities: Access to leading research institutions, including the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- Location Advantage: Situated in Baltimore, a hub for healthcare, biotech, and international organizations.
- Diverse Student Community: Students from over 120 countries foster a multicultural environment.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Start Early: Application processing and visa arrangements take time, so begin at least a year in advance.
- Prepare Strong Essays: Personal statements are essential; articulate your passion and alignment with JHU’s values.
- Meet English Proficiency Requirements: Secure your TOEFL/IELTS scores early to avoid delays.
- Research Funding Options: Apply for both internal and external scholarships or fellowships.
- Engage with Alumni or JHU Student Ambassadors: This will give you deeper insights into life at Hopkins.
Available Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Limited, but available to international students.
- Merit-Based Scholarships:
- Bloomberg Scholars Program: Awarded to top-performing students in public health.
- Peabody Institute Scholarships: For music students based on audition performance.
- Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: PhD students often receive full funding, including tuition waivers and stipends.
- External Scholarships:
- Fulbright Program
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships
- DAAD Scholarship (for German applicants)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the average class size at Johns Hopkins University?
- Most classes have fewer than 20 students, providing personalized interaction.
- Are international students allowed to work while studying?
- Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters.
- What support services are available for international students?
- JHU’s Office of International Services offers visa assistance, orientation programs, and career counseling.
- What is the campus safety like in Baltimore?
- JHU takes safety seriously, with 24/7 campus security and emergency services available.
- How competitive are admissions at Johns Hopkins University?
- With an acceptance rate of around 11.5%, admissions are highly competitive, especially for programs like Biomedical Engineering and Public Health.