Brown University, founded in 1764, is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Renowned for its Open Curriculum, it encourages students to design their own academic paths, fostering independent thinking and interdisciplinary learning. Brown University consistently ranks among the top 20 universities globally. With more than 3,000 graduate and medical students and more than 700 full-time faculty members, Brown offers excellent academic training and mentoring within a supportive environment.
Brown University offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs across disciplines like humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Brown values interdisciplinary learning—students can combine majors and have active student life with over 500+ student organizations.
University Summary
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Global Ranking: Top 20 (varies by ranking system)
- Available Programs: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Program Duration: Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (1-2 years), PhD (4-6 years)
- Application Timeline:
- Undergraduate: Early Decision (November 1), Regular Decision (Jan 3)
- Graduate: Varies by program, typically Dec–Jan deadlines
Study Areas: Program List
Brown offers more than 80 concentrations, what some colleges call majors. Brown offers diverse programs across multiple disciplines:
- Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, International Relations
- STEM Fields: Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Arts & Literature: English, Theatre Arts, Music, Creative Writing
- Medical & Health Sciences: Public Health, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering
- Business & Management: Applied Mathematics-Economics, Business, Organizational Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Studies, Cognitive Science, Urban Studies
For Details: Visit
- Undergraduate Programs
- Graduate Programs:
- Combined Degree Program
- Doctoral Program
- Master Program
- Medical Degree
- Professional Education
Admission Requirements
International Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Education Requirements: International applicants must complete 12–13 years of primary and secondary schooling, similar to U.S. students.
- Exams: You should submit scores from national or international exams like GCE A-levels, IB Diploma, German Abitur, or French Baccalauréat. Predicted scores can be submitted with your application, but final scores are required before enrollment.
- Advanced Standing: Students with strong exam results (like A-levels or IB) may apply to graduate in 7 semesters instead of 8, after consultation with an academic dean.
- English Proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT: 105+
- IELTS: 8.0+
- Duolingo: 130+
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 75+
- Cambridge C1/C2: 191+
Master’s & PhD
- International students with a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s can apply to Brown University Graduate School.
- Applicants must submit original or certified copies of documents showing their educational background.
- English Proficiency:
- TOEFL:
- Minimum scores: 577 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based).
- Send scores to Brown University Graduate School (code 3094).
- For School of Public Health: Send to Graduate School and SOPHAS (code 5688).
- IELTS:
- Minimum overall band: 7.0.
- Send scores electronically via the IELTS portal to “Brown University Graduate School”.
- Note: Unofficial score reports are not accepted. No institutional code needed.
- TOEFL:
- GRE/GMAT: Some programs require GRE/GMAT; others have waived requirements.
- Visit Requirements by Course
Required Documents to Apply
Application Document Requirements for Brown University (Undergraduate)
- Official High School Transcript
- School Report
- Completed by your counselor via the Common Application.
- Midyear School Report & Transcript
- Counselor Recommendation
- Two Teacher Recommendations
- Submit via Common App or as a PDF via email/fax with your name, date of birth, and high school.
- Additional Recommendations for Specific Programs
- For Bachelor of Science or PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) applicants, one recommendation must be from a math or science teacher.
- Final School Report & Transcript
- First Quarter/Trimester Grades
- Early Decision Agreement
- MORE:
Application Document Requirements Graduate
- Personal Statement
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- GRE
- Language Proficiency
- Application Fee and Waivers
- Paper Credentials and Other Documentation
- A nonrefundable fee of $75
- MORE:
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate Programs: ~$66,000 per year
- Master’s Programs: ~$60,000 per year (varies by department)
- PhD Programs: ~$60,000 per year, but most PhD students receive full tuition waivers and stipends.
2024-25 Academic Year (Undergraduate)
These figures represent the estimated costs for an incoming first-year full time student for the academic year, including the fall and spring semesters (see chart below for additional situations):
| Direct/Billed Charges | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $68,612 |
| Fees (includes $100 Academic record fee for first time students) | $2,800 |
| Housing | $9,940 |
| Food | $7,504 |
| Subtotal – Direct Charges | $88,856 |
| Indirect Estimated Expenses | |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,820 |
| Total Direct and Indirect Charges | $91,676 |
Visit Graduate Tuition Fees Here:
Living Expenses (Annual Estimate)
- Housing: $10,000 – $15,000
- Food: $3,500 – $5,000
- Books & Supplies: $1,200 – $2,000
- Health Insurance: ~$4,200
- Personal & Miscellaneous: $3,000 – $5,000
- Total Estimated Cost of Living: $20,000 – $30,000 per year
Why Choose Brown University?
- Open Curriculum: Students design their own academic path, fostering creativity.
- Ivy League Excellence: High-quality education with global recognition.
- Strong Research Opportunities: Cutting-edge research in AI, medicine, and humanities.
- Diverse & Inclusive Community: Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Career Prospects: Strong alumni network and career services.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Apply early and ensure all documents are complete.
- Showcase unique experiences and leadership in the personal statement.
- Connect with faculty if applying for graduate programs.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships early.
- Prepare for interviews if required.
Available Scholarships for International Students
- Brown University International Financial Aid (Need-based)
- Fulbright Program (for master’s & PhD students)
- Watson Institute Fellowships
- Rhodes, Marshall, and Schwarzman Scholarships (external funding)
- University Teaching & Research Assistantships (for graduate students)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Brown University need-blind for international students?
No, Brown is need-aware but offers financial aid based on demonstrated need.
2. Does Brown require SAT/ACT scores?
No, Brown is test-optional, but submitting strong scores can enhance your application.
3. Can international students work on campus?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
4. What is unique about Brown’s academic structure?
The Open Curriculum allows students to explore various subjects without general education requirements.
5. Does Brown offer full scholarships to international students?
Brown does not offer merit-based scholarships but provides need-based financial aid.
