For students planning to study abroad in the USA, Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a top choice. It is known for its academic excellence, research-driven curriculum, and strong faculty support. The university provides international students with a diverse and inclusive environment, making it one of the most welcoming institutions in the country.
Applying to an American university can be overwhelming, especially when considering factors such as acceptance rates, tuition fees, available courses, and living costs. This guide will provide everything an international student needs to know about Washington University in St. Louis, helping them make informed decisions for their future education.
Overview
Washington University in St. Louis was founded in 1853 and is a private research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. It has consistently ranked among the top universities in the USA for its strong academics and student-focused approach.
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Established | 1853 |
| University Type | Private |
| Total Enrollment | ~16,000 students |
| International Students | ~3,500 from 100+ countries |
| Campus Size | 169 acres |
| Popular Fields of Study | Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences |
| QS World University Ranking (2024) | #26 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| Research Budget | $1 billion+ per year |
The university is well known for interdisciplinary research, global engagement, and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate
Admission to Washington University in St. Louis is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate below 13% in recent years. The university receives thousands of applications from talented students worldwide, making the selection process extremely rigorous.
Acceptance Rate Over the Years
| Year | Applications Received | Students Accepted | Acceptance Rate |
| 2021 | 33,800 | 4,362 | 12.9% |
| 2022 | 35,619 | 4,543 | 12.8% |
| 2023 | 36,798 | 4,485 | 12.2% |
| 2024 (Projected) | 38,000+ | ~4,500 | ~11.8% |
Admission Requirements for International Students
| Admission Criteria | Recommended Scores/Details |
| GPA Requirement | 3.9+ on a 4.0 scale |
| SAT Score | 1480+ (out of 1600) |
| ACT Score | 33+ |
| TOEFL Score | 100+ |
| IELTS Score | 7.5+ |
| Letters of Recommendation | At least 2 from teachers/employers |
| Extracurricular Activities | Research, internships, leadership roles |
A well-rounded application, with strong academic records, extracurricular achievements, and a compelling personal statement, can improve a student’s chances of securing admission.
Washington University in St. Louis Global Rankings
WashU is one of the top-ranked universities in the USA and globally. It is highly regarded for its business, medical, law, and engineering programs.
University Rankings (2024)
| Ranking System | Rank |
| QS World University Rankings | #26 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | #22 |
| U.S. News & World Report (USA) | #15 |
| Best Global Universities (U.S. News) | #19 |
Washington University in St. Louis is particularly well known for research innovation, small class sizes, and faculty mentorship.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living at Washington University in St. Louis
Studying at WashU can be expensive, but the university provides financial aid and scholarships for international students.
Annual Tuition Fees (2024-25)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
| Undergraduate Programs | $62,700 – $70,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $50,000 – $78,000 |
| MBA (Olin Business School) | $82,000 |
| Doctoral (PhD) Programs | $40,000 – $60,000 |
Estimated Cost of Living in St. Louis for International Students
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (USD) |
| On-campus Housing | $1,200 – $2,500 | $14,400 – $30,000 |
| Off-campus Housing | $900 – $2,200 | $10,800 – $26,400 |
| Food & Groceries | $350 – $700 | $4,200 – $8,400 |
| Transport (Public Transit) | $80 – $150 | $960 – $1,800 |
| Health Insurance | – | $3,000 |
| Books & Supplies | – | $1,500 |
International students can reduce costs by applying for scholarships, living in shared accommodations, and using student discounts for public transport and food.
Popular Courses at Washington University in St. Louis
WashU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on research, innovation, and career-oriented learning.
Top Undergraduate Programs
| Program | Duration |
| Biomedical Engineering | 4 years |
| Business Administration | 4 years |
| Computer Science | 4 years |
| Political Science | 4 years |
| Psychology | 4 years |
Top Graduate Programs
| Program | Duration |
| MBA (Olin Business School) | 2 years |
| Master’s in Data Science | 2 years |
| Master’s in Law (LLM) | 1 year |
| Master’s in Public Health | 2 years |
| PhD in Molecular Biology | 4-5 years |
The university is known for small class sizes, advanced research facilities, and excellent faculty support.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
Washington University in St. Louis provides merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students.
Available Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
| WashU Merit Scholarships | High-achieving international students | $10,000 – $30,000 per year |
| Olin Business School Scholarships | MBA students | Partial to full tuition |
| McDonnell International Scholars Academy | Graduate students | Full tuition + stipend |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Graduate students | Full tuition + living expenses |
Applying for multiple scholarships and assistantship programs can significantly reduce tuition and living expenses.
How to Apply to Washington University in St. Louis?
International students can apply through the Common Application (undergraduate) or WashU’s official portal (graduate programs).
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Choose Your Program – Explore courses on WashU’s official website.
2. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet GPA, test scores, and English proficiency requirements.
3. Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Personal Statement & Resume
- Recommendation Letters
4. Submit the Application – Apply before the Early Decision (Nov 1) or Regular Decision (Jan 2) deadlines.
5. Attend an Interview (if required) – Some programs require additional assessments. 6. Wait for Admission Decision – Offers are released between March and April.
Conclusion
Washington University in St. Louis is an excellent choice for international students looking to study abroad in the USA. It offers world-class education, research opportunities, and a strong global network. With proper financial planning, scholarship applications, and strong academic records, students can successfully gain admission and achieve their study abroad goals.
FAQs
1. Why is Washington University in St. Louis famous?
Washington University in St. Louis, also known as WashU, is famous for its world-class programs in engineering, business, medicine, law, and social sciences. It is also recognized for its strong research culture, low student-faculty ratio (7:1), and global student diversity.
2. What is the acceptance rate for Washington University in St. Louis?
The acceptance rate at WashU is around 11%–13%, making it one of the most competitive universities in the USA. Students with strong GPAs, excellent test scores, and well-rounded profiles have a higher chance of admission.
3. What GPA do you need to get into WashU?
To get into Washington University in St. Louis, applicants typically need a minimum GPA of 3.9 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Competitive applicants usually rank in the top 5% of their high school class.
4. Does Washington University in St. Louis offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, WashU offers merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. Popular ones include the WashU Merit Scholarship ($10,000–$30,000/year), McDonnell International Scholars Academy, and Olin Business School Scholarships.
5. What are the English language requirements for international students at WashU?
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through:
TOEFL iBT: 100+
IELTS: 7.5+
Duolingo English Test: 125+
Students from English-speaking countries or those who studied in English-medium institutions may be exempt.6. What is the cost of studying at Washington University in St. Louis?
The average annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $62,700 to $78,000, depending on the program. The cost of living in St. Louis is around $18,000–$25,000 per year, including housing, food, and transport.
7. What are the most popular courses at Washington University in St. Louis?
Some of the most popular programs among international students include:
Biomedical Engineering
Business Administration (Olin Business School)
Computer Science
Law (LLM)
Public Health
Political Science and Economics8. How can international students apply to Washington University in St. Louis?
International students can apply through:
Common Application (Undergraduate)
WashU Official Portal (Graduate Programs)
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT), English proficiency proof, personal statement, and recommendation letters.9. What is the ranking of Washington University in St. Louis in 2024?
According to 2024 rankings:
QS World University Rankings: #26 globally
Times Higher Education (THE): #22
U.S. News & World Report (National): #15
Best Global Universities: #19
These rankings highlight WashU’s strong academic and research reputation worldwide.10. Is WashU a good university for international students?
Yes, WashU is one of the best universities in the USA for international students, offering a diverse community of 3,500+ students from over 100 countries, dedicated international support services, and career placement assistance.