Frequently Asked Questions: International applicants

FAQ / First-year application
Does my transcript count as official?

Transcripts must be sent in by your school counselor or another school representative to fulfill our requirements for an official transcript. This applies for high school and college transcripts. If…
FAQ / First-year application
How do I send in my transcript?

All transcripts must be submitted by a school counselor or another school representative to be considered official. This applies for high school and college transcripts. If your school does not…
FAQ / First-year application
What if my application is disrupted by a major event beyond my control?

If your ability to apply to MIT has been affected by disasters or other serious disruptions—severe weather, military conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, infrastructure failures, civil unrest, or other crises—please know that…
FAQ / International applicants
What if my country has a different academic calendar?

We’re aware of the different academic calendar in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, and other countries in the southern hemisphere. Students from these countries may apply to MIT before completing high school…
FAQ / International applicants
What if I don’t have a school counselor?

Many international applicants don’t have a school counselor. The school counselor letter is not a required part of the MIT application; it’s only for those who have a school counselor.…
FAQ / International applicants
Am I domestic or international if I hold dual citizenship?

Students holding dual citizenship should apply to MIT with their U.S. citizenship status. Students holding non-U.S. dual citizenships may select their preferred country as their application will be listed as…
FAQ / International applicants
Can I apply if I am undocumented?

Yes! Undocumented and DACA applicants submit the same application components and go through the same selection process as all other students. For those students who face financial barriers, we offer fee waivers…
FAQ / International applicants
How do I complete the visa section on the application?

Only students who currently hold a visa complete this section of the application. The International Students Office assists all admitted students through the visa application process in May.
FAQ / International applicants
Can you mail me materials internationally?

Due to increasing mail costs and in an effort to be environmentally-conscious, we no longer mail materials internationally, and we do very limited mailing within the U.S. You may however,…
FAQ / International applicants
Do application materials have to be in English?

All application materials must be in English. You may have a professional service or a teacher in your school complete the translation, but you can’t translate the material yourself. If…
FAQ / International applicants
What is the Secondary School Report?

The Secondary School Report Form is designed for U.S. school systems but may be adapted for international school use. Many international schools do not calculate GPA, class rank, and other…
FAQ / International applicants
What if I’m waiting for my green card?

All applicants are requested to fill out the application with their current citizen status. In our first-year admissions process, you’re considered an international applicant if you’re not a United States…
FAQ / International applicants
How do international students apply to MIT?

We understand that it’s difficult for international students to apply to schools in the U.S., but almost one-quarter of MIT’s applications are from international students all over the globe and…