The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for international students. Below is an overview of the application process, available courses, fees, and English language requirements for the 2026 academic year.

Courses and Subjects

Here's a list of major MIT subject areas organized by department/course number (each "Course" refers to a department):

  1. Course 1 – Civil and Environmental Engineering
  2. Course 2 – Mechanical Engineering
  3. Course 3 – Materials Science and Engineering
  4. Course 4 – Architecture
  5. Course 5 – Chemistry
  6. Course 6 – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)
  7. Course 7 – Biology
  8. Course 8 – Physics
  9. Course 9 – Brain and Cognitive Sciences
  10. Course 10 – Chemical Engineering
  11. Course 11 – Urban Studies and Planning
  12. Course 12 – Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
  13. Course 14 – Economics
  14. Course 15 – Management (Sloan School)
  15. Course 16 – Aeronautics and Astronautics
  16. Course 17 – Political Science
  17. Course 18 – Mathematics
  18. Course 20 – Biological Engineering
  19. Course 21 – Humanities (including Literature, Philosophy, History)
  20. Course 22 – Nuclear Science and Engineering
  21. Course 24 – Linguistics and Philosophy
  22. CMS – Comparative Media Studies
  23. STS – Science, Technology, and Society

For the full and most up-to-date list of all subjects within each course, you can browse here: MIT Subject Catalog

 

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Tuition Fees

Tuition and fees vary by program and school. For undergraduate students, the annual tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year is approximately $56,000. Graduate program costs differ based on the specific school and program. Prospective students are encouraged to review the financial information provided on the respective program's website.

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IELTS Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Most departments accept either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Minimum score requirements vary by department; for example, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. Applicants should refer to their specific department's admissions page for precise requirements.

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Application Process

Undergraduate Programs

International applicants follow the same application procedures as U.S. students. The required components include:

  • Application Portal: MIT uses its own application system; applications are submitted directly through the MIT Admissions website.
  • Application Fee: $75; fee waivers are available if the fee presents a hardship.
  • Standardized Tests: MIT reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for the 2023–2024 application cycle; applicants should check the MIT Admissions Testing Requirements for updates regarding the 2025–2026 cycle.
  • School Reports and Recommendations:
    • Secondary School Report with high school transcript.
    • Two letters of recommendation: one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher.
    • Midyear Report.

Detailed application requirements are available on MIT's International Applicants page.

Graduate Programs

MIT's graduate programs have distinct application processes and requirements, which vary by department. Prospective students should consult the specific department's website for detailed information. A general overview is available on the Office of Graduate Education website.

Financial Aid

MIT practices need-blind admissions and meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted undergraduate students, including international students. Financial aid is awarded based on need, not merit. More information on financial aid policies can be found on the MIT Student Financial Services website.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program and school. For undergraduate admissions, the Regular Action application deadline is typically January 1. Graduate program deadlines differ; applicants should consult the specific program's admissions page for exact dates.

Additional Information

For comprehensive and up-to-date details regarding applications, courses, fees, and other inquiries, please visit MIT's Undergraduate Admissions page or the specific graduate program's admissions page.

Please note that application procedures and requirements may change, so it's essential to refer to the official university sources for the most current information.