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Cooper Union

International Applicants

At Cooper Union we value the importance of a diverse student body. As such, we attract and enroll students from around the world. We welcome all students to apply regardless of immigration status. Please note that immigration status is not considered in your application review and decision.

We seek inquisitive, motivated individuals who wish to put their ideas to work in making an impact on society. As an all-honors private college with a historic mission of fair access to education, The Cooper Union awards a half-tuition scholarship to every admitted undergraduate student.

All applicants are evaluated holistically, though specific admissions and credit requirements vary for each of the three schools. Please note that the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is not involved in the admissions process.

Please visit our Apply page for more information on admissions requirements for each program of study.

Who Is an International Student?

International students are those who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

How do I qualify for an I-20 or DS-2019?
  1. Be admitted to a full-time program of study (and maintain full-time enrollment every term)
  2. provide proof of financial support to cover tuition, fees and living expenses of the first academic year and have a plan to finance additional time. Refer to our estimated cost of attendance
  3. for all additional information on applying for an I-20 or DS-2019 please visit our ISSO I-20 page 
Financial Aid

Cooper offers generous scholarships to ALL (domestic and international) admitted undergraduate students. 

International students are NOT eligible for federal or state financial aid. For additional Scholarship / Loan options visit our ISSO admitted page

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English and have not had at least 3 years of English at a school where English was the official medium of instruction are required to take one of the exams below. Please note that your English language proficiency test results are only valid for two years. Please ensure that the name on your passport matches the name on your application, and on your language scores.

Test for English Language Proficiency

Minimum Score Requirements

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

600 (paper-based test)

100 (internet-based test)

MyBest® scores are not accepted

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

7.0 

DET (Duolingo English Test)

120 

We do not accept results from the following exams: IELTS Indicator, TOEFL ITP Plus for China, TOEFL Essentials, and PTE Academic Online.  

How to Bring a Spouse / Child 

Your spouse (and children under 21 years of age) will need a dependent I-20 or DS-2019 to apply for an F-2 visa. You will need to provide proof of additional funding beyond your personal expenses. Your dependents' information will be part of your application and their documents will be processed and sent at the same time. 

Additional Fees

International students are assessed a fee of $1,005 per semester.

In addition to the international student fee, please click here to review all costs of attendance.

Please view or download our ISSO one-sheeter.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.