International Applicants

Be part of a welcoming community representing over 80 countries, where your unique perspective is valued. 

We are committed to making your education accessible by offering fee-free applications for international students and meeting 100% of every international student’s demonstrated financial need.

How to Apply

All required materials for first-year applicants are detailed on the first-year applicant checklists. For admission purposes, Colgate defines international students as non-U.S. citizens. This does not apply to U.S. dual citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. citizens living abroad.

Language proficiency

Non-native English-speaking students who do not study at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction must submit one of the following language proficiency tests with a minimum score:

  • TOEFL IBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) = 4.5
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) = 7
  • DET (Duolingo English Test) = 130


Score submission: Scores must be sent by the official testing agency. Colgate’s TOEFL school code is 2086.

English proficiency waivers: We do not waive the English proficiency requirement based on SAT results. We require a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test.

Interviews: Our most successful applicants whose native language is not English are encouraged to submit interviews via InitialView or Vericant. Submissions must be sent before the January 15 deadline or before November 1 for Early Decision I.
 

Academic transcripts and grades
  • Current seniors: Submit mid-year grades as soon as they are available. If your school doesn’t provide mid-year grades, please have a school official submit predicted final grades when available.
  • High school graduates: If you have already graduated, please have a school official submit your final transcript in place of mid-year grades.

Final requirement: All students must submit a final transcript upon completion of secondary school. Transcripts must be sent directly by your school via the Common App, Scoir, or by mail. Transcripts submitted by students will not be accepted.
 

National and international exams

If you complete external national or international exams, results must be sent directly from the testing agency or emailed by a school official to admission@colgate.edu.
 

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9%
international students in the student body
87
countries represented on campus

Application Deadlines

Early Decision 1

Application Deadline: Nov. 1
Financial Aid Submission: Nov. 1
Notification Date: Mid-December

Early Decision II

Application Deadline: Jan. 15
Financial Aid Submission: Jan. 15
Notification Date: Mid-February

Regular Decision

Application Deadline: Jan. 15
Financial Aid Submission: Jan. 15
Notification Date: Late March

Financial Aid

100% need met: Colgate meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for every admitted student, including those who would require a full financial package.
Need-aware admissions: We consider financial need during the review process for all applicants. However, our most competitive applicants are admitted regardless of whether they have applied for financial aid.

Applying for Aid

To be considered for financial aid, international applicants must submit the CSS Profile by the application deadline.

  • Deadline: The deadline to make this request is Nov. 1 for Early Decision I applicants and Jan. 22 for Early Decision II & Regular Decision applicants.
  • Fee waivers: If the CSS Profile fee is a significant burden, you can request a waiver code through the financial aid tab in the applicant portal after your application is processed.
  • Submission policy: We cannot accept paper or PDF copies of the CSS Profile; all submissions must be digital.
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Interested in learning more?

Talk to a student who has navigated the applicant experience and settled into life at Colgate. They’re here to share their experiences and answer your questions.

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