Hopkins invests in developing global perspectives so students can be engaged citizens wherever they are.
As a global university with students from all over the world, we welcome all kinds of experiences and new ways of thinking. We’re here to connect international students with the resources you need to become leaders and active members in our community and beyond.
800International Undergraduate Students
80Countries Represented
30Minutes From BWI Airport
450+Student-Led Organizations
Meet Our International Student Ambassadors
Shajae P. ’23
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Hometown, Country: Spanish Town, Jamaica
Hi, I’m Shajae…I grew up in Jamaica and moved to the US shortly before college. I am an international student ambassador through ISAH, a campus EMT through HERO, and I practice taekwondo as a member of the Hopkins Sport Taekwondo team. I love music (particularly R&B and Soul) and I enjoy watching documentaries.
I’m a big sports guy; I love soccer, tennis, skiing, field hockey, golf, and many other sports! At Hopkins, I mainly play soccer on the club- and intramural team and I work as an assistant-coach and practice player on the girls varsity field hockey team. Aside from ISAH, I am also involved in TEDxJHU, MED Panel, Food As Medicine Volunteering, Kids Enjoying Exercise Now, academic tutoring, and research! I also like listening to music and exploring international politics and computer science on the side in my free time!
I love to watch YouTube and all sorts of movies (horror, romcom, comedy, action and more!!) I enjoy Asian food, especially spicy ones and I am a huge meat lover. I can’t live without dessert and I know a lot of good dessert shops in Baltimore, so feel free to ask anytime. As a hobby, I’m interested in different areas of arts like theater, musicals and visual art (painting, drawing, digital art etc.).
I’m a BME undergraduate, minoring in the history of science medicine and technology. Passionate about cancer research, I aspire to contribute to finding effective healthcare solutions during my time at Hopkins. At Hopkins, I’m a part of the HSC and ISAH and my hobbies include yoga and meditation as well as cycling, trekking, and basically anything else outdoors! I’m also a huge foodie, often craving delicious homemade Indian food!
You are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident (a person who holds a Green Card), eligible non-citizen, or have DACA or undocumented status.
You are a citizen of another country (and not a U.S. permanent resident, eligible non-citizen, or have DACA or undocumented status) and attend secondary school in the U.S.
Applying to Hopkins
There is no separate application for international students.
However, as part of the admissions application, all international students who are applying for financial aid must submit a Certification of Finances form. Any international student not applying for financial aid, if admitted to the university, will need to provide documentation of the available funding for their education.
APPLICATION DEADLINES & REQUIREMENTS
Hopkins accepts both the Common Application and Coalition on Scoir. We share key dates and break down the process to make sure you and your family have all the information needed to submit your best application.
We’re making a world-class education financially possible for students from all backgrounds.
We meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students. This means we work with you and your family to understand your unique circumstances to determine what you can pay toward college costs. Then, we cover the rest through need-based scholarships that don’t need to be paid back, and work-study opportunities.
We are need-aware for international students. If you anticipate needing any financial assistance throughout your four years at Hopkins, you must apply for financial aid as a first-year applicant.
Admissions Counselor Nick Igo breaks down the financial aid application process and explains how we work with you to make a Hopkins education possible.
FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULDN’T LIMIT YOUR POTENTIAL
If your family demonstrates that you can only pay part of college costs, or none at all, we cover the rest. Follow our step-by-step instructions to apply for need-based scholarships.
The Office of International Services (OIS) helps to prepare international students, scholars, researchers, clinicians, staff, and faculty with visas and immigration. Please reach out to OIS via ois@jhu.edu with any questions specific to the visa and immigration process.
The course of study typically takes four years but sometimes more or less, depending on your individual curriculum and credit you might receive for high school course work.
When do students enroll?
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Hopkins enrolls both first-year and transfer students during August of each year.
Does Hopkins admit a certain number of students from each country?
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No. Every year our pool of candidates and where they come from varies. We admit students based on the strength of their individual application, not their place of origin, and do not have a predetermined number we admit from any given country.
Where can I get more information about studying in the U.S.?
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Education USA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories that offers comprehensive information about this.
What kind of credit is available for IB, AP, and CIE/A-Level courses?
If I am admitted to Hopkins, can I defer my enrollment to take a gap year or satisfy my military obligations?
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Yes, you may defer enrollment for up to two years or the duration of your military obligations.
Deferrals are granted on an individual basis and are not guaranteed. Students are not permitted to study at another institution for credit during their deferral year(s) and must begin their studies in the fall semester upon their return.
Who can I contact with questions about international admissions?
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Please email intlhelp@jhu.edu with any general international admissions questions. You can also email your regional admissions counselor if you have any questions specific to the area where you live or study.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Which school documents do I need to submit?
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You must submit an official record of academic performance for the equivalent of 9th, 10th, and 11th grades under the U.S. system. Please include any certificates, diplomas, or examination results marking the completion of secondary education or preparation for higher education (i.e., O- or A-level or IB exam results).
If my school documents are in a language that is not English, will I need to send translated documents as well?
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Yes. All official documents must be accompanied by a verified English translation if the original document is not in English.
What if my school does not use GPAs or class rank?
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You may leave the section blank on your application if your school does not use GPAs or class rank. We look at all the different parts of your application and its context to determine match, so you will not be disadvantaged during our review process.
Is standardized testing required?
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Standardized testing is optional at Hopkins through the 2025-2026 application year. This means if you are applying to Hopkins as part of the class entering in the fall of 2024, 2025, or 2026, you will not need to submit test scores to be considered for admission.
TOEFL, IELTS, the Duolingo English Test (DET), or the Cambridge English Exam are recommended for applicants whose primary language is not English or students who have not attended an English language school for the last three years.
Are admissions counselors familiar with my country’s educational system?
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Yes. We have admissions counselors who are assigned to regions all over the world and are familiar with the educational systems of their assigned region. You can find your regional admissions counselor here.
FINANCIAL AID
Is financial aid available for international students?
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Yes. Need-based and merit scholarships are available for international applicants, although both types of assistance are limited. If you anticipate needing any financial assistance throughout your four years at Hopkins, you must apply for financial aid as a first-year applicant.
How do international students apply for financial aid? Do financial circumstances impact the admissions process?
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Hopkins is need-aware for international students, meaning that financial circumstances are considered in the admissions process. Hopkins meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, including international students. About 10% of international students receive financial aid.
If you anticipate needing any financial assistance throughout your four years at Hopkins, you must apply for financial aid as a first-year applicant.
If you are an international student and think you will need financial aid, you must indicate this on the admissions application and submit the CSS Profile. See Application Deadlines & Requirements for a full list of important dates. If you cannot cover the cost of the CSS Profile as an international student, please reach out to your regional admissions counselor. We do not provide fee waivers for international applicants completing the CSS Profile.
International citizens who indicate that they are applying for financial aid must submit the International Student Certification of Finances (COF) form that they access through their application portal.
International citizens who are not applying for financial aid do not need to submit the COF unless admitted to the university. In that case, these students must submit the COF Form before the deadline. They will not be able to enroll in the university without the submission and acceptance of these supplemental materials.
International students who do not apply for financial aid as a first-year applicant will not be able to apply for aid later.
Can I work while I am a Hopkins student?
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Students with an F-1 visa are eligible for on-campus employment but are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year. They may work full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer. On-campus employment may also include jobs with employers that are educationally affiliated with Hopkins, such as research work at a Hopkins affiliate.
