What the funding covers
- Full calculated financial need for admitted international students, with no loans included in the package.
- Average annual aid package awarded to incoming students is $72,883.
- All students receive a free MacBook Pro, iPad, and Apple Pencil through the Digital Excellence Commitment.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition and living costs | Covered by need-based financial aid for admitted students; Bowdoin meets 100% of calculated need with no loans. |
| CSS Profile fee | You pay, unless you contact the Student Aid Office after admission to request a fee waiver. |
| Digital Excellence Commitment devices (MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple Pencil) | Provided free to all students. |
Who can apply
- Open to anyone who would require a visa to attend college in the United States.
- Admission is need-blind, so your family's ability to pay is not a factor in the admission decision.
- International transfer students may apply but are not eligible for Bowdoin's financial aid packages.
- Students who have already obtained a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) are ineligible for admission.
Documents you will need
- Bowdoin application
- Official national exam results, if applicable (e.g. WASSCE, IGCSE, ISC)
- Secondary school transcript translated into English
- English proficiency test scores (optional)
- Independent interview report/video, if applicable
- CSS Profile and other financial aid materials, submitted after admission
How to apply
- Applications open on August 1.
- Submit your application by the Early Decision 1 deadline (November 15) or Early Decision 2/Regular Decision deadline (January 5).
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or CEA) are optional and can be submitted with your application or self-reported later.
- If your country has a national university entrance exam, submit official results; A-level/IB students submit predicted or final grades, with transcripts translated into English.
- Interviews are optional; you can register for a Bowdoin interview or submit an independent interview via Initialview, Vericant, or the DET (only one interview is accepted per applicant).
- Financial aid materials (such as the CSS Profile) are only required after you receive an admit decision, and must be submitted within seven days of the offer.
Before you apply: things to know
- Once English proficiency test scores are submitted, they cannot be deleted from your application.
- Bowdoin does not offer English as a Second Language courses, so you are expected to be highly proficient in spoken and written English.
- You may not register for a Bowdoin interview if you plan to submit an independent interview.
- International transfer students are not eligible for Bowdoin's financial aid packages, though outside scholarships can still count toward costs.
- Financial aid materials must be submitted within seven days of your admission offer.
Common questions
Do I need to submit English proficiency test scores?
No, it is optional. You can submit TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or CEA scores if you wish, but there is no minimum qualifying score.
When do I need to apply for financial aid?
International students are not required to submit financial aid materials until after they receive an admit decision, and must then submit all materials within seven days of the offer.
Can international transfer students receive financial aid?
No, international transfer students are not eligible for Bowdoin's financial aid packages, though external grants or scholarships can be applied toward costs.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (Nov 15, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Aug 23, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Sep 6, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Sep 20, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Oct 4, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Oct 18, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Nov 1, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Nov 8, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Nov 15, 2026Typical deadline
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Sources
Page reviewed Oct 1, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.