What the funding covers
- Need-blind admission for all applicants, domestic and international.
- 100% of demonstrated need met for the full length of your degree.
- Family income under $200,000 (with typical assets): no tuition. Under $100,000: no family contribution towards the cost of attendance.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition ($66,720), housing, food, books and personal costs: $92,760 in 2026–27 | MIT Scholarship, up to your full demonstrated need |
| Travel between home and MIT | MIT adds a travel allowance to your cost of attendance, based on where you live |
| Application fee | You, or request a fee waiver in the application; international applicants can, and it does not affect your chances |
| CSS Profile ($25 for the first college, $16 for each extra one) | You |
| US student visa: $185 application fee and $350 SEVIS fee, plus a new $250 visa integrity fee that some embassies now charge | You, before you travel |
Who can apply
- First-year applicants from any country applying to MIT's undergraduate programme.
- MIT assesses need from your family's income and assets; typical assets are assumed in the published thresholds.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- SAT or ACT, required for every first-year applicant, including international students
- An English test, strongly recommended if you have used English for fewer than five years: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo or Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency (official scores)
- CSS Profile (MIT code 3514)
- Your parents' tax return from their country, with an English translation, or other income documents, uploaded through IDOC by 30 November (Early Action) or 15 February (Regular Action)
How to apply
- Apply through MIT's own application portal (MIT does not use the Common App).
- Early Action closes on 1 November; Regular Action closes in early January (4 January in the latest cycle).
- Submit the financial aid application separately: by 30 November for Early Action applicants and by 15 February for Regular Action.
- Complete MIT's essays and interview if one is offered in your country.
Before you apply: things to know
- Aid deadlines differ from admission deadlines; put both in your calendar.
- Early Action at MIT is non-binding, so applying early costs you nothing.
- Very few international students are admitted each year; apply to other need-blind and full-need colleges too.
Common questions
Can international applicants get an application fee waiver?
Yes. Fee waivers are open to domestic and international applicants; request one in the application. Because MIT is need-blind, asking has no effect on your chances.
Is the SAT or ACT required for international students?
Yes. MIT requires the SAT or ACT from every first-year and transfer applicant.
When will I hear about my aid?
If you apply Early Action and send all aid documents by 30 November, MIT aims to send your aid offer by mid-January, soon after your admission decision.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 4, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 12, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 26, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 9, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 23, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 7, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 21, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 28, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 4, 2027Deadline