Enter course, college, country or exam

Contact Us
LoginSign Up
University of Pennsylvania
Video Play Icon8 Videos,
18 Photos
University of Pennsylvania Logo

University of Pennsylvania Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Map Pin IconPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Star Icon3.5 /5
Talk to Expert IconTalk to Expert
Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 6 Nov '24, by Akansha katariya (Study Abroad Expert)

UPenn Admissions
What’s new?

International students can apply for the University of Pennsylvania admissions in early and regular modes for UG programs. The master’s students must apply in the Fall and Spring semesters. The UPenn application deadline for all programs is given below:

Undergraduate deadline:

  • Early decision: closed 
  • Regular decision: Jan 5, 2025 

Graduate deadline:

  • Fall: Jul 15, 2025 (tentative)
  • Spring: Dec 1, 2024 (PG)

University of Pennsylvania Admissions 2025

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   Is Penn better than Harvard?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, both are the most reputed institutions in the USA. There is no comparison between them. However, students can decide where to go as both of them are extremely popular and can lead to a successful career. Students with extremely excellent performance can make a place in either of two as their acceptance rates are very low. The Harvard University acceptance rate is 3.41% which is the second the lowest in history and UPenn acceptance rate is 7%. Both universities provide a wide range of programs in over 100 specializations and their tuition costs are high. Students can check the below comparison table and decide where they must apply:

Particulars

UPenn

Harvard University

Acceptance Rate

7%

3.41%

Tuition Cost

Between INR 18L and INR 72L for Masters and INR 51L and INR 57L for undergraduate programs.

 

Between INR 18L and INR 72L for Masters and INR 45L and INR 49L for undergraduate programs.

 

Courses

UG=90+, PG=100+

UG=50+, PG=100+

Q:   Is the University of Pennsylvania hard to get into?

A: 

With an acceptance rate of 7%, the University of Pennsylvania is hard to get into. The low acceptance rate shows that the university is highly competitive and extremely stringent during admissions. As per the 2024 enrollment data, over 59,000 applications were received by the university and only 2,416 students enrolled in undergraduate programs. The students must showcase their excellent performance in academics as well as in other factors such as standardized tests, and English proficiency tests, and write a compelling essay that can convince the university even with an average scorecard.

Q:   What are the academic requirements for the University of Pennsylvania?

A: 

International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents such as LOR, SOP, transcripts, and many more. The academic requirements of UG and PG for the University of Pennsylvania admissions are given below:

PG Requirements:

  • Background Information
  • Essay
  • GMAT/GRE score
  • Resume
  • LOR
  • Transcripts
  • GRE (optional)
  • English language proficiency score

UG Requirements

  • High school documents
  • Transcripts
  • LOR
  • ACT/SAT scores
  • English language proficiency score

Q:   How can I get into the University of Pennsylvania?

A: 

To gain admission to the University of Pennsylvania, Indian students must adhere to the procedures listed below:
Step 1: Select a program: International students can select from more than 100 undergraduate and about 100 graduate programs, as well as review their eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Complete the application: International students can apply for PG programs through the University application portal and for UG programs through Coalition or Common App. Before the University of Pennsylvania admissions deadline, upload the necessary materials, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, standardized test results, English language proficiency test results, and more.
Step 3: Pay the application fee: International students must pay USD 75 (INR 6K) for undergraduate studies and USD 95 (INR 7.5K) for graduate studies. (USD 1=INR 83.5 on 4 July 2024)

Step 4: Await a response: After a student applies for a UG or PG program, they will hear back from the university in a few weeks.
Step 5: Pay tuition fees: Depending on the course students have selected, international students must pay UPenn tuition fees. For master's degrees, the tuition ranges from INR 18L to INR 72L, whereas for undergraduate programs, it is between INR 51L and INR 57L.

University of Pennsylvania MS Admissions 2024

44 courses 12 months - 3 years
Accordion Icon V3
icon
₹ 18.1L - 66.3L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: TOEFL, IELTS, GRE
View course details

University of Pennsylvania Application Process 2025

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Application Process

Q:   What GPA do you need to go to UPenn?

A: 

UPenn expects a minimum cumulative GPA of 3 on the 4 scale as a general admission requirement. However, students who enrolled or were selected by the University of Pennsylvania scored much more than the required. Students who want to take UPenn admission must aim to score more than 3 GPAs to beat the competition. Along with the GPA, students must submit ACT or SAT scores to provide support to the application as the university provides test options for them.

Q:   Is it harder for international students to get into UPenn?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania is hard to get into for not only international but for domestic students. The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is 7%, which shows that the university only selects 7 students out of 100. The university considers factors such as standardized scores, English language proficiency scores, GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and prior experience during UPenn admission. Students with excellent academic performance and relevant experience still have a high chance of selection.

Q:   Does UPenn require a GRE?

A: 

During the 2024–2025 application period, providing the GRE is optional, and skipping it won't negatively impact a student’s application. However, students must take the test and submit it if get a valid score. Along with the GRE, students must focus on providing their best academic performance, English language scores, and GPA. Students with prior relevant experience and who take part in extracurricular activities get precedence over the other students.

Q:   Is the University of Pennsylvania good for international students?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania is one of the esteemed Ivy League colleges and is frequently listed in the top 15 worldwide universities by authoritative rating organizations including QS, US News, and Times Higher Education. Among all the Ivy League universities, Penn has the most students studying abroad. Additionally, UPenn is ranked #10 among research and doctorate schools in the USA.

International applicants are compelled to take University of Pennsylvania admission every year. However, because admission to the university is so tough, only a small percentage of applicants get accepted. In Fall 2022, 94% of the enrolled students at UPenn were selected from the top 10% of their high school graduating class.

University of Pennsylvania Enrollment Statistics 2024

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admission

Q:   What is the minimum SAT score to get into UPenn?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania provides test options for ACT and SAT scores. However, students must take the test and submit it if get a valid score. Along with the SAT, students must focus on providing their best academic performance, English language scores, and GPA. Also, students with prior relevant experience and who take part in extracurricular activities get precedence over the other students.

Q:   How can I get a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania?

A: 

For its international students, the University of Pennsylvania exclusively provides need-based scholarships. International applicants should be aware that they will not be able to reapply for financial aid at a later time in their undergraduate degree if they are not admitted with financial aid during their first year of study. Using grant funds and work-study, UPenn University is committed to meeting all of the demonstrated needs of overseas students. The university offers need-based University of Pennsylvania scholarships of USD 10 million to international students each year.

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for the University of Pennsylvania? What are the best ways to gain admission?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is 7%. This showcases that the university is highly competitive and extremely stringent at the time of admission. However, the students who fulfill the basic eligibility and adhere to the factors such as scoring excellent standardized scores and English language proficiency scores, gaining some relevant experience, and taking part in extracurricular activities still have a better chance of selection.

UPenn
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.5/5
Verified Icon6 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Academically oriented
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Stressful
  • Friendly
Student Views
  • 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships2.8
Part time work4
Post study jobs3.2
Quality of faculty4.2
Student Life3.3
Value for money3.3
Public transportation4.7
Safety2.8
Indian Food3.3
Permanent Immigration3
P
Priyanshu Mittal Verified Icon
MSE Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics - Batch of 2024
3.7
Give a second thought before applying.
Tips: The university life here is very much different from that in India. At least in engineering, students spend most of their time completing assignments and completing lectures. UPenn doesn't offer scholarships to Master's students but you can apply for part-time job as soon as you are on campus which will help you meet your living costs. Though the city is great, I would advise anybody who is coming to definitely give it a second thought as the job market right now is not good and doesn't look like will be better soon.
Likes (Public transportation): Philadelphia has buses, inter and intra-city trains, subways as well as trams. Also, it is easy to get cabs. Philadelphia as a city is small, hence, it is easy to go from one place to another through public transport. Furthermore, the university is located in the heart so one can go to most places by walking or cycling.
Dislikes (Value for money): Being an IVY League, the fee for the program is a lot. But compared to other universities UPenn doesn't have affiliation with the working industry. So the students don't get any benefit while looking for jobs in the market. At least in the US going to cheaper universities would be a better choice
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2024Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
R
Rajnish Gupta Verified Icon
Scientific Computing, MSE - Batch of 0
3.5
Best learning experience.
Tips: The University might not exactly be what you expected. It is a great learning experience, and there are a lot of things to do, that it can become overwhelming and stressful at times. But if I were to choose to do it again, at some other time, with a better job market, I would. Try not to get distracted by a lot of things you see around you, as that can happen initially.
Likes (Public transportation): Philly has great and affordable public transport, you can reach pretty much anywhere in 30-40 mins, and most places of interest, downtown can be accessed in 10-15mins through the subway from University, and the transport runs at longer hours, although not the safest way to travel during certain hours the day if you're alone, but that comes in safety as per the city. The connectivity and timing itself are great.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are no Indian food options in University dining, and in general Indian food options around Philly are although not limited, but are not excellent, or anywhere close to what you can find in cities like NYC, Jersey or Chicago. There is a lot of frozen food at Indian Stores, but that is not the most healthy option out there.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2024Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
R
Rohan Nagesh Verified Icon
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2025
2.7
The university has a good campus and loads of resources to live a wholesome student life.
Tips: The university is expensive and the city is not really that safe. The workload is high with a lot of assignments. The university offers a diverse range of courses but lacks concentration on one. Prospects of engineering jobs are low with not many university recruiters approaching students for post-study options.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2024Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MSE Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.6
Biotech research powerhouse. Amazing opportunities.
Tips: For the CBE department, most research is in the biotech sector and so are the jobs and internships. Professors are very nice and will help you if you ask for it. The courses are tough but are of very high quality. However, the CBE courses are very theoretical.
Dislikes (Safety): Philadelphia is not a very safe city. There are lots of break-ins and thefts. Cycles parked outside will get stolen even if locked. The Penn campus is very safe with good security. Penn also has shuttles that run at night and walking escorts for student safety.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2024Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Robotics, MSE - Batch of 2024
4.3
Lots of work and hard courses but great program. Effort is respected
Tips: The classes consist of diverse ethnicities and you hence experience an initial cultural shock. Scholarships are not available for MS students. RA opportunities are also very selective for MS students. TA opportunities are much easier to come by. Quite happy with my choice of university.
Likes (Student Life): Regular socializing events are conducted on campus. Study environment is not too stressful. Happy hours are organized once a month by every department and apart from that all the festivities also have an associated event. Regional festivities are dealt with by the Pan-Asian community and it depends on their yearly budget.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Hard to find a job that sponsors H1B. The green card process is another big headache. H1B is got through a lottery system and is then renewed every 3 years until you are eligible to apply for a green card. And you need to hold the green card for a certain number of years before you are eligible for citizenship.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2024Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3
Challenging and Stressful but equally rewarding experience at this college.
Tips: There are no scholarships available and there is no significant cultural shift. Transitioning with respect to weather may take time. Overall, university courses are good but challenging, and finding jobs and internship can be difficult. While on-campus jobs are available and helpful, they do not offer any tuition fee waivers.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at this college are highly approachable and knowledgeable. They employ an intuitive teaching method and assign practical tasks. The teaching faculty is mostly of Asian and American background representing all types of specializations in Electrical engineering. The courses are rather challenging and not easy.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2024Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
View All 6 ReviewsRight Arrow Icon

UPenn Admission 2024 FAQs

Q:   Does UPenn accept Duolingo?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania does not ask for any particular score from international students. However, as per the official source, students must aim to score at least 135 in Duolingo. Along with Duolingo, they must submit the scores for TOEFL and IELTS. The English language requirements for international students are given below:

 

English Language Test

Minimum Score Required

IELTS

7.5 or above

TOEFL iBT

100 or above

Duolingo

135 or above

Q:   What major is the University of Pennsylvania known for?

A: 

The University of Pennsylvania graduate programs are provided by 12 schools on one campus. When applying to the undergraduate program, the university provides them via four schools (the College, Wharton, Penn Engineering, or Penn Nursing).

UPenn courses comprise over 100 postgraduates and around 100 undergraduate programs. The popular majors include Data Science, Environmental Studies, Computer & Information Science, Robotics, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Organizational Dynamics, and more. In addition, UG's popular specialisation comprises English, Sociology, Music, Fine Arts, Urban Studies, Criminology, Computer Engineering, Bimolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and more.

Q:   How much is the application fee for the University of Pennsylvania?

A: 

International students must submit the University of Pennsylvania application fee at the end of the application. They must fulfill the basic eligibility criteria and submit documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, standardized test results, English language proficiency test results, and more. At the end of the application, students must pay USD 75 (INR 6K) for UG and USD 90 (INR 7.5K) for PG as an application fee. (USD 1=INR 83.5 on 4 July 2024)

Q:   How can I get admission to the University of Pennsylvania for an MBA?

A: 

International students willing to apply for an MBA programme can apply through the university portal. They must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents along with the application fee. The student must complete their college-level education equivalent to a four-year American undergraduate or baccalaureate degree before applying. Then submit documents such as background information, essay, GMAT/GRE score, resume, LOR, transcripts, and English language proficiency score and pay USD 90 (INR 7.5K) as the application fee to apply at the university.

qna

UPenn

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

About the author

author image
Akansha katariya

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha katariya is a content creator at shiksha.com, creating content for study abroad. Having pursued B tech. in Electronics and communication from RGPV University, she has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding students, sh...Read Full Bio
Home Icon/Study in USA/Universities in USA/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania

UPenn
Take a look at Campus

UPenn Others(1)PENN Building
UPenn Others(2)PENN Building
UPenn Others(3)PENN Campus
UPenn Others(1)
UPenn Others(2)

UPenn
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Size of cityLarge
Population of City15,80,863

UPenn
Contact Information

Address

3701 Chestnut Street,Suite 1W
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Philadelphia ( Pennsylvania)

Map Pin IconView on Map ->
Phone
(215) 898-7507
Email
internationalteam@admissions.upenn.edu
Go to College Website ->