Princeton University

Yes. Princeton meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted international students with a strict no-loan policy — every dollar of aid is a grant, so you graduate debt-free. For families earning under roughly $100,000 a year, Princeton covers 100% of tuition, housing, and meals, plus stipends for books and personal travel. All aid is need-based; there are no merit scholarships.

Yes — completely, for both freshman and transfer applicants. Princeton is one of the very few universities in the world that is truly need-blind for international students. Your application is evaluated entirely on its merits, and requesting a full ride will not hurt your admission chances.

No. Princeton is test-optional for freshman applicants, so you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Yes, if English is not your native language — Princeton accepts the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or PTE Academic. The requirement is automatically waived if English is your native language, or if you've spent three or more consecutive years at a school where English is the primary language of instruction.

No. Princeton does not use or accept the CSS Profile (or IDOC). You apply for aid completely free by completing the online Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) in your applicant portal after submitting your admission application, then uploading your parents' tax documents. There's no College Board fee to pay.

Approximately 4.0–5.5% for freshman applicants. Transfer admission is far more selective at roughly 1.8–1.9%, because Princeton admits only about 15–35 transfer students globally each year.

Yes. Princeton is need-blind for international transfer applicants too, and meets 100% of demonstrated need with a no-loan, all-grant package. The catch is space, not money: the dedicated transfer program is very small — only about 15–35 transfers admitted worldwide each year — and it prioritizes community college students and military veterans. The $70 transfer application fee carries the same $0 institutional waiver.

The Common Application or Coalition Application, the Princeton supplemental essays, a Graded Written Paper (preferably English or History), official high school transcripts (with certified English translations if needed), the School Report and counselor recommendation, two academic teacher recommendations, English proficiency scores unless waived, and — if applying for aid — the free Princeton Financial Aid Application (PFAA) with your parents' tax documents. The $70 application fee can be waived inside the Common App or Coalition App.