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AN ADMISSIONS GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Think
EXPLORE CAMPUS THROUGH OUR VIRTUAL TOUR.
Join the University of Colorado Boulder, and discover possibilities around every corner.
As a prestigious R1 university, we work together to conduct research and generate ideas that improve lives across the globe. Whether you're drawn to our innovative programs in engineering, science, business or the arts, our supportive community will help you succeed wherever you go.
among world universities
college town in the U.S.
(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2024) (Best College Reviews, 2023)
international students from 100+ countries
Expand Your World.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers beautiful scenery and access to competitive careers. Here, you’ll have space to try new things and grow into the person you want to be. Discover Boulder’s rich startup culture, and explore opportunities at nearby companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Google, Charles Schwab and KPMG.
WEATHER
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Boulder brings the best of every season.
Average High Fall: 66°F/18°C
Winter: 47°F/8°C
Spring: 64°F/18°C
Summer: 85°F/29°C
LOCATION
Average Low Fall: 38°F/3°C
Winter: 22°F/-5°C
Spring: 36°F/2°C
Summer: 55°F/13°C
Our campus is just 35 minutes from Denver and 45 minutes from Denver International Airport by car or an hour via the SkyRide bus service, free for CU Boulder students.
Mexico City: 3h 40m
London: 8h 55m
Frankfurt: 9h 30m
Tokyo: 11h 40m
Rio de Janeiro: 12h 50m
Beijing: 15h 40m
Riyadh: 17h 45m
New Delhi: 19h 5m
Layover time is not included in these estimates.
DISCOVER MORE.
18 NASA astronauts are CU Boulder affiliates
19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
85+ research centers across campus
At CU Boulder, research isn’t just for scientists. It’s for dancers, poets, entrepreneurs. Whatever you’re passionate about, you can work on bold, crossdisciplinary projects that drive innovation and build your future. Plus, through supportive partnerships like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), you can apply for funding and collaborate with faculty from a variety of academic disciplines. Publish your work. Present your findings. Get noticed by top employers, grad schools and prestigious fellowships.
colorado.edu/research colorado.edu/urop
12 research institutes that employ more than 3,000 researchers, staff and students
BUILD YOUR ADVENTURE
5 Nobel Prize winners
Make your CU Boulder experience your own by combining majors and minors and exploring double and concurrent degrees that allow you to follow multiple passions. colorado.edu/academics
HEAR MORE ABOUT LIFE ON CAMPUS FROM OUR STUDENTS.
taking classes outside of her Accounting and Entrepreneurship majors, including her latest favorite: African Dance.
MAJORS & PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Symbol Key:
B Bachelor’s degree
C Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degrees (five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs)
M Master’s degree
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology B M D
Applied Mathematics M D ^
Art History B M C
Art Practices B M
Artificial Intelligence M
Arts of the Americas D
Asian Languages & Civilizations M D
Asian Studies B
Astrophysical & Planetary
Sciences B D ^
Atmospheric & Oceanic
Sciences B M D ^
Audiology D
Biochemistry B D ^
Chemical Physics D ^
Chemistry B D ^
Chinese B C
Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts B C
Classics B M C D
Cognitive Science D ^
Critical Ethnic Studies D
Comparative Literature M D
Computational Linguistics, Analytics, Search & Informatics M ^
Computer Science B ^
Creative Writing M
Dance B M
Earth Science B M D ^
Ecology & Evolutionary
Biology B M C D ^
Economics B C D
English B M D
Environmental Studies B M D ^
Ethnic Studies B C
Experience Design M
French B M C D
Geography B M D ^
Gender & Sexuality Studies M
Geophysics D ^
German Studies B M C D
History B M D
Humanities B
Integrative Physiology B M C D ^
International Affairs B
Italian B
Japanese B C
Jewish Studies B Linguistics B M C D
D Doctoral degree
^ OPT STEM extension eligible (Indicates the STEM degrees that are eligible for 36 months of OPT (Optional Practice Training))
Masters of the Environment M ^
Mathematics B M C D ^
Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology B D ^
Museum & Field Studies M
Neuroscience B D ^
Philosophy B M C D
Physics B C D ^
Political Science B D
Psychology B D ^
Public Health B
Religious Studies B M C
Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies B M C
Sociology B D
Spanish B M D
Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences B M D
Statistics & Data Science B C ^
Theatre B M C D
Women & Gender Studies B Arts and Sciences Open Option/Undecided
College of Engineering and Applied Science
Aerospace Engineering Sciences B M C D ^
Applied Mathematics B C ^
Architectural Engineering B M C D ^
Biomedical Engineering B M C D ^
Biological Engineering B M C ^
Chemical Engineering B M C D ^
Civil Engineering B M C D ^
Computer Science B M C D ^
Data Science M ^
Creative Technology & Design B M D ^
Electrical & Computer Engineering M C D ^
Electrical Engineering B C ^
Engineering Education D
Engineering Management M ^
Engineering Physics B C ^
Environmental Engineering B M C D ^
Integrated Design Engineering B ^
Materials Science & Engineering M D ^
Mechanical Engineering B M C D ^
Network Engineering M
Robotics M D
Sustainable Engineering M Technology, Arts & Media B
Engineering Open Option/Undecided
Customize your education at colorado.edu/academics.
College of Communication, Media, Design and Information
Architecture B
Communication B M D ^
Corporate Communication M
Emergent Technologies & Media
Art Practices D
Environmental Product Design B
Information Science B M C D ^
Interdisciplinary Documentary
Media Practices M
Intermedia Art, Writing & Performance D
Journalism B M
Journalism Entrepreneurship M
Landscape Architecture B
Media & Public Engagement M
Media Production B ^
Media Research & Practice D
Media Studies B
Strategic Communication B
Strategic Communication Design M
Sustainable Planning & Urban Design B
Environmental Design Open Option/Undecided B
College of Music
Arts in Music B
General
Emphasis in Musicology and World Music
Emphasis in Music Production
Emphasis in Songwriting
Music B M D
Brass & Percussion
Composition
Jazz Studies
Musicology
Musical Theatre
Piano & Keyboard
Strings
Voice
Woodwinds
Musical Arts D
Music Education B M D
Leeds School of Business
Accounting M C
Business Administration B D
Accounting
Business Analytics
Finance
Management
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Real Estate
Strategy & Entrepreneurship
Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Business
Business Analytics M
Finance M
Marketing Analytics M
Real Estate M C
Supply Chain Analytics M
Sustainable Business M
Taxation M C
Business Open Option/Undecided
School of Education
Curriculum & Instruction M
Curriculum & Instruction + Licensure M
Education D Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy
Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice
Learning Science & Human Development
Literacy Studies
Research & Evaluation Methodology
STEM Education
Teacher Learning, Research & Practice
Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice M
Education Studies B
Elementary Education B M professional licensure program with advanced endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse education Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy M
Higher Education M
Leadership & Community Engagement B
Learning Sciences & Human
Development M
Middle & High School Teaching B professional licensure program
Teacher Leadership M
School of Law
Law D
Master of Laws M Master of Studies in Law M
Program in Exploratory Studies
You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. When you apply directly to CU Boulder’s Program in Exploratory Studies, you’re saying yes to curiosity, growth and possibility. You’ll explore everything CU Boulder has to offer—majors, minors, passions—as you create your academic journey. You’ll work with skilled advisors and coaches to set academic goals and explore your interests.
Exploratory Studies/University-wide
Open Option/Undecided
Interested in Health Sciences or Law?
Follow your passion. We’ll help you turn it into a profession. You can choose any major and prepare for a future in law, medicine or other health-related fields. Our preprofessional advisors will help you explore opportunities and prepare for law school or a health care-related professional school. Choose a major that excites you because, while your major does not affect your chances of admission to a professional program, your performance and enthusiasm will.
YOUR CENTER FOR
This is more than a campus. It’s a place for discovery, innovation and creativity. And it’s yours—your community, your team, your home. We offer resources like free tutoring, one-on-one writing assistance and a multicultural Student Academic Success Center to support you as you learn. Our Career Services team will also guide you as you navigate the U.S. job market, build your professional network and work toward your career goals.
colorado.edu/career/international-students
miles of trails in and around Boulder clubs and organizations
students participated in intramural sports in 2024–25
Big 12 athletic programs
HOUSING OPTIONS
Choose a housing experience that matches your goals and interests.
RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (RAPs):
Live and learn alongside students who share your academic interests. The best part? You’ll get smaller classes, more faculty access and extra support.
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES (LLCs):
Bring your passions home. These themed halls connect you with students who share your drive.
TRADITIONAL HOUSING:
Looking for a classic first-year residence life experience? We’ve got that too.
DINING OPTIONS
Our nationally ranked dining program offers cuisine from around the world and options for various dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal and food allergies.
SAFE & FREE RIDES
CU NightRide vehicles offer free saferide services anywhere in Boulder.
“CU Boulder definitely has a great community that makes you feel like you’re part of the family even though you’re very far from home. That’s the best part of being a Buff.”
ANDRES SOSSA ’26 Art Practices major from Italy
FIND OUT WHAT MAKES OUR CAMPUS FEEL LIKE HOME.
BUILD YOUR FUTURE.
We’re ready to invest in your future—to connect you with the mentors and opportunities that will launch your career.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
International students are eligible for a couple of highly selective CU Boulder automatic consideration scholarships and must complete an admission application by January 15 to be considered. colorado.edu/scholarships/cu-boulder-scholarships
CU BOULDER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application to discover more opportunities and apply for multiple CU Boulder scholarships at once. The application opens December 1, and you can access it as soon as you submit your admission application.
Most scholarships through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application are available to U.S. students.
ESTIMATED COST
Estimated annual cost shown here is based on 2025–26 rates for one academic year (fall and spring). Undergraduate tuition is determined by residency classification and area of study. Individual expenses may vary and rates may be subject to change. For the most current cost, visit colorado.edu/bursar.
Understand your cost of attendance from tuition and fees to on-campus housing, food, books/supplies, personal expenses, transportation and medical insurance at colorado.edu/understand-your-cost-attendance.
Tuition tiers below reflect differences in the cost of instruction.
BASE TUITION RATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
Tuition & fees: $46,848
On-campus housing & food: $18,504
Books & supplies: $1,200
Total: $66,552
Base Tuition: Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Music, Open Option in Arts and Sciences and the Program in Exploratory Studies
Tier 2: Communication, Media, Design and Information
Tier 3: Engineering & Applied Science and Natural Sciences
Tier 4: Business
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION RATES FOR TIERS 2, 3 AND 4.
of graduates employed or in grad school within six months of graduation
Take The
PURSUE THE FUTURE OF YOUR DREAMS.
Are you ready to hone your skills, launch your ideas and unlock your dream career? Take the next step toward becoming a Buff. You’ll create life-changing memories and participate in resume-building research. And when you graduate, you’ll join a network of more than 300,000 alumni spanning continents and industries. You belong here. We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next.
QUESTIONS? SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
TOEFL: 80
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115
PTE: 58
CAE: 180
AP English (either exam): 4
IB SL English A: 6
IB HL English A: 5
GCSE/GCE English: B
ACT English: 23
SAT EBRW: 580
WASSCE English: B3
Proof of English Proficiency is required for scholarship consideration.
ADMISSION CHECKLIST
To apply to CU Boulder, please provide the following:
Complete the Common Application (for first-year students) or the CU Boulder Transfer Application
$70 nonrefundable application fee
Official secondary school transcript
Official university transcript (if applicable)
Personal essay and one short answer question (for first-year students) or one academic interest response (for transfer students)
One academic letter of recommendation
SAT/ACT scores (optional)
Proof of English Proficiency (optional)
SECURE YOUR SPOT
If you are academically admitted, please provide CU Boulder with the following information:
Proof of English proficiency
Financial support statement
Scan of passport
If you’re academically admitted but still need to meet the English Proficiency Requirements, the Pathway to CU Program can help. If you successfully complete all required levels of this International English Center (IEC) program, you can begin your degree program at the university. colorado.edu/center/iec/pathway-cu
MAKE YOUR MOVE.
DISCOVER WHERE CURIOSITY CAN LEAD
APPLICATION DEADLINES
First-year Applicants
Fall early action deadline*: November 15
Fall regular decision deadline: January 15
Fall early action release date: February 1
Fall regular decision release date: April 1
Transfer Applicants
Fall early notification deadline: March 15
Fall regular decision deadline: June 1
Transfer admission decisions are released on a rolling basis.
*Early action is nonbinding. By submitting your application by the early action deadline, you will be notified of your admission decision earlier than those who submit their application by the regular decision deadline.
START YOUR JOURNEY NOW AND JOIN THE CU BOULDER COMMUNITY.
As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the cost associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information online, go to colorado.edu/about/your-right-know.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all individuals can achieve their academic and professional aspirations free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or related retaliation for raising a concern. CU Boulder does not discriminate based on protected class, which includes race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Visit colorado.edu/oiec to learn more.
