Apply to the
Cooper Union

International Applicants

At Cooper Union we value the importance of a diverse student body. As such, we attract and enroll students from around the world. We welcome all students to apply regardless of immigration status. Please note that immigration status is not considered in your application review and decision.

We seek inquisitive, motivated individuals who wish to put their ideas to work in making an impact on society. As an all-honors private college with a historic mission of fair access to education, The Cooper Union awards a half-tuition scholarship to every admitted undergraduate student.

All applicants are evaluated holistically, though specific admissions and credit requirements vary for each of the three schools. Please note that the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is not involved in the admissions process.

Please visit our Apply page for more information on admissions requirements for each program of study.

Who Is an International Student?

International students are those who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

What if I currently have an I-20 and I am in the United States?

If an international student is already present in the United States, either attending another academic institution or on a period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and wishes to transfer to Cooper or change their education level, their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record will need to be transferred from the previous school to Cooper. Rules and details for SEVIS transfers are listed in detail here.

Financial Aid

Cooper offers generous scholarships to ALL (domestic and international) admitted undergraduate students. 

International students are NOT eligible for federal or state financial aid.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English and have not had at least 3 years of English at a school where English was the official medium of instruction are required to take one of the exams below. Please note that your English language proficiency test results are only valid for two years. Please ensure that the name on your passport matches the name on your application, and on your language scores.

Test for English Language Proficiency

Minimum Score Requirements

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

600 (paper-based test)

100 (internet-based test)

MyBest® scores are not accepted

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

7.0 

DET (Duolingo English Test)

120 

We do not accept results from the following exams: IELTS Indicator, TOEFL ITP Plus for China, TOEFL Essentials, and PTE Academic Online.  

Required Documentation

All high school and college transcripts must be translated into English, notarized, and sent to The Cooper Union.

Once an F-1 student has accepted their offer of admission, they need to obtain the Form I-20. Please review the steps to obtain a Form I-20 here. 

Additional Fees

International students are assessed a fee of $1,005 per semester.

In addition to the international student fee, please click here to review all costs of attendance.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.