Canonical HTML: https://www.studyu.org/en/university-arizona-state
Markdown URL: https://www.studyu.org/en/md/university-arizona-state.md
Language: en
Meta title: Arizona State University: 2027 Admission and Costs | StudyU
Meta description: Arizona State University for international students: 3.0 GPA, IELTS 6.0, no SAT, conditional admission, $69,906 2026–27 cost, New American University award.
Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Arizona State University (ASU): Admission for International Students

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large public university with campuses across metro Phoenix: Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic in Mesa and West Valley in Glendale. For international applicants it is one of the most accessible strong US universities: a 3.0 high-school GPA, IELTS 6.0 for most programs and no SAT requirement. If your English is not yet at the required level, ASU may offer conditional admission. The 2026–27 cost of attendance for an international undergraduate is $69,906 including fees and insurance, and a limited number of high-achieving international students receive the merit-based New American University Scholarship.

Old Main, the oldest building on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, 2021. Photo: Beyond My Ken / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2021_Arizona_State_University,_Tempe_Campus,_Old_Main.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Do not confuse ASU with the University of Arizona in Tucson or with Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff: these are three separate public universities with their own applications. ASU Online programs are not a basis for an F-1 visa; this profile covers the on-campus experience.

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | metro Phoenix, Arizona: Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, West Valley |
| Type | public |
| International students | 15,000+ from 160 countries |
| Application | ASU application or Common App, $90 fee |
| Deadlines | fall 2026 priority date was January 15, 2026; spring 2027 priority date is November 1, 2026 |
| Academic minimum | 3.0 GPA (B), four years of math, three years of lab science |
| SAT/ACT | not required |
| English for most majors | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 61 or 3.5 on the new scale, Duolingo 95, PTE 53 |
| 2026–27 cost of attendance | $69,906 for an international undergraduate |
| Aid for international students | New American University merit scholarship, limited number |
| Rankings | THE 2027: 200; ARWU 2026: 101–150 |

## Is ASU a good fit? {#section-1}

| Advantages | Things to know in advance |
| --- | --- |
| Published minimum requirements rather than an opaque lottery | Journalism, engineering and nursing require stronger English |
| Conditional admission if you meet academic requirements but not yet the English one | Until the English condition is met, you cannot start your degree program |
| A merit scholarship open to international students | Only a limited number receive it, and amounts are not published in advance |
| More than 400 undergraduate programs | A large, multi-campus university that expects students to be self-directed |
| Lower total cost than most private universities | Only original or school-attested documents count as official |

ASU suits students who value predictable admission rules, a broad choice of majors and a cost that is reasonable by US standards. If you are aiming for a small, highly selective private university with generous aid, look elsewhere, for example at [Northwestern](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-northwestern). Among the public universities we profile, [Georgia Tech](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-georgia-tech) and the [University of Michigan](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-michigan) have comparable budgets but are far more selective.

## Campuses and colleges {#section-2}

Your program determines your campus and your first-year residence hall.

- Tempe is the main and largest campus: the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the W. P. Carey School of Business, the liberal arts and sciences, and Barrett, The Honors College.
- Downtown Phoenix hosts journalism (Walter Cronkite School), health and nursing, and public service programs.
- Polytechnic in Mesa focuses on applied engineering and technology.
- West Valley in Glendale offers humanities and interdisciplinary programs.

ASU also has a site in downtown Los Angeles and the Thunderbird School of Global Management. The Degree Search catalog shows which campus offers each program.

## Undergraduate requirements {#section-3}

### Academic

- A 3.00 GPA on a 4.0 scale, a "B" average. Some programs set higher requirements.
- Three years of high-school coursework. Current students submit grades 9–11; graduates submit grades 10–12.
- A completed secondary diploma or certificate.
- Competency requirements for students educated outside the US: four years of math (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and a course requiring algebra II) and three years of laboratory science, one year each in biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated science or physics.

ASU evaluates foreign credentials in-house at no extra cost. Course-by-course evaluations from ECE, Foreign Credentials Service of America or the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute are also considered, but they do not replace official records.

### What counts as an official document

ASU's rule is strict. Documents must be originals or attested copies with the institution's original seal or signature, sent by the school or exam board. Photocopies, notarized copies, faxes and scans are not treated as originals. Every document not issued in English needs an English translation. Send documents only after you submit the application, ideally with your ASU EMPLID on the envelope.

### SAT and ACT

Not required. You may submit scores for course placement or as supplementary information. Our comparison of the [SAT and ACT](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-sat-or-act) helps if you are unsure.

### English requirements

| College or program | IELTS | TOEFL iBT (before / after Jan 21, 2026) | Duolingo | PTE | Cambridge |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Journalism (Walter Cronkite School) | 7.0 | 100 / 5 | 120 | 73 | 185 |
| Engineering (Ira A. Fulton Schools) | 6.5 | 79 / 4 | 105 | 58 | 176 |
| Nursing (BSN) | 6.5 | 76 / 4 | 100 | not accepted | 176 |
| All other majors | 6.0 | 61 / 3.5 | 95 | 53 | 170 |

Instead of a test, ASU accepts completion of its own Global Launch English Language Program or the online English for Undergraduate Admission and Achievement course. The [Duolingo English Test guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-duolingo-english-test-guide) covers one common route to the score.

### Conditional admission

If you meet the academic and competency requirements but not the English one, ASU may offer conditional admission to an on-campus program. The offer is valid for up to three semesters, during which you must meet the English requirement, for example by passing a test or completing Global Launch. For a student with strong grades and intermediate English this is a real pathway, although degree study starts only once the condition is met. ASU makes the admission decision.

## Deadlines and steps {#section-4}

ASU's international page currently shows the previous cycle: the fall 2026 priority deadline was January 15, 2026, the enrolment deposit was due May 1 and classes began on August 20. For spring 2027, the priority deadline is November 1, 2026, the deposit is due December 1 and classes begin on January 11, 2027. The fall 2027 date has not been posted yet; plan around mid-January 2027 and apply earlier to leave time for the I-20 and visa.

Step by step:

1. Application: the ASU application or the Common App (only one is accepted; a duplicate is cancelled) and the $90 fee.
2. Official records from your school with English translations.
3. English test sent directly to ASU, or proof of Global Launch completion.
4. SAT or ACT, optional.
5. Status checks in My ASU; your ASURITE user ID arrives within one to three business days of applying.
6. After admission: the financial form in My ASU and proof of funds for the I-20.

## Cost for 2026–27 {#section-5}

| International undergraduate | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Base tuition | $39,062 |
| Tuition surcharge | $350 |
| Advanced Technology fee | $200 |
| Undergraduate college fee (highest possible) | $2,190 |
| Student initiated fees | $807 |
| On-campus housing and meals | $18,819 |
| Books and course materials | $1,320 |
| Travel | $1,650 |
| Personal | $2,343 |
| Health insurance (2025–26 rate) | $2,765 |
| International student fee | $400 |
| Total | $69,906 |

The college fee shown is the maximum; ASU's tuition estimator gives the figure for your program. Health insurance will be updated to the 2026–27 rate. Over four years, current rates add up to about $280,000. Card payments go through a third-party vendor that charges 4.25% on international cards; the fee is not paid to ASU and is not refundable. Our guide to the [cost of studying in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-usa) helps you build the full budget.

## Scholarships for international students {#section-6}

International students are not eligible for federal or state aid. ASU awards the merit-based New American University Scholarship to a limited number of international first-year and transfer students with high academic achievement. There is no separate application: ASU considers students once they are admitted, using official academic records. The First-year Merit Scholarship Estimator gives an indication based on GPA, competencies and any SAT or ACT score; ASU does not publish international award amounts. Colleges and departments also offer their own scholarships, listed on ASU Scholarship Universe.

If your budget only works with significant aid, compare options using our overview of [financial aid for international students in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-financial-aid-for-international-students-usa).

## Housing {#section-7}

ASU expects first-year students to live on the campus of their major. First-year halls are organised as residential communities by college, so students from the same college live together. The budget allows $18,819 a year for housing and meals; Barrett students should expect more. For later years, see our guide to [student housing in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-usa).

## F-1 visa {#section-8}

After admission, you complete ASU's financial form in My ASU and upload proof of funds. The required amount is shown on the form and covers one academic year (nine months) of tuition, fees and living costs. Statements must be dated within the last 12 months and show liquid funds only; screenshots are not accepted. The I-20 tracker accepts each document type only once, so combine your financial documents into one upload. Add $7,000 for a spouse and $5,000 for each child. If tuition rises after your I-20 is issued and a new initial I-20 is needed, ASU may ask for additional proof of funds.

Then pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and the visa fee ($185) and book an interview. Russian citizens apply at the US Embassy in Warsaw or in Astana, because the embassy in Moscow does not issue routine visas. Kazakh citizens apply in Astana or Almaty. F-1 applicants must set their social media profiles to public. At the interview, a consular officer may ask how your family will pay for the whole degree, and ASU advises being ready to explain each source of money, especially support from extended family. The consulate decides on the visa. Our [F-1 visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-f1-student-visa-usa) explains the process, and the guide to [working while studying and OPT](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-and-opt-usa) covers work rules.

## Notes for applicants from Russia and Kazakhstan {#section-9}

- Which "Arizona"? Searches in Russian often mix up ASU and the University of Arizona. Check the website address: ASU is asu.edu.
- School-attested copies. A notarized copy of your certificate is not an original for ASU; ask your school to send attested documents.
- Translations. Every document not in English needs one.
- Mathematics. Make sure the transcript shows algebra and geometry by year, because ASU checks for four years of math.
- Weaker English is not a reason to skip applying. Conditional admission with Global Launch is a real route, although it lengthens the path.
- Payments. Our guide to [paying for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia) covers lawful options.

## Common mistakes {#section-10}

- Submitting both the ASU application and the Common App. One is cancelled and the fee is not refunded.
- Sending notarized copies instead of school documents. They are not accepted as official.
- Choosing a program without checking its English threshold. Journalism requires IELTS 7.0, not 6.0.
- Applying late in spring. The priority date leaves time for scholarship review, the I-20 and the visa.
- Confusing ASU Online with on-campus study. Online programs do not support an F-1 visa.

## ASU in the rankings {#section-11}

| Ranking | Position |
| --- | --- |
| THE World University Rankings 2027 | 200 |
| ARWU 2026 | 101–150 |

ASU performs better in rankings of innovation and access than in research-reputation tables. For undergraduates, the specific program and college matter more.

## FAQ {#section-12}

### Where is Arizona State University?

In metro Phoenix, Arizona. The main campus is in Tempe, with three more in Downtown Phoenix, Mesa (Polytechnic) and Glendale (West Valley). Your campus depends on your program.

### How much does ASU cost for international students?

The 2026–27 cost of attendance for an international undergraduate is $69,906, including $39,062 in base tuition, fees, housing, meals and insurance. College fees vary by program, and flights and visa costs are extra.

### What GPA do I need for ASU?

The minimum is 3.00 on the US scale, a B average. ASU converts foreign grades itself, some programs require more, and the university makes the admission decision.

### Can I get into ASU without IELTS?

Not without proof of English, but if you meet the academic requirements, ASU may grant conditional admission. You then have up to three semesters to meet the English requirement, for example through Global Launch.

### Does ASU offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, to a limited number of high-achieving international students through the New American University Scholarship. There is no separate application; ASU decides after admission, and it does not publish international award amounts.

### Does ASU require the SAT?

No. The SAT and ACT are not required; you may submit them for course placement or as supplementary information.

### Is ASU the same as the University of Arizona?

No. Arizona State University is in metro Phoenix, while the University of Arizona is in Tucson. They have different applications, deadlines, requirements and costs.

## Sources {#section-13}

- [ASU Admission: International first-year students (requirements, steps, deadlines)](https://admission.asu.edu/apply/international/first-year)
- [ASU Admission: International students](https://admission.asu.edu/apply/international)
- [ASU Admission: Cost and aid for international students, 2026–27](https://admission.asu.edu/cost-aid/international)
- [ASU Admission: Student visa and proof of funds](https://admission.asu.edu/apply/international/student-visa)
- [ASU Tuition: New American University Scholar](https://tuition.asu.edu/new-american-university)
- [ASU Tuition: Cost of attendance](https://tuition.asu.edu/cost)
- [ASU: Financial aid and tuition FAQ](https://students.asu.edu/faq/scholarships)
- [ASU Housing: First-year housing](https://housing.asu.edu/first-year-housing)
- [U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia: Visas](https://ru.usembassy.gov/visas/)
- [U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Kazakhstan: Visas](https://kz.usembassy.gov/visas/)
- [ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee](https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901)
- [eCFR, 22 CFR 22.1: Schedule of consular fees](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22)
- [THE World University Rankings 2027](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking)
- [ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026](https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2026)

All amounts are in US dollars as published by the university, so no currency conversion is needed; checked on October 1, 2026. More US universities are listed on our [study in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-usa) page. If you want to work through your route, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply): document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU, and the university makes the admission decision.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Brown University: Admission and Financial Aid for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-brown)
- [University of Southern California (USC): Admission for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-southern-california)
- [Studying in the USA for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-usa)
- [Northwestern University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-northwestern)
- [Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-georgia-tech)
- [University of Michigan, Ann Arbor](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-michigan)

Updated: October 2026