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Meta title: UT Austin: International Admission and Costs | StudyU
Meta description: UT Austin for international students: SAT or ACT required, Early Action October 15, Regular December 1, IELTS 6.5, $64,204–72,916 nonresident 2026–27 cost.
Last modified: 2026-10-01

# The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): Admission for International Students

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship public university of Texas and one of the largest in the US, with about 55,000 students from 122 countries. Three rules set it apart for international applicants. The SAT or ACT is required. Early Action closes as soon as October 15, 2026, and the regular deadline is December 1. The 2026–27 nonresident cost of attendance is $64,204–72,916 depending on the college, before the health insurance that F-1 students are enrolled in automatically.

The Main Building and tower of the University of Texas at Austin seen from the South Mall, August 2019. Photo: Michael Barera / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:University_of_Texas_at_Austin_August_2019_36_(Main_Building).jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Do not confuse UT Austin with Texas A&M University in College Station or with other University of Texas campuses in Dallas, Arlington, San Antonio, El Paso and elsewhere, each of which admits students separately. This profile covers Austin, the state capital.

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Type | public |
| Autumn 2027 application | Common App or ApplyTexas; Early Action October 15, 2026; Regular December 1, 2026 |
| Decisions | Early Action by January 15, 2027 (admission or deferral); all others by February 15, 2027 |
| Application fee | $90, no waivers for international applicants |
| SAT/ACT | required: at least one official score |
| English | TOEFL iBT 79 or 4 on the new scale, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115 |
| 2026–27 nonresident cost of attendance | $64,204–72,916 |
| Aid for international students | some university scholarships; no need-based aid |
| Rankings | U.S. News 2027: 34th national, 8th public; THE 2027: 53; ARWU 2026: 47 |

## Is UT Austin a good fit? {#section-1}

| Strengths | Limitations |
| --- | --- |
| Texas flagship with strong engineering, business, computer science and natural sciences | No review without an SAT or ACT score |
| Lower English minimums than private universities of similar standing | Nonresident cost close to $70,000 a year |
| Austin is a growing tech city with a large internship market | The October 15 early deadline means being ready at the start of autumn |
| An optional résumé and up to two recommendations let you show more of yourself | Housing is first come, first served, so late applicants have fewer options |
| Students from 122 countries | Need-based aid is designed for US citizens and Texas residents |

UT Austin is worth considering if you are ready to take the SAT or ACT, want a large research university and your family can fund the budget without aid. Among our profiles, the closest public alternatives are [Georgia Tech](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-georgia-tech), the [University of Michigan](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-michigan) and the [University of Washington in Seattle](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-washington-seattle), which does not require the SAT at all.

## The university and the city in numbers {#section-2}

| Indicator | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Students (fall 2025) | about 55,000 |
| Countries represented | 122 |
| Four-year graduation rate | 76% |
| First-generation undergraduates | 22.6% |
| Rank among best cities to find a job, as listed on UT's rankings page | 9 |

The four-year graduation rate matters for your budget, because every extra semester means another nonresident tuition bill. Austin is the state capital and a major tech centre, which widens the choice of internships, although F-1 work restrictions are the same as anywhere in the US.

## Colleges and majors {#section-3}

At UT Austin you apply to a specific major and list a first and a second choice. Some majors ask for additional items, such as a portfolio or college-specific questions, due by the same deadline as the application; requirements are listed by each college under Colleges & Degrees.

The best-known units include the Cockrell School of Engineering, the McCombs School of Business, the College of Natural Sciences, home to computer science, the Moody College of Communication and the School of Architecture. UT describes its engineering program as the top one in Texas and its architecture graduates as among the most hired. For competitive majors, the second choice is not a formality: it is the major you may be admitted to if the first does not work out.

## Application file for international first-year students {#section-4}

- Common App or ApplyTexas form plus the $90 fee. International applicants cannot get a fee waiver.
- Essays and short answers. At least one essay and the required short-answer prompts.
- SAT or ACT. At least one official score sent directly by the testing agency (SAT code 6882, ACT code 4240). The SAT Essay, ACT Writing and the ACT Science section are not required. Official Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores are also accepted.
- Transcripts from grade 9 through at least the end of grade 11, plus copies of final examination results. Records not in English are submitted with complete official English translations and the originals.
- English test, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Major-specific items, if your chosen majors require them.

Optional items include a résumé listing hours per week for each activity, up to two recommendation letters (UT encourages letters from people who know you outside the classroom) and a 250–300-word short answer about circumstances that affected your academic performance.

### English requirements

| Test | UT Austin minimum |
| --- | --- |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 on the 120-point scale or 4 on the 6-point scale |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 |

UT does not accept the institutional TOEFL ITP, TOEFL Essentials or IELTS General Training. Exemptions apply only to applicants from countries where English is the sole official and primary spoken language, or to those who graduated from a school in such a country or in the US after at least three years of study. Russia and Kazakhstan are not on the list. Our [Duolingo English Test guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-duolingo-english-test-guide) covers one widely available option.

### SAT or ACT

For a graduate of an ordinary school in Russia or Kazakhstan, this is the most demanding item. Official scores must reach UT by the deadline: October 15 for Early Action and December 1 for Regular. Taking the test at the last possible date is risky, because a late score means the application is not considered. Our comparison of the [SAT and ACT](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-sat-or-act) helps you choose.

## Autumn 2027 timeline {#section-5}

| Step | Early Action | Regular |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Application | October 15, 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
| Supplemental materials | October 22, 2026 | December 10, 2026 |
| Decision | by January 15, 2027 (admission or deferral) | by February 15, 2027 |
| Accept admission and pay the deposit | May 1, 2027 | May 1, 2027 |

The application opens on August 1. Texas Honors decisions are released by March 1. In both rounds the reply deadline is May 1, so applying early does not stop you from comparing offers. A separate spring cycle has a September 1 deadline.

A plan:

1. By September 2026: take the SAT or ACT and the English test.
2. August–September: choose two majors and check their extra requirements.
3. September to early October: write the essays and short answers, and prepare the translated transcript.
4. By October 15: apply Early Action; send supplemental materials by October 22.
5. As soon as your application is complete: apply for housing in MyStatus, and complete the Scholarship Interest Form by January 15.

## Cost for 2026–27 {#section-6}

| Nonresident (international) | Per year |
| --- | --- |
| Tuition (varies by college) | $42,554–51,106 |
| Housing and food | $15,420–15,580 |
| Transportation | $1,840 |
| Books and course materials | $724 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | $3,666 |
| Total | $64,204–72,916 |

The estimate assumes 12 credit hours per semester. A Texas resident pays $10,858–13,576 in tuition; international students pay the nonresident rate. Students in F or J status are automatically enrolled each semester in the UT System student health plan (AcademicBlue), which can be waived only with comparable coverage; it is not part of the estimate. Summer is extra: the summer 2026 nonresident estimate was $23,272–26,769. 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 and aid {#section-7}

UT's main aid programs, federal (FAFSA) and state (TASFA), are designed for US citizens, permanent residents and Texas residents. For an international student, the realistic options are university scholarships. Every admitted first-year student is considered for some university-wide awards and college scholarships without a separate application, with notifications typically between February and April. To be considered for awards from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and some private foundations, complete the Scholarship Interest Form in MyStatus by January 15. Many awards carry citizenship or need conditions, so do not build your budget around them.

If you need substantial aid, add private universities that fund international students; our overview of [financial aid for international students in the USA](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-financial-aid-for-international-students-usa) explains how. Families paying from Russia should read our guide to [paying for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia), which covers lawful routes.

## Housing {#section-8}

UT has 15 residence halls on campus and apartments nearby for individuals and families. You can apply for housing as soon as your admission application is complete, through MyStatus. Rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply promptly. Living Learning Communities group students with shared academic interests. The budget allows $15,420–15,580 a year for housing and food. 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-9}

After admission and the deposit, UT issues the I-20, for which you document funds for one academic year. Then come the SEVIS fee ($350), the visa fee ($185) and the interview. Russian citizens interview at the US Embassy in Warsaw or in Astana, because no nonimmigrant visas are issued in Moscow. Kazakh citizens apply in Astana or Almaty. F-1 applicants must set their social media profiles to public. The immigrant-visa pause announced in January 2026 for nationals of Russia, Kazakhstan and other countries did not cover student visas. The consulate makes the final decision. 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-10}

- The SAT or ACT is mandatory. Plan the test early, including travel to a country with available dates.
- Eleven years of school. UT asks for grades 9 through at least the end of grade 11 plus final exam results, which matches the Russian school certificate.
- Translations. Submit complete official translations together with the originals.
- The October deadline. Early Action comes two weeks before the common November 1 date.
- The second major. Choose it deliberately, because it is a real fallback for admission.

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Applying without an SAT or ACT score. The application will not be reviewed.
- Confusing UT Austin with other UT campuses or Texas A&M. They are different universities with different applications.
- Sending IELTS General Training or TOEFL ITP. Neither is accepted.
- Skipping the Scholarship Interest Form. Without it you are left out of some scholarship reviews.
- Waiting for the decision before applying for housing. Rooms are allocated in order from the date your application is complete.

## UT Austin in the rankings {#section-12}

| Ranking | Position |
| --- | --- |
| U.S. News Best Colleges 2027, national universities | 34 |
| U.S. News 2027, public universities | 8 |
| THE World University Rankings 2027 | 53 |
| ARWU 2026 | 47 |

If you already know your field, program-level strength in engineering, business or architecture matters more than the overall position.

## FAQ {#section-13}

### Where is the University of Texas at Austin?

In Austin, the capital of Texas. It is the flagship campus of the University of Texas System; UT campuses in Dallas, Arlington and other cities are separate universities with their own admissions.

### Does UT Austin require the SAT?

Yes. International first-year applicants must send at least one official SAT or ACT score from the testing agency; the SAT Essay and the ACT Writing and Science sections are not required.

### How much does UT Austin cost for international students?

The 2026–27 nonresident cost of attendance is $64,204–72,916 depending on the college, including $42,554–51,106 in tuition. Health insurance, flights and visa costs are extra.

### What English score does UT Austin require?

TOEFL iBT 79 (or 4 on the new scale), IELTS Academic 6.5 or Duolingo 115. Graduates of schools in Russia and Kazakhstan are not exempt.

### When should I apply for autumn 2027?

By October 15, 2026 for Early Action and by December 1, 2026 for Regular. Decisions arrive by January 15 and February 15, 2027 respectively, and the UT admissions office makes them.

### Can international students get scholarships at UT Austin?

International students can receive some university-wide and college awards, which admitted students are considered for automatically. To enter the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid review, complete the Scholarship Interest Form by January 15; the university or foundation decides on each award.

### Can I send recommendation letters?

Yes, optionally: up to two letters and a résumé. UT encourages letters from people who know you outside the classroom.

## Sources {#section-14}

- [UT Austin Admissions: International freshman (deadlines, materials, fee)](https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/international-students/)
- [UT Austin Admissions: Info for international students (English and exemptions)](https://admissions.utexas.edu/info-for/international-students/)
- [UT Austin Admissions: Transcript info](https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/application-materials/transcript-info/)
- [UT Austin Admissions: Financial aid and the Scholarship Interest Form](https://admissions.utexas.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/)
- [Texas One Stop: Cost of attendance 2026–27](https://onestop.utexas.edu/managing-costs/cost-tuition-rates/cost-of-attendance/)
- [UT Austin Admissions: Housing & dining](https://admissions.utexas.edu/explore/student-life/housing-dining/)
- [UT Austin Admissions: Ranks & stats](https://admissions.utexas.edu/explore/ranks-stats/)
- [Texas Global ISSS: Insurance](https://global.utexas.edu/isss/insurance)
- [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

- [University of Washington, Seattle: Admission for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-washington-seattle)
- [Studying in the USA for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-usa)
- [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)
- [Duolingo English Test Guide: Format, Scores, Price and Acceptance](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-duolingo-english-test-guide)
- [SAT or ACT: Which Test to Take for US Admission in 2026–27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-sat-or-act)

Updated: October 2026