Students from Around the World
WPI is proud of the strong presence of international students on our campus. Each brings unique perspectives and cultural diversity that strengthen our community. The graduate research they do here is a vital part of our campus work.
Our international graduate students come from more than 50 countries and comprise more than one-third of our full-time graduate student population. The graduate studies they embark upon here helps solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Various funding opportunities exist to help pay for international students’ education, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and financial aid.
Application Requirements
For more information on applying to WPI, including English Language Proficiency Requirements, visit our Application Requirements page.
International Student and Scholars Office
From immigration information, including getting a Visa, to programs in English as a second language and cultural immersion, the professionals at WPI’s International Student and Scholars Office are dedicated to supporting global international applicants.
Support for the Whole Student
Inclusive. Kind. Collaborative. WPI graduate students often use these words to describe our community. With 1:2 faculty mentoring, a holistic commitment to community, inclusion, and belonging, and a suite of career development resources, we're dedicated to your success beyond the classroom.
Transcript Information
All required application credentials should be uploaded electronically through the application. WPI accepts unofficial transcripts during the application process. All international applicants must upload a copy of their original transcript in the official language as well as an English translation to their application. Paper documents mailed will be discarded.
Applicants who enroll at WPI will be required to submit final and official transcripts from any university that issued a degree or where classes were taken towards a degree. Official and final transcripts may be delivered to the Graduate Studies Office at 60 Prescott Street, Suite 200; mailed to us at WPI, Graduate Studies, 60P Gateway, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609; OR the issuing institution may email them to us directly at grad@wpi.edu.
STEM Optional Practical Training
The U.S. government has recognized the importance of STEM education by offering certain privileges to STEM degree recipients who are foreign nationals, including a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Nearly all of WPI’s graduate programs are eligible for this extension, including data science, information technology, and operations analytics and management. Learn more about this opportunity at the STEM OPT Hub.
International Degree Equivalencies: Understanding Global Academic Credentials
At WPI, we welcome students from around the world and value the diverse perspectives they bring to our graduate programs. To ensure a smooth application process, we have outlined degree equivalencies from our top countries of origin for applications. This guide is intended to help prospective students understand how their academic credentials compare to U.S. degree standards or pursuing graduate studies at WPI.
Bangladesh
Bachelor’s degree (4-year) or bachelor's degree (5-year)
China
Bachelor’s degree certificate, bachelor of law, or bachelor's degree certificate in law/architecture
Ghana
Bachelor’s degree
India
Four-year bachelor's degree or a three-year bachelor's degree accredited by NAAC with a grade of A, and class rank of Division I or II
Iran
Karshenasi (license)
Nepal
Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
Nigeria
Bachelor’s degree or a combination of a National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma
Pakistan
Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Architecture, Arts, Science in Engineering, Engineering/Technology, or Business Administration (BBA/BBA Honours); or a Four-Year bachelor’s degree
Saudi Arabia
Baccalaureus Al-’Uluum Al-’Bahriyya, Baccalaureus Al-’Uluum Al-’Askariyyah, Baccalaureus Al-Tayraan, Baccalaureus Fi Al-‘Uluum, or a bachelor's degree