University of Wisconsin-Madison

Overview

UW-Madison's campus runs along the shore of Lake Mendota on the isthmus that holds Madison, Wisconsin's capital. It is a large public university with colleges ranging from engineering and agriculture to business, education and letters and science. As with other public universities, Wisconsin residents pay lower tuition, and students from outside the state and from other countries pay more.

How to apply

You may use the Common Application or the Universities of Wisconsin Application. UW-Madison has no preference, but you should use only one platform from start to submission. Use a personal email address rather than a school one, because you will need it after you graduate.

Early Action is non-binding, and admitted students have until May 1 to commit.

Essays depend on the platform: Common App applicants answer one of the standard Common App prompts, and Universities of Wisconsin Application users answer a prompt about what they will bring to campus. Everyone answers why they want to attend UW-Madison. One recommendation from a teacher, counsellor or similar academic source is required, and a second from someone like an employer or coach is optional.

Testing and English proficiency

UW-Madison states that ACT and SAT scores are optional for applicants through the spring 2028 term, and that you will not be disadvantaged if you leave them out. If you submit, only your top composite counts; superscores are not used.

Applicants educated in non-English-speaking countries must submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores unless English was the primary language of instruction for all four years of secondary school. Listed minimums include 115 on Duolingo and 6.5 on IELTS. AP, IB, SAT or ACT results cannot waive the requirement. If you are unsure whether your schooling qualifies, a waiver can be requested through the Student Center after your transcript is processed.

Canadian transcript rules

UW-Madison's international page gives specific instructions for Canadian students:

• Canada outside Quebec, still in high school: send transcripts for Grades 9 to 11, then Grade 12 marks and confirmation of graduation before you enrol.
• Canada outside Quebec, already graduated: send Grades 9 to 12 with proof of graduation.
• Quebec: send transcripts, the official Diplôme d'études secondaires (DES) and English translations. Students in their first year of CEGEP send Grades 9 to 11; those in second year send Grades 9 to 12.

Costs and scholarships

International students should check the cost of attendance and the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) for academic and merit awards. International Student Services also lists funding options, and students from certain countries may qualify for programs such as King-Morgridge scholarships. F-1 or J-1 students must later prove funding for one full year, but financial documents should not be sent with the admission application.

Preparing with StudyBrix

Our Canadian applications glossary helps you translate Canadian school terms for a US reader, and the CEGEP and R score explainer is useful background for Quebec students. The StudyBrix United States guide covers visas and costs in more depth.