The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a large public research university and the flagship of the Wisconsin system. It is best known for computer science, engineering, economics and life sciences, and for one of the biggest research budgets of any US university. It pairs a top-50 US degree with a lively lakeside college town.
Madison, United States
Official website: wisc.edu
#116
Top 10 in the US, over USD 1.5 billion a year
Member since 1900
20+ among faculty and alumni
$27,000 – $45,000
International students, non-resident undergraduate and master's rates
$15,000 – $20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on wisc.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Sciences
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
MS Electrical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
MBA (Wisconsin School of Business)
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100
BS Computer Sciences
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Biotechnology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 92
Research budget above USD 1.5 billion — among the largest of any US university.
Computer Sciences — a top-15 US department with strong ties to Epic, Google and Microsoft.
Wisconsin School of Business — AACSB-accredited, with a specialised, small-cohort MBA.
Campus on Lake Mendota — the Memorial Union Terrace is a landmark of US college life.
Graduates are recruited by Epic Systems, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Deloitte and Kohl's.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Engineering bachelor's graduates report median starting salaries around USD 75,000-85,000.
Life sciences alumni join Madison's biotech cluster, including Promega and Exact Sciences.
Undergrad
1 Feb 2027
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The campus runs along the southern shore of Lake Mendota, from the State Capitol to the engineering buildings on the west side. Bascom Hill and the lakeside Union Terrace are its centre.
Madison is a compact state capital of about 280,000 people, ranked among the best US college towns. Rent is moderate, cycling is common and winters bring lake ice and snow.
Form I-20 issued by UW–Madison
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
For fall 2027 undergraduate entry, Early Action closes 1 November 2026 and Regular Decision closes 1 February 2027. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines: computer sciences and most engineering master's close around 15 December, and many others in January or February.
Undergraduates start in the fall (September). Most master's programmes are fall only, though some engineering and science departments also admit for spring (January). Check your programme's page, as spring admission is often limited to a few places.
You need an F-1 student visa. International Student Services issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit financial documents. Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate before travelling.
Computer sciences, data science, electrical engineering, biotechnology and the MBA attract the most international applicants. Master's admission needs a strong bachelor's degree in a related field, TOEFL 92 or IELTS 7.0, and the GRE for some programmes. Undergraduate admission is holistic, with an acceptance rate around 45-50%.
Need-based aid for international undergraduates is very limited, so budget for the full non-resident cost. Graduate students can apply for teaching and research assistantships, which waive tuition and pay a stipend; these are common in engineering and the sciences. Check each department's funding page.