Hokie Stone, a grey limestone quarried nearby, covers almost every building on Virginia Tech's campus in Blacksburg. The land-grant university was founded in 1872 and still has a Corps of Cadets. Engineering is its largest and best-known college, and computer science, architecture and agriculture are also strong. A newer Innovation Campus in Alexandria, near Washington DC, teaches graduate computing.
Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
Official website: vt.edu
1872
Public land-grant research university
Around 38,000 students
Blacksburg and the Innovation Campus in Alexandria
$30,000 – $38,000
Out-of-state tuition, graduate to undergraduate
$12,000 – $16,000
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 vt.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Industrial and Systems Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Computer Science and Applications
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
MEng Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
A large engineering college with hands-on design teams.
The Drillfield and Hokie Stone buildings.
One of few public universities with a full-time Corps of Cadets.
Engineering and CS graduates join defence, tech and consulting firms across Virginia and DC.
The Innovation Campus links graduate students to Northern Virginia's tech employers.
STEM graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
15 Jan 2027
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Limited programmes
Blacksburg is a true college town, with the Drillfield at the centre of campus and downtown just beyond. Most first-year students live in residence halls.
The town sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the Huckleberry Trail and the New River nearby. Roanoke is about 45 minutes away. Rent is moderate.
Form I-20 issued by Virginia Tech
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
Early Decision closes around 1 November and Regular Decision around 15 January 2027. Graduate deadlines vary by department, often December to January for fall funding.
Undergraduates start in August. Many graduate programmes also admit students in January.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Virginia Tech issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, mechanical engineering and industrial and systems engineering are in high demand, as are graduate CS degrees. Undergraduate admission is competitive and some majors are harder to enter. Graduate applicants need a strong relevant degree; the GRE is optional in some departments.
Merit scholarships for international undergraduates are limited. Graduate students often fund their studies through research or teaching assistantships from their department.
