Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private technology university in Worcester, Massachusetts, an hour from Boston. It is best known for project-based engineering and computer science degrees, in which every student completes real-world projects, often abroad. Choose it for a hands-on STEM education with strong graduate outcomes and merit aid.
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Official website: wpi.edu
#901
Top 50 in the US (U.S. News)
Top 20 in the US (PayScale)
1865 — one of the first engineering and technology universities in the US
$40,000 – $64,000
International students, undergraduate and master's programmes, before scholarships
$16,000 – $22,000
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 wpi.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
MS Robotics Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
MS Business Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
BS Robotics Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 90
Project-based learning — every student completes team projects with real sponsors, many overseas.
Robotics engineering — the first US bachelor's degree in the subject, launched in 2007.
Seven-week terms — students take three courses at a time in a fast-paced schedule.
Worcester — Massachusetts's second city, an hour from Boston.
Graduates join Raytheon, Amazon, Boston Scientific, Dell, MathWorks and Boston's tech and biotech firms.
Engineering bachelor's graduates report median starting salaries around USD 80,000-90,000.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Around 95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months.
Undergrad
1 Feb 2027
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The 95-acre campus sits on a hill in Worcester's west side, with residence halls, the engineering buildings and the campus centre around a central quad, and a science park across the road.
Worcester is a mid-sized city with moderate rent, a growing biotech sector and a big student population from its nine colleges. Boston is an hour by car or train.
Form I-20 issued by WPI
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 and Early Decision I close 1 November 2026, Early Decision II closes 15 January 2027 and Regular Decision closes 1 February 2027. Graduate deadlines are rolling, with priority dates around 1 April for fall and 1 November for spring.
Undergraduates start in the fall (late August). Most master's programmes, including computer science, data science, robotics and electrical and computer engineering, admit for both fall and spring (January), while business analytics is fall only. Check your programme's admissions page to confirm.
You need an F-1 student visa. The International House issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, data science, robotics engineering, electrical and computer engineering and business analytics attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA of at least 3.0, TOEFL 90 or IELTS 7.0, and the GRE for some programmes. Undergraduate admission is selective, with an acceptance rate around 55%.
Yes. International undergraduates are automatically considered for merit scholarships worth up to around USD 25,000 a year when they apply, though need-based aid for them is limited. Master's applicants with strong records may receive partial tuition scholarships, and research-track students can apply for assistantships.
