University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions 2026: Requirements & Deadlines

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the top global universities, which attracts academically and non-academically excelling students from all over the world. The admission process for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is mainly based on academic excellence, non-academic achievements, and even personal growth potential. The university has a vision of being a “model public university” that aims to identify and address the various problems of the world. Therefore, the university is quite selective, and this is well-reflected in the University of Wisconsin-Madison admission rate.

Latest About University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions 

The University of Wisconsin-Madison received 63,537 applications for the Fall 2023 intake, marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year's admission round.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admission Statistics

Here’s a quick look at the statistics and data of University of Wisconsin-Madison admissions over the years.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admission Requirements for Students

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has set general admission requirements that apply to most programs. These include academic performance, standardized test scores, and other essential documentation. The overarching criteria are as follows:

• GPA: A strong GPA is essential, with competitive applicants generally having a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Standardized Test Scores: While SAT/ACT scores are optional for most undergraduate programs, they can still enhance an application. For postgraduate programs, GRE/GMAT scores may be required.
• Necessary Documentation: This includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and proof of extracurricular involvement.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements 

For undergraduate programs at UW-Madison, the following specific requirements apply:

• High School Transcripts: Official transcripts showing academic performance throughout high school.
• SAT/ACT Scores: Optional for most programs but can be submitted to strengthen an application.
• Letters of Recommendation: Minimum, one letter is required from teachers or mentors who can speak to the applicant's abilities and character.
• Personal Statement: Two essays that allow the applicant to express their unique experiences, aspirations, and why they are interested in UW-Madison.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Postgraduate programs at UW-Madison have more specialized requirements:

• Undergraduate Degree Specifications: Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree with a strong academic record of a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Professional Experience: Some programs, particularly professional degrees like an MBA, may require prior work experience.
• Research Proposals: For PhD programs, a well-defined research proposal is often necessary.
• GRE/GMAT Scores: Required for certain programs, particularly in business, engineering, and some science disciplines.

English Requirements 

International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests:

• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 (iBT) is required, though competitive programs may require higher scores.
• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is needed.
• Duolingo English Test: An alternative accepted by UW-Madison with a minimum score requirement of 115.

Documents Requirements

• Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from previous institutions.
• Letters of Recommendation: Specific to the program applied for, usually ranging from one to three letters.
• Personal Statement/Essays: Tailored to the program, outlining the applicant's goals and qualifications.
• English Proficiency Scores: For international students.

Visa Requirements

International students accepted to UW-Madison will need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. The university will provide the necessary I-20 form, which must be submitted along with the visa application. Students must also demonstrate financial support for their studies and provide proof of health insurance.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admission Process

The admission process at UW-Madison is comprehensive and involves several steps. Students must first submit an online application through the UW-Madison portal or the Common Application. After the submission, all required documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores (if applicable), must be sent directly to the admissions office. Applicants can track their application status online. Decisions are typically released in multiple rounds, with notifications sent via email.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Acceptance Rate

UW-Madison's acceptance rate has varied over the years, with a recent University of Wisconsin-Madison admission rate recorded at 43.3%. This rate reflects the competitive nature of admissions.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Application Deadlines 2024 

University of Wisconsin-Madison Application Fees

The application fee for residents and international students is the same and non-refundable. 

Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Cost of Studying

The cost of studying at UW-Madison varies by program and residency status. On average, the costs are as follows:

Additionally, students can expect an expense of $18,652 to $23,738 in living costs.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Scholarship

UW-Madison offers a variety of scholarships for both domestic and international students. These scholarships are merit-based, need-based, or program-specific. Some notable scholarships include:

• King-Morgridge Scholars Program: Full tuition coverage awarded to international students with excellent academic or non-academic achievements.
• Western Union Scholarship: Partial $1,000 award granted to academically excelling students with a financial need.
• First Wave Scholars Program: Varied amounts of scholarships granted to students with a passion for hip-hop arts based on their financial needs.
• Wisconsin International Scholars Program: $2,500 to $6,000 awards are granted annually to international students committed to working on global issues.
• Department-specific Scholarships: Varied amounts of scholarships granted to students by their respective departments based on academic merit.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions Contact Details

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has different departments to address student queries. Here are the details for each department.