Johns Hopkins University

What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need to apply to Johns Hopkins as an undergraduate?Undergrad

Hopkins generally expects a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 100 for international applicants whose first language is not English, with Duolingo (130) and Cambridge English also accepted. These are minimums; competitive applicants tend to score at or above 7.5 IELTS / 105 TOEFL to keep English proficiency from becoming a point of concern in an otherwise strong file.

Can I skip the English proficiency test if I studied in English?

Possibly. Hopkins generally waives the requirement for applicants who are citizens of a country where English is the sole official language, or who completed (or will complete) a full bachelor's or master's degree at an institution where English was the language of instruction. This waiver policy applies at both the undergraduate and graduate level, but is evaluated by each admissions office on a case-by-case basis, so it's worth confirming directly with the specific school rather than assuming a waiver applies.

How selective is Johns Hopkins for international undergraduate applicants?Undergrad

Very. The overall undergraduate acceptance rate has fallen to roughly 5% in recent cycles, and international students compete within the same overall applicant pool rather than a separate quota, so the numbers are broadly similar to what domestic applicants face — though international candidates are also evaluated on ability to self-fund since undergraduate admissions is need-aware for non-citizens.

Is financial aid available to international undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins?Undergrad

Yes, but on more limited terms than for domestic students. Hopkins is need-aware (not need-blind) for international undergraduate applicants, meets full demonstrated need for admitted students who apply for aid as first-years, and only about 10% of international undergraduates receive institutional aid. Importantly, international applicants who don't request aid at the first-year application stage generally cannot apply for it later, so this decision needs to be made upfront.

What SAT or ACT range should I target for a competitive Hopkins undergraduate application?Undergrad

The middle 50% of recently admitted students scored 1530-1570 on the SAT and 34-36 on the ACT. Given the low acceptance rate, scores in this range are necessary but far from sufficient — essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a chosen area matter just as much in Hopkins' holistic review.

How long are my IELTS or TOEFL scores valid for a Hopkins application?

Hopkins treats English proficiency test scores as valid for two years from the test date at both the undergraduate and graduate level, in line with most US universities. If your scores are close to that limit when you plan to apply, it's safer to retake the test rather than risk a validity dispute during file review.

Does Johns Hopkins offer conditional admission for students who don't yet meet the English requirement?

No, at either level. Hopkins does not run a conditional-admission or English-bridge pathway for undergraduate or graduate applicants; you're expected to either meet the test-score minimum or qualify for an official waiver by the time you submit your application.

What's the undergraduate application fee, and is a waiver available?Undergrad

The undergraduate application fee is $70. Hopkins offers fee waivers for applicants who demonstrate financial need, including through NACAC or QuestBridge fee-waiver programs, and requesting a waiver does not affect your admissions decision.

Do I need the GRE or GMAT to apply to a Johns Hopkins master's program?Grad

It depends on the school. The Whiting School of Engineering (including MS Computer Science) does not require the GRE for Master's or PhD applicants, and Bloomberg School of Public Health and SAIS both treat GRE/GMAT as optional. Carey Business School's Full-Time MBA is the exception where test scores carry more weight — recent admitted students averaged around 673 GMAT or 322 GRE. When in doubt, check the specific program's page rather than assuming a university-wide policy.

Is the acceptance rate the same for all Johns Hopkins graduate programs?Grad

No — Johns Hopkins does not publish one consolidated graduate acceptance rate because each school admits independently. Recent estimates put Carey's Full-Time MBA around 56%, SAIS's MA in International Relations around 30%, and Bloomberg's MPH commonly cited in the 45-55% range, while Whiting School of Engineering does not publish a combined figure at all. Treat any single 'JHU grad acceptance rate' number you see online with caution.

What IELTS/TOEFL score do I need for a JHU master's program like MS Computer Science or MPH?Grad

The Whiting School of Engineering (MS Computer Science and other engineering Master's) and the Bloomberg School of Public Health (MPH) both publish the same minimums: TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0, PTE 68, with Duolingo accepted at 120 by Bloomberg (though some engineering departments don't accept Duolingo at all). Unlike undergraduate admissions, most graduate programs don't publish a separate 'recommended' score above the minimum, so a score right at the cutoff is generally accepted — but always confirm with the specific department, since policies are set school-by-school.