Study in Seattle, Washington

Explore universities and programs in Seattle, Washington for international students.

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A cityscape of Seattle, Washington in the USA featuring iconic elements of Seattle, Washington's architectural landmarks.

Key facts

  • Summer/winter temperature
    64/41°F
  • Population
    3,433,000
  • Country
    US
  • Universities
    59

Why study in Seattle, Washington?

Seattle, located in the state of Washington, is the northernmost of America’s major cities. It is a hub of academia with a reputation for being one of the most student-friendly cities in the US.

Seattle is famed for its entrepreneurial spirit, corporate success, thriving music scene and sporting prowess. There’s also an array of museums, theaters, coffee shops and bookstores to support your studies and feed your curiosity. These various amenities and attractions are set against a picturesque backdrop. The beautiful Puget Sound Waterfall and Olympic Mountains provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Streetcars, buses, trains and a monorail service make getting around Seattle easy and affordable. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is nearby for those needing to travel further afield. Due to its northwestern location, the major Canadian cities of Victoria and Vancouver are only 74 miles and 120 miles away respectively.

Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from the USA, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Universities in Seattle, Washington

Education is a crucial part of Seattle city life. Seattle is home to the highest percentage of college and university graduates in the US with over half of the city’s population holding a degree. There are almost 60 colleges and universities within 25 miles of the city. Thanks to its student-friendly attitude and facilities, Seattle is a great place to live and study.

What to study in Seattle, Washington

Seattle is at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. Since many of the world’s most successful companies, including Starbucks, Microsoft and Amazon, were founded in the city, it’s no surprise that majors in business, management and marketing are extremely popular.

The city is a leader in scientific, technological and medical research and discovery. So, programs in these areas are particularly strong. With such a vast array of universities and programs on offer in Seattle, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your skills and interests.

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What is the cost of study in Seattle, Washington?

The cost of studying in Seattle is higher than the national average at $24,000 -$52,000 each year, depending on your university.

The cost of living in Seattle is also higher than the national average, but is cheaper than other major American cities such as New York and Boston. Your expenses will depend on where you chose to live while studying. You can usually save money by living in university accommodation rather than renting privately.

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What is the cost of living in Seattle, Washington?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,448
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,956
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$297
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$86
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$73
Monthly public transport pass$108
Monthly grocery basket$273
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$18
Gym membership$87

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

How to study in Seattle, Washington

Seattle welcomes students from all over the world but you’ll need to complete a series of steps before you are offered a university place. You’ll need to apply to each university individually and make sure you meet their entry requirements. Each university you apply to will request different grades and information as part of the application process.

You could be asked to provide transcripts and marksheets from your previous schools or colleges as evidence of your education. Students who don’t speak English as a first language might be asked to supply proof of their English proficiency.