BA

Public Policy (Princeton School of Public and International Affairs)

Learn more about studying Public Policy (Princeton School of Public and International Affairs) as an international student.

Add application

Add an application for this program to manage progress and next steps.

Add this program to your longlist or shortlist to track your options.

Image reflecting the subject area of Social Studies, relating to the program.
Princeton University university logo

Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    68,140USD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    #27

Program overview

What Princeton University says about their program:

Public Policy (Princeton School of Public and International Affairs) is an undergraduate programme at Princeton University. The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a multidisciplinary liberal arts major for students who are interested in public service and becoming leaders in the world of public and international affairs. Through immersive experiential learning courses and a solid disciplinary and thematic foundation, students acquire the tools, understanding and habits of mind to address current public policy issues.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school/ secondary education

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • International students must hold or expect to hold a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent with a program length of at least three years) before enrollment.

English proficiency

Undergraduate

  • TOEFL

    Required when English is not the applicant's native language and the school language of instruction is not English.

  • IELTS Academic

    Required under the same condition.

  • PTE Academic

    Required under the same condition.

English proficiency waivers

  • You are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic if English is your native language or if you have spent at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction.

Documents required

  • School Reports

    Counselor recommendation, school report, and transcripts (internal grades and external exam marks).

  • Teacher Evaluations

    Two teacher letters of recommendation.

  • Graded Written Paper

    An analytical paper from an English or history course with teacher feedback

Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

to see how attainable this program is.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA)

    3.96

    Holistic

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Completed Common Application and Princeton-specific questions are required
  • Official transcript is required
  • School Report and counselor recommendation are required
  • Midyear School Report is required
  • Graded written paper, preferably in English or history, is required

Essays and statements

  • Princeton-specific questions are required through the Common Application

Recommendations

  • Counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations from different academic areas are required

Creative and performance

  • Optional Arts Supplement is available for architecture, creative writing, dance, music, music theater, theater, or visual arts

Selection

  • Optional alumni interview may be offered, subject to availability

Tests and examinations

  • SAT or ACT scores are optional for fall 2026 and fall 2027 entry
  • TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or PTE Academic is required for eligible non-native English speakers

How to apply

Scholarships at Princeton University

  • Need-based financial aid for international students

    Official page

    Princeton meets the full demonstrated need of admitted international students in the same way as U.S. students. The program is need-based rather than merit-based, and Princeton does not offer academic or athletic merit scholarships.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Princeton University states that its financial aid is based on need and provides grants that do not need to be repaid. Princeton University also states that the full need of admitted international students is met through its financial aid process.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Princeton University?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,595
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,728
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$126
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$55
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61· USA average
Monthly public transport pass$80
Monthly grocery basket$283
Books and study supplies (monthly)$88
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15
Gym membership$40

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and finaid.princeton.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for Princeton University

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at Princeton University.

USA student visa requirements