Drexel University Admissions

Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a leading institution known for its innovative co-op program and career-focused education. With over 20,000+ students, including an international community representing 120+ countries, Drexel offers a diverse and globally connected campus experience for students from around the world.

One of Drexel University’s biggest highlights is its co-operative education (co-op) program, which partners with 1,600+ employers worldwide. Recognised as one of the largest co-op programs in the US, it allows students to gain paid real-world work experience as part of their degree. Most undergraduate students complete one or more 6-month co-op placements, often earning around $15-$25 per hour while building valuable industry exposure in the US.

For Indian and other international students, Drexel’s co-op model offers a strong advantage by combining academics with hands-on professional experience in fields like engineering, business, healthcare, technology, and finance. This guide covers Drexel University admission requirements, deadlines, acceptance rate, English language requirements, and important co-op details for international applicants.

Application Fee	65 USD
Acceptance Rate	78%
ELP Tests Accepted	TOEFL IELTS
Standardized Test Scores (PG)	GMAT, GRE
International Application Deadlines	UG: 1 November (2026 Intake) PG: Vary by program
Co-op Program	Mandatory for most UG programmes (5-year structure)

Undergraduate Admissions

Drexel University employs a holistic review process.
Drexel University is test-optional.
Official secondary school transcripts, translated into English, are required.
English proficiency test scores (such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo) are required for non-native English speakers.
A personal essay, as part of the Common Application or Drexel Application, is essential.
Counselor recommendations and teacher evaluations are typically required.
Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to cover tuition and living expenses is required for international students.

Graduate Admissions

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is a prerequisite.
A competitive undergraduate GPA is expected.
Some graduate programs may require GRE or GMAT scores, while others may not.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended are required.
Letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals are required.
A detailed statement of purpose outlining your research interests, academic goals, and career aspirations is crucial.

Drexel University Graduate Admissions Requirements

Drexel University offers over 120 graduate and professional programs, including master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees, as well as certificates, with many programs available online or part-time. International students seeking admission at Drexel University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (85%)
English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 100-115
Test Scores: Optional

Documents Checklist

Official Transcripts
2-3 LORs
Personal Statement/Essay
Resume or CV
Interview

Drexel University Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

Drexel University offers over 200 degree programs, comprising more than 70 undergraduate programs and over 100 graduate programs, across 16 colleges, schools, and centers. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at Drexel University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

High school transcripts
GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
English proficiency test scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 61+
- Duolingo: 105+
Test Scores: Optional

Documents Checklist

Financial support documents
2 LOR
Audition (for arts courses)
Interview
Essay (250-650 words)

Drexel University Admissions Deadline

International students have to fill out and submit their application before the following Drexel University admission deadline:

Intake	Deadline
Early Decision	01 November
Early Action	01 November
Regular Decision	15 January
Winter Entry Program	01 October

Note: Drexel University’s Winter Entry Program allows students to begin their studies in January instead of the traditional September intake. The admission requirements are generally similar to regular entry programs, but applicants must meet the earlier October 1 deadline. International students should also plan ahead for US student visa processing and travel arrangements for the Winter intake.

Drexel University Selection Criteria

Drexel University employs a holistic review process for admissions, considering factors such as academic performance, letters of recommendation, essays, and standardized test scores, with a focus on a student’s potential for success and their contribution to the university community.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the selection criteria:

Undergraduate Admissions:

Holistic Review: Drexel employs a holistic review process, meaning they consider a student’s entire application, not just grades and test scores.
Academic Performance: They examine high school performance, including GPA, class rank, and the rigor of coursework.
Test-Optional Policy: Drexel offers a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are considered important.
Essays are a crucial part of the application, allowing students to showcase their personality and writing skills.
Average GPA: The average GPA of admitted first-year students is around 3.75.

Graduate Admissions:

Holistic Review: Similar to undergraduate admissions, Drexel employs a holistic review process for its graduate programs.
Academic Performance: They consider prior college or university performance, including GPA, and often require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of the application.
Standardized Test Scores: While some programs may waive the GRE requirement, others may still require it; international students may also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Essays: Essays are a key component of the graduate application, allowing students to demonstrate their suitability for the program.
English Proficiency: International students may be required to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Drexel University Scholarships for International Students

Drexel University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students based on academic performance and financial need. Some popular options include:

Dean’s Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship offering up to $35,000 per year for academically strong students. Eligible applicants are usually considered automatically during admission review.
Transfer Excellence Scholarship: Available for transfer students with a strong academic record and competitive GPA.
Drexel Grant: Need-based institutional aid for qualifying students.

For international students, Drexel’s co-op programme can also help reduce overall study costs. Students participating in full-time co-op placements often earn around $15-$25 per hour, which may offset living expenses by approximately $15,000-$25,000 per co-op cycle depending on the role and duration.

Looking for more funding opportunities? Use the Nomad Credit Scholarship Finder to explore scholarships for Drexel University and other top US institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum English proficiency test scores required for Drexel University?

Drexel University accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test. Specifically, for undergraduate admissions, the minimum required scores are:

TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
IELTS: 6.5
PTE Academic: 61+
Duolingo English Test: 105+

What are the document requirements for Drexel University as undergraduates?

International undergraduate applicants to Drexel University must submit:

Completed Common Application or Drexel Application.
Official secondary school transcripts, translated into English if necessary.
English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo).
Counselor recommendations and teacher evaluations.
SAT or ACT scores (optional, Drexel is test-optional).
Financial documentation demonstrating an ability to cover tuition and living expenses.
Copy of passport.

What is the estimated cost of attendance for international students at Drexel University?

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for international undergraduate students at Drexel University is approximately:

Tuition: around $58,000
Room and Board: around $18,500
Books and Supplies: around $1,200
Other Expenses: around $3,500

Therefore, the total estimated annual cost is approximately $83,800. Actual expenses may vary depending on the programme, housing choice, lifestyle, and personal spending. Students should refer to Drexel University’s official financial aid page for the latest tuition and fee updates.

What support services does Drexel University provide for international students?

Drexel University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSS) provides a range of support services, including:

Pre-arrival information and orientation.
Visa and immigration advising.
Cultural adjustment workshops.
Academic advising and support.
Social and cultural events.
Assistance with employment and internships.

Can international students work on or off-campus while studying at Drexel University?

International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment is generally restricted, but students can participate in CPT and OPT related to their field of study.

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