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University of Wisconsin-Madison

7.7(21)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1848
Founded
1848
Type
Public
University Guide

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

The University of Wisconsin Madison (UW Medison) is the first public university in Wisconsin and the oldest university in the state, established in 1848. It offers 600 undergraduate and graduate courses through 20 schools and colleges of the university. Some of the most popular programs by the university are computer science, Business Analytics, Business Administration and Finance. With an acceptance rate of 43.32%, the university is also home to students from 100+ Countries.

Additionally, the tuition fees of studying at the university range from $19,275 to $53,010 (₹16,76,925 to ₹46,11,870). The University is also known for pioneering advancements in bone marrow transplantation, housing a Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, and having a well-known Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP). University campus consist of various athletics and sports teams. The football team of the college has been ranked #1 in The College Football Town in America.

Also Check: Study in USA for International Students

Table of Contents
  1. University of Wisconsin-Madison Rankings
  2. Popular Courses at University of Wisconsin-Madison
  3. University of Wisconsin-Madison Cost 2025
  4. University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions
  5. University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate Admissions
  6. University of Wisconsin Madison MBA Admissions
  7. University of Wisconsin Madison Undergraduate Admissions
  8. UW Madison Application Deadlines
  9. University of Wisconsin Madison Student Profile
  10. University of Wisconsin-Madison Scholarships
  11. FAQs

University of Wisconsin-Madison Rankings

Here is the ranking trend of the University of Wisconsin-Madison by the different ranking bodies:

Ranking Body 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
QS World University Rankings #116 #102 #83 #75 #65
US News and World Report Best Global Universities #74 #63 #52 #41
CWUR #28 #27 #25 #26
THE World University Rankings #56 #63 #81 #58 #49

The University of Wisconsin-Madison consistently ranks among the top 150 universities globally, according to major ranking bodies. For 2025, QS places it at #116, while U.S. News ranks it 74th globally. The university's performance has fluctuated in recent years, with QS dropping from #65 in 2021 to #116 in 2025. The Times Higher Education (THE) ranking stands at #56 for 2025. This shows that while UW-Madison remains highly competitive, its position varies slightly across different ranking agencies, making it a strong option for international students.


Popular Courses at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Listed below are some popular courses at the UM Madison University with their respective durations and tuition fees for international students:

Course Name Duration (Years) Tuition Fees (USD) Tuition Fees (INR)
Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science 1 Year $19,275 ₹16,76,925
Master of Science [M.S] Data Science 2 Years $25,625 ₹22,29,375
Master of Science [M.S] Business Analytics 1 Year $53,010 ₹46,11,870
Master of Science [M.S] Finance 2 Years $53,010 ₹46,11,870
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Chemistry 5 Years $25,625 ₹22,29,375
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] 2 Years $53,010 ₹46,11,870
Master of Science [M.S] Supply Chain Management 1 Year $53,010 ₹4611870
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Biomedical Data Science 5 Years $25,625 ₹22,29,375
Master of Science [M.S] Mechanical Engineering 2 Years $25,625 ₹22,29,375
Bachelor Landscape Architecture 4 Years $42,104 ₹36,63,048
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Economics 4 Years $42,104 ₹36,63,048
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] German 4 Years $42,104 ₹36,63,048

University of Wisconsin-Madison Cost 2025

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 339 courses across various disciplines for international students, providing a wide range of academic opportunities. The postgraduate tuition fees for Indian students range from USD 31,667 (₹2,755,029) to USD 59,052 (₹5,137,524), depending on the program.

Top Courses Fees Comparison

Course Tuition Fee (2024) Tuition Fee (2023) Increase in Fee (USD) Increase in Fee (INR)
M.S Biomedical Data Science USD 25,625 (₹2,229,375) USD 25,578 (₹2,225,286) USD 47 (₹4,089) ₹4,089
M.S Computer Science USD 19,275 (₹1,676,925) USD 25,578 (₹2,225,286) Decrease of USD 6,303 (₹548,361) ₹548,361
M.S Business Analytics USD 53,010 (₹4,611,870) USD 45,000 (₹3,915,000) USD 8,010 (₹696,870) ₹696,870

Additionally, the cost of living for students at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, USA is approximately USD 20,642 (₹1,795,854) per year, which covers accommodation covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Explore the comparisons between University of Wisconsin Madison and some of the top ranked universities in the world:

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Illinois at Chicago University of Wisconsin Madison vs University of Michigan University of Wisconsin Madison vs Purdue University West Lafayette
UW Madison vs Northeastern University University of Wisconsin Madison vs University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Ohio State University

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions

UW Madison provides admission into Spring and Fall intake for international students, where fall is more popular among international students. The acceptance rate by the university is of 43.32%, highlighting a moderately selective university approach. Additionally the university offers 600 undergraduate and graduate courses through 20 schools and colleges of the university for international students.

Check out the English language requirements for UW Madison admissions.

Accepted English Test Minimum Score Accepted
TOEFL iBT 80-91
IELTS 6.5
IELTS Indicator 6.5
University of Wisconsin Madison Duolingo requirements 115-124


University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate Admissions

UW Madison offers 160 master’s degrees and 108 doctoral degrees through its graduate school. The University of Wisconsin-Madison requirements for graduate programs are mentioned below.

Application Portal: Graduate School Application

University of Wisconsin Madison graduate application fee: 75 USD+ 6 USD processing fee

Admission Requirements:

  • 4-year bachelor's degree or
  • 3-year bachelor's degree followed by a completed master's degree or
  • 3-year bachelor's degree followed by a certain postgraduate diploma, approved by AIU or AICTE
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (83-86%)
  • English language proficiency scores
  • Standardized Test Scores (if needed):
    • GMAT - 610-710
    • GRE - 317
  • Official mark sheets/ transcripts/ records
  • Official certification of degree and date awarded
  • Essay
  • SOP for USA
  • 1-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Interview

University of Wisconsin Madison MBA Admissions

The University of Wisconsin MBA, offered by the Wisconsin School of Business, features 10 specializations and ranks #94 among MBA programs (QS Global MBA, 2025). Applications are accepted in 6 rounds from September to June. In 2024, all first-year MBA students in the Class of 2026 received merit aid. Historically, over 95% of MBA students receive merit aid, while others secure full funding through employers, government, or military support. Check out the MBA admission requirements for the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Application Portal: Online MBA Application

Application Fee: 75 USD+ 6 USD processing fee

Requirements for UW Madison

  • Bachelor’s degree equivalent to 4-year US degree with 3.0 GPA (83-86%)
  • English language proficiency scores
  • GMAT Score of 610-710
  • Essay in 600 words
  • 1 professional LOR for USA
  • Resume
  • Financial statement
  • Interview

UW Madison MBA Application Deadlines

The upcoming MBA application deadlines for the University of Wisconsin Madison are given below:

Event Application Deadline
Round 4 February 27, 2025 (Closed)
Round 5 April 10, 2025

University of Wisconsin Madison Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 144 undergraduate majors and 98 certificates. You must select a first and second-choice major in your application, which is reviewed holistically, considering both academic and non-academic factors.

Application Portal: UW System Application or the Common Application

Application Fees: 70 USD

Admission Requirements:

  • High school transcripts
  • GPA or aggregate: 3.8/4.0 or 96%
  • English language proficiency scores:
  • Test Scores:
    • SAT: 1340-1510
    • ACT: 28-32
  • 2 Essays
  • Academic letter of recommendation
  • Academic resume

UW Madison Application Deadlines

Check out the important deadlines below to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Event Application Deadline Document Deadline Decision By
Spring Regular Decision October 1, 2025 October 15, 2025 On or before December 31, 2025
Fall Early Action November 1, 2025 November 8, 2025 On or before January 31, 2026
Fall Regular Decision January 15, 2026 January 22, 2026 On or before March 31, 2025
Application Opens August 1, 2025

Note: Application acknowledgments are sent within 3 business days after submission.


University of Wisconsin Madison Student Profile

For first-year applicants, UW-Madison looks at both your grades and the difficulty of your courses. Decisions are not based only on GPA or class rank but on overall academic performance.

In Fall 2024, UW-Madison had an acceptance rate of 43.32%. Out of 65,933 applicants, 29,784 were admitted. The student body of the University of Wisconsin Madison can be described as follows.

Particulars Numbers
Undergraduate Students (Fall 2024) 36,902
Graduate Students (Fall 2024) 10,445
Special Students (Fall 2024) 2,181
Professional Students (Fall 2024) 2,569
Total Applications in Fall 2024 (undergraduate) 65,933
Total Admitted in Fall 2024 (undergraduate) 29,784
Total Enrolled in Fall 2024 (undergraduate) 8,516
International Students Over 7,000 students from 116 countries
Top Countries China, India, Korea, Turkey, and Taiwan among others.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Scholarships

Tabulated below are some popular scholarships for international students who are looking to ease their financial burden:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria Award Amount Details
Graduate School Fellowship For graduate international students (Master's or Ph.D. programs) Varies Supports graduate students with funding for their research or thesis.
Out-of-State Tuition Remission For international students enrolled in graduate programs Up to 100% of tuition fees Remission of out-of-state tuition fees for eligible graduate students.
International Engineering Scholarship For international students enrolled in engineering programs $5,000 per year Scholarships for graduate engineering students.
Boren Scholarship For graduate students studying abroad Up to $20,000 for one year of study abroad Award for international study and research, especially in critical language areas.

Also Check: Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students

Briefly, In conclusion, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a vibrant campus with 215 buildings, over 900 student organizations, and 23 varsity sports teams. With more than 90% of freshmen living on-campus, it's easy to get involved and feel at home. The Wisconsin library, one of the largest in North America, and the university-run radio station, WSUM 91.7 FM, add to the diverse and engaging student experience, making it a great choice for international students seeking a dynamic and supportive environment.

FAQs

Ques: What are the pros and cons of attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Ans: Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the pros and cons of attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison based on student experiences.

Pros Cons
Top-Ranking Programs: Ranked among the top 15 universities in the U.S. for Computer Science, offering strong academic foundations. Harsh Winter Weather: Extremely cold winters with sub-zero temperatures can be tough for those unaccustomed to it.
Experienced Faculty: Highly skilled professors providing valuable guidance in academic and research areas. Limited Food Options: Dining options are considered limited, and many students miss home-cooked meals or variety.
Student-Friendly College Town: Madison is a vibrant college town with a supportive, student-oriented community. Distance from Corporate Hubs: Not located near major corporate centers, which limits some job and internship opportunities.
Proximity to Chicago: Easy access to Chicago, a major job and networking hub. High Tuition Fees: Expensive tuition, especially for international students, making it financially demanding.
Strong Alumni Network: A robust alumni network offers valuable career connections and mentorship opportunities. Lack of Recognition Outside the U.S.: While well-regarded in the U.S., it is not as widely known globally.
Quality Campus Facilities: Excellent gym, dining, and other campus amenities, contributing to a comfortable campus life. Limited Entertainment for Younger Students: Social options are more restricted for those under 21, with much of the nightlife revolving around bars.
Research Opportunities: Cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities in fields like AI, smart manufacturing, and computer science. Drinking Culture: The strong presence of drinking and party culture may be off-putting to students seeking a quieter social life.

Ques: How good of a college is UW-Madison?

Ans: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a well-regarded university located along the southern shore of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. The campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S., offering a vibrant environment for students. It features over 200 buildings, more than 900 student organizations, and 23 varsity athletic teams, including a highly ranked football team. Over 90% of freshmen live on-campus, making it a close-knit student community. The Wisconsin library is the 12th largest in North America, and the university also runs a radio station, WSUM 91.7 FM.

In terms of rankings, UW-Madison holds impressive spots, including #116 in QS World University Rankings for 2025 and #74 in the US News Best Global Universities. It is consistently recognized for its strong academic reputation and campus facilities.

Ques: What is UW-Madison like for minorities/international students?

Ans: Based on student reviews, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is generally welcoming to international students and minorities. The Foreign Student Office provides helpful support, such as assistance with finding accommodation and offering financial aid when needed. However, some students shared that cultural differences or language barriers can lead to misunderstandings early on. For example, there were past instances where stereotypes or unfamiliarity with cultural practices, like vegetarianism or different food smells, caused friction with roommates or landlords. That said, these experiences are less common today, and the university’s diverse student body and over 900 student organizations help create a more inclusive environment.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

274

Fee from

₹19,10,426.52

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 114 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 41.4 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 44,210 /Yr
Estimated Total₹1815486
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

University of Wisconsin Madison admissions are offered to international students in Fall and Spring intakes. The undergraduate application deadline for 2025 has already been closed. It will open on August 1, 2025, for admission in 2026. Graduate programs have varying deadlines. Hence, if you still want to apply for UW Madison admissions, look for graduate programs.

UW Madison requires course and grade information from all schools you attended for classes 9–12. The minimum accepted GPA is 3.8 to 4.0 (95% or above) on a 4.0 scale. You must achieve a class rank in the 85–97 percentile to be considered for Wisconsin Madison admissions for undergraduate programs. ACT and SAT scores are optional.

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (83-86%) is required for graduate programs. The UW Madison Graduate School does not require a GRE score, however, it may be required by your chosen program. If required, you should submit official GRE scores electronically via ETS.

Know More: University of Wisconsin Madison Reviews and Ratings


UW Madison Admissions Deadlines

The UW Madison admissions deadlines for undergraduate programs are as follows.

Event Application Deadline Document Deadline Decision By
Spring Regular Decision October 1, 2025 October 15, 2025 On or before December 31, 2025
Fall Early Action November 1, 2025 November 8, 2025 On or before January 31, 2026
Fall Regular Decision January 15, 2026 January 22, 2026 On or before March 31, 2025
Application Opens August 1, 2025

Note: Application acknowledgments are sent within 3 business days after submission.


University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate Admissions

UW Madison offers 160 master’s degrees and 108 doctoral degrees through its graduate school. The University of Wisconsin Madison requirements for graduate programs are mentioned below.

Application Portal: Graduate School Application

University of Wisconsin Madison graduate application fee: 75 USD+ 6 USD processing fee

Admission Requirements:

  • 4-year bachelor's degree or
  • 3-year bachelor's degree followed by a completed master's degree or
  • 3-year bachelor's degree followed by a certain postgraduate diploma, approved by AIU or AICTE
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (83-86%)
  • English language proficiency scores
  • Standardized Test Scores (if needed):
    • GMAT - 610-710
    • GRE - 317
  • Official mark sheets/ transcripts/ records
  • Official certification of degree and date awarded
  • Essay
  • SOP for USA
  • 1-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Interview

Know More: UW Madison Graduate Courses and Fees


UW Madison Admissions Deadlines for Top Graduate Programs

Explore the deadlines to apply to the University of Wisconsin Madison’s top graduate programs.

Programs Application Deadline
Master of Science in Business Analytics May 2026 for Fall 2026 (TBC)
Master of Science in Computer Science December 15, 2025, for Fall 2026
Master of Science in Data Science February 15, 2026, for Fall 2026 (TBC)
Master of Science in Finance January 31, 2026, for Fall 2026
Master of Science in Supply Chain Management May 2026 for Fall 2026 (TBC)

University of Wisconsin Madison MBA Admissions

The University of Wisconsin MBA, offered by the Wisconsin School of Business, features 10 specializations and ranks #94 among MBA programs (QS Global MBA, 2025). Applications are accepted in 6 rounds from September to June. In 2024, all first-year MBA students in the Class of 2026 received merit aid. Historically, over 95% of MBA students receive merit aid, while others secure full funding through employers, government, or military support. Check out the MBA admission requirements for the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Application Portal: Online MBA Application

Application Fee: 75 USD+ 6 USD processing fee

Requirements for UW Madison

  • Bachelor’s degree equivalent to 4-year US degree with 3.0 GPA (83-86%)
  • English language proficiency scores
  • GMAT Score of 610-710
  • Essay in 600 words
  • 1 professional LOR for USA
  • Resume
  • Financial statement
  • Interview

UW Madison MBA Application Deadlines

The tentative MBA application deadlines for the University of Wisconsin Madison are given below:

Event Application Deadline (TBC)
Early Decision Deadline September 26, 2025 
Round 1 October 31, 2025
Round 2 January 9, 2026
Round 3 February 27, 2026
Round 4 April 10, 2026 (final deadline for international applicants)

University of Wisconsin Madison Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 144 undergraduate majors and 98 certificates. You must select a first and second-choice major in your application, which is reviewed holistically, considering both academic and non-academic factors.

Application Portal: UW System Application or the Common Application

Application Fees: 70 USD

Admission Requirements:

  • High school transcripts
  • GPA or aggregate: 3.8/4.0 or 96%
  • English language proficiency scores:
  • Test Scores:
    • SAT: 1340-1510
    • ACT: 28-32
  • 2 Essays
  • Academic letter of recommendation
  • Academic resume

UW Madison English Language Requirements

Check out the English language requirements for UW Madison admissions.

Accepted English Test Minimum Score Accepted
TOEFL iBT 80-91
IELTS 6.5
IELTS Indicator 6.5
University of Wisconsin Madison Duolingo requirements 115-124

Read More: Exams to Study in USA


University of Wisconsin Madison Acceptance Rate and Selection Criteria

For first-year applicants, UW-Madison looks at both your grades and the difficulty of your courses. Decisions are not based only on GPA or class rank but on overall academic performance. In the Fall 2024, UW-Madison had an acceptance rate of 45.17%. Out of 65,933 applicants, 29,784 were admitted.


University of Wisconsin Madison Student Statistics

The student statistics of the University of Wisconsin Madison can be described as follows.

Particulars Numbers as of Fall 2024
Undergraduate Students 36,902
Graduate Students 10,445
Special Students 2,181
Professional Students 2,569
Total Applications (undergraduate) 65,933
Total Admitted (undergraduate) 29,784
Total Enrolled (undergraduate) 8,516
International Students Over 7,000 students from 116 countries
Top Countries China, India, Korea, Turkey, and Taiwan among others.

Explore: University of Wisconsin Madison Student Profiles


University of Wisconsin Madison Admissions Decisions

Based on your application to Early Action and Regular Decision period, you can get the following admission decisions.

For Early Action Period:

  • Admit: Getting into UW–Madison is competitive. UW Madison looks at your grades, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and what makes you unique to see how you’ll perform as a student.
  • Defer: If you’re deferred, it means UW Madison needs more time to review your midyear grades before deciding. Final decisions will be made by March, and UW Madison admissions counselors will email you details on how to update your application.
  • Deny: Unfortunately, if your application doesn’t meet the criteria, you won’t be offered admission.

For Regular Decision Period:

  • Admit: Getting into UW–Madison is competitive. UW Madison looks at your grades, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and what makes you unique to see how you’ll perform as a student.
  • Wait List: Being on the wait list means your application is still under consideration. If space opens after May 1, some wait-listed students may be admitted.
  • Connections Program: Some Wisconsin residents on the wait list may be offered this program. It lets you start at a partner college and later transfer to UW–Madison to finish your degree while enjoying UW–Madison student status from the start.
  • Deny: Applications that don’t meet minimum requirements or are incomplete will not be accepted.

Know More: Differences Between Early Action, Regular Decision in USA


The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to over 50,000 students, including 7,000+ international students from 116 countries. In Fall 2024, the university admitted 45.17% of applicants, with 29,784 out of 65,933 gaining admission. UW-Madison offers 144 undergraduate majors, 160 master’s degrees, and 10 MBA specializations. Its holistic admissions and strong academic programs make it a top choice for students worldwide.


FAQs

Ques: What GPA do you need to get into UW-Madison?

Ans: To be competitive for UW-Madison, you’ll need a GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 (95%+). Higher GPAs increase your chances of admission, especially when combined with strong extracurriculars.

Ques: Is UW-Madison difficult to get into?

Ans: Yes, UW-Madison is selective, with an acceptance rate of about 45.17%. Strong grades, extracurricular activities, and a standout application are key factors in gaining admission.

Ques: Is a 3.7 GPA good for UW-Madison?

Ans: A 3.7 GPA is slightly below the typical range of accepted students, but if you have other strengths like a compelling personal statement or impressive extracurriculars, it could still make your application competitive.

Placements & Recruiters

University of Wisconsin-Madison Placement Details

University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Madison, Wisconsin, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #19
  • Engineering: #3 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 49 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 8 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #23
  • Education: #5 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 41 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #21
  • Education: #2 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 51 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 5 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #20
  • Education: #1 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 43 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 4 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #21
  • Overall: #21 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 7 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI 53706

+1-608-263-2400

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.7/10
Top Rated

Based on 21 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
9.1/10
Faculty
8.7/10
Infrastructure
8.6/10
Accommodation
8.0/10
Placement
8.0/10
Extracurricular
8.3/10