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Building a global community is part of the mission of Mount Holyoke College.  One of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the United States, Mount Holyoke currently has an international population of 14 percent. Four hundred international students come to the College from more than 80 countries, bringing their experiences, talents, and perspectives to create powerful opportunities for learning and growth, both in the classroom and out. More about who studies at Mount Holyoke...

The U.S. liberal arts college is similar to the faculty of arts or humanities at a European university but also includes programs in the natural and physical sciences. There is no need to limit yourself by choosing only one specialized track of study. A bachelor's degree in liberal arts serves as ample preparation for a wide range of jobs. Our graduates also go on to highly ranked law schools, business schools, and medical schools, as well as to jobs at top organizations around the world. More about our alumnae...

Options for International Students
Resources for International Students
English as a Second Language
Financial Aid for International Students
IB & A Level Courses
Submitting Copies
What is a Liberal Arts College?

Options for International Students
As an international student, you have several options for joining Mount Holyoke. You may apply as a first-year student to the four-year undergraduate program, you may transfer from another institution to finish your degree at Mount Holyoke, or you may study here for a semester or year as an International Guest Student or Foreign Fellow.

Resources for International Students 
We provide an unusually rich array of programs and services for our students from abroad. It all begins when we meet you at the airport on your first day in the United States. During orientation you'll meet many other international first-years, international transfers,  Foreign Fellows and International Guest Students.

The Dean of International Studies specializes in helping international students transition into a new environment as smoothly as possible.  In addition, the Center for Global Initiatives also provides essential information for international students.

English as a Second Language
Because Mount Holyoke's curriculum is writing and speaking intensive, fluency in English is essential. If your first language is not English, or if you have lived in the United States for less than four years, you are strongly encouraged to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Because Mount Holyoke does not offer an English as a Second Language curriculum, we look for TOEFL scores of 600 or above (250 computer-based test). SAT scores are not required for admission, but we will welcome your scores if you wish to submit them. 

Financial Aid
Limited amounts of financial assistance are awarded competitively to international applicants based on their academic achievements and financial eligibility as determined by College guidelines.  Applicants must apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission. Once a student has been admitted, she cannot then apply for aid.

Credit for IB & A Level Courses
Mount Holyoke welcomes applicants from IB and A level preparatory schools, and has found them to be very well prepared for the College's curriculum. Students who have completed the full IB Diploma with a total of 36 or more points, including at least three higher level grades of 6 or 7, are eligible to apply for sophomore standing. Students who have completed 3 A level courses with grades of C or better may apply for advanced standing of 8 credits per A level exam. Such standing is not granted, however, until a student has been admitted, arrives on campus, and presents her credentials. The IB diploma or A level exam scores will be reviewed by the registrar. More about transferring credits....

Submitting Copies
We strongly encourage students to submit official transcripts and TOEFL scores. These original documents must be sent directly from your school with the embossed seal, or be sent by ETS/College Board. Only in the most extreme circumstances will copies be allowed. You must request in writing permission to send copies. Those copies should be sent directly from your college counselor or headmaster with the official signature or school seal.

What is a Liberal Arts College?
The U.S. liberal arts college is similar to the faculty of arts or humanities at a European university but also includes programs in the natural and physical sciences. A bachelor's degree in liberal arts serves as ample preparation either for a wide range of jobs or for an equally wide assortment. Our graduates go on to highly ranked professional schools as well as to jobs at top organizations around the world. More about our alumnae...