University of Washington (UW), USA – Complete Guide for International Students (2025)

The University of Washington (UW), located in Seattle, is one of the top public research universities in the United States. Known for its strong academic excellence, innovation, and world-class faculty, UW attracts thousands of international students each year. It is especially famous for Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Data Science.

Why Choose the University of Washington?

1. Top-Tier Education

UW consistently ranks among the Top 20 universities in the world, offering high-quality programs in various fields.

2. Located in Seattle – Global Tech Hub

Seattle is home to:

• Amazon

• Microsoft

• Google

• Boeing

• Meta

This makes UW one of the best places for tech internships and high-paying jobs.

3. Research Excellence

UW spends more than $1 billion annually on research, making it a global leader in innovation, healthcare, technology, and climate science.

4. Affordable for a Top University

Being a public university, UW offers competitive tuition rates compared to private universities.

University of Washington Rankings (2025)

• Top 20 Global Universities

• #6 in Computer Science (USA)

• Top 10 in Public Health

• Top 15 in Engineering

• Top 25 in Business Programs

These rankings show UW’s strong worldwide reputation.

Popular Programs at the University of Washington

1. Computer Science & Engineering

High CPC keywords: AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Engineering
UW CSE is one of the most competitive and highest-ranked programs in the world.

2. Engineering

Programs include:

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Civil Engineering

3. Business (Foster School of Business)

Highly ranked for:

• Finance

• Marketing

• Entrepreneurship

4. Medicine & Health Sciences

UW Medicine is ranked among the top medical schools in the USA.

5. Environmental Science & Climate Studies

UW is a global leader in sustainability and climate research.

Admissions Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate Requirements

• High school certificate

• GPA 3.7+ recommended

• IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo

• Personal essay

• Letters of recommendation

(SAT/ACT is optional)

Graduate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

• GPA 3.3–3.7

• GRE/GMAT (depends on program)

• Statement of Purpose

• Resume/CV

• LORs

UW admissions are very competitive, especially for STEM majors.

Tuition Fees & Living Costs

Annual Tuition Fees

• Undergraduate: $41,000 – $48,000

• Graduate: $32,000 – $45,000

Living Costs in Seattle

• Accommodation: $12,000 – $18,000/year

• Food & Transport: $5,000 – $7,000/year

Seattle is a tech city, so living costs are slightly higher than average.

Scholarships for International Students

1. UW International Student Scholarship

Based on academic excellence.

2. Merit-Based Department Scholarships

Especially for Engineering and Computer Science.

3. External Scholarships

• Fulbright

• Joint Japan World Bank

• Global UGRAD

Campus Life at the University of Washington

Students enjoy:

• Modern classrooms

• State-of-the-art labs

• Huge libraries

• Student clubs

• Sports & fitness centers

• Beautiful Cherry Blossom campus (famous worldwide)

UW offers a vibrant, multicultural environment for international students.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

UW graduates work at:

• Amazon

• Microsoft

• Google

• Meta

• Adobe

• Boeing

• NASA

Average Starting Salary:

$70,000 – $125,000 per year, depending on the field.

Seattle is one of the best places in the world for tech and engineering jobs.

Conclusion

The University of Washington is one of the best universities in the USA for students looking for top-quality education, world-class research, and high-paying career opportunities. Its location in Seattle makes it especially attractive for students interested in technology, engineering, business, and healthcare.