Brown University Admission 2026: Deadlines, Acceptance Rate, Requirements & Tips

Brown University Admission 2026: Deadlines, Acceptance Rate, Requirements & Tips

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Shahid Mustaq Murshed

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - Feb 25, 2026

With an acceptance rate of approximately 5.65% in the latest admission cycle, Brown University remains one of the most selective Ivy League institutions in the USA. Competition is intense across both Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) rounds, making early preparation critical. For the 2026 entry cycle:

  • Early Decision Deadline: November 1
  • Regular Decision Deadline: January 5

International students whose primary language of instruction is not English are typically required to submit proof of English proficiency, unless eligible for a waiver based on their schooling background. Besides the academic requirements, an international candidate is also required to submit certain important documents while applying to Brown University, such as:

  • Official transcripts
  • Updated CV
  • Passport
  • 2-3 LORs
  • Supplemental essays

Brown University Application Deadlines 2026

Brown University offers Fall intake for undergraduate programs. Select graduate and professional master’s programs may offer additional Spring or Summer start terms.

Brown University Undergraduate Application Deadline

Applications for Fall 2026 have concluded. The next intake (Fall 2027) opens in August 2026. International students can start applying for the fall 2027 entry from August 2026 to September 2026. The tentative application deadlines are:

  • Early decision deadline: November 1, 2026
  • Regular decision deadline: January 5, 2027

Application Portal: Common App

Application Fee: 80 USD (7,274 INR)

Note: These tentative deadlines are based on last year’s deadlines. Though they remain the same each year, visit this page around June-July for the latest updates.


Brown University Professional Master's Application Deadlines 2026

The application deadlines for professional master’s programs at Brown University are tabulated below.

Application portal: Professional Master’s Application Portal

Application Fee: 200 USD (18,185 INR)

Program Fall Deadline Spring Deadline Summer Deadline
MS Healthcare Leadership May 1, 2026 Not offered Closed now
MS Technology Leadership - Priority Deadline 1: December 1, 2025 (closed)
- Priority Deadline 2: April 1, 2026
- Final Deadline: June 15, 2026
Not offered Not offered
Executive MBA No specific intake. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until February 15, 2026

Brown University Application Deadlines 2026 for Online Master's Programs

The 2026 application deadlines for Brown’s online master's programs are as follows.

Application Portal: Program-specific

Application Fee: 100 USD (9,092 INR)

Program Fall Deadline Spring Deadline Summer Deadline
MS Biostatistics - Early Action Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026
- Final Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: September 9, 2026
- Priority Deadline: September 15, 2026
- Final Deadline: October 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: January 27, 2027
Not offered
- MS Business Analytics
- MS Data Science: Policy, Governance & Society
- MS Management
- MS Organizational Leadership
- Early Action Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026
- Final Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: September 3, 2026
- Early Action Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Priority Deadline: September 15, 2026
- Final Deadline: October 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: January 27, 2027
Not offered
MS Public Health - Early Action Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026
- Final Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: September 9, 2026
- Early Action Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Priority Deadline: September 15, 2026
- Final Deadline: October 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: January 27, 2027
- Priority Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Final Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Semester Starts: May 18, 2026

Brown University Application Deadlines for Other Master's Programs

The application deadlines for Brown University’s master’s programs (other than professional & online) are as follows.

Application Portal: Program-specific

Application Fees: 75 USD (6,819 INR)

Program Fall Deadline Spring Deadline
MS Biotechnology April 15, 2026 October 1, 2026 (tentative, based on last year)
MS Cybersecurity April 15, 2026 Not offered
MS Data-Enabled Computational Engineering and Science April 1, 2026 October 1, 2026 (tentative, based on last year)
MS Engineering (all disciplines) April 1, 2026 Not offered
MS Health Informatics April 15, 2026 October 1, 2026 (tentative, based on last year)
MS Medical Physics March 1, 2026 Not offered
MS Medical Sciences May 15, 2026 Not offered
MS Physics April 1, 2026 Not offered

Important note:

Application deadlines for the following graduate programs are closed now for 2026 admission.

Biostatistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Design Engineering, MA Teaching, MA Urban Education, Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship, Public Affairs, Public Health, Accelerated Public Health, Public Health & Public Affairs Dual degree, Public Humanities, Social Data Analytics.

For more updated information on intakes, application timelines & deadlines, visit US university application deadlines 2026.


Brown University Admissions Decision

Brown University communicates admissions decisions through the secure Brown Applicant Portal (accessible after submitting your application). The timeline varies:

  • For undergraduate applicants:
    • Decisions are released in mid-December for early decision applicants
    • Decisions are released by early April (often late March to early April) for regular decision applicants.
  • For graduate applicants:
    • Decisions vary by department or program (often rolling or with specific notification periods)

brown_university_admissions


Brown University Admission Requirements for Indian Students

Admissions at Brown University are holistic, context-driven, and academically rigorous. Below is a structured breakdown for undergraduate, graduate, and international applicants.


Brown University Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Brown evaluates first-year applicants through the Common Application + Brown Supplement, emphasizing academic strength and intellectual alignment with the Open Curriculum.

GPA Expectations:

Brown does not publish a minimum GPA. However, competitive applicants typically:

  • Rank in the top 5–10% of their class
  • Demonstrate rigorous coursework (AP, IB, A-Levels, ISC/CBSE with strong performance)
  • Show academic consistency across subjects

For Indian applicants:

  • CBSE/ISC: 95%+ overall is common among admitted students
  • IB: 40+ predicted score is competitive
  • Academic rigor matters as much as raw percentages

Brown evaluates transcripts in the context of school profile, grading scale, and curriculum difficulty, which are carefully considered.

SAT/ ACT Policy:

Brown has reinstated standardized testing requirements for applications from 2024-25 onwards

Mid-50% range (recent admitted class):

  • SAT: 1480-1560
  • ACT: 34-36

There is no minimum cutoff, but applicants below these ranges must demonstrate exceptional strengths elsewhere.

Letters of Recommendation:

Required:

  • 1 Counselor Recommendation
  • 2 Teacher Recommendations (core academic subjects preferred)

Portfolio (If Applicable):

Required for:

  • Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program
  • Certain arts-related concentrations (optional supplemental portfolios)

The general eligibility criteria for undergraduate programs at Brown University are as follows:

  • Completion of Class 12 or an equivalent senior secondary qualification (CBSE, ISC, State Boards, IB, A-Levels, etc.)
  • Strong academic performance in Classes 11 and 12, especially in subjects related to the intended major
  • English language proficiency:
    • IELTS: 8.0
    • TOEFL: 105
    • DET: 130
    • PTE: 75
  • SAT or ACT; no minimum score requirements
  • No minimum GPA or Class 12 percentage cut-off
  • Evaluation is holistic, considering academics, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and overall fit
  • The Common Application with Brown supplements and required school documents must be submitted

Must check: Requirements to study in USA


Brown University Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate admissions at Brown are program-specific and decentralized by department. Each department determines:

  • Academic prerequisites
  • Required coursework background
  • Research experience expectations
  • Statement of Purpose requirements
  • Writing samples (for humanities/social sciences)

GRE/ GMAT Requirements:

Brown University GRE/ GMAT requirements vary by program:

  • Many PhD programs have made GRE optional or not required
  • MBA and certain professional programs may require GMAT or GRE
  • STEM fields may request quantitative readiness evidence

Tabulated below are a few popular master’s programs at Brown, along with their annual tuition fees and prerequisites.

Program Annual Tuition Fee (USD/ INR) Eligibility Prerequisites Notes for Indian Students
MS Computer Science 43,908 (39.92 lakhs) Undergraduate degree in Computer Science - Programming- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Computer Systems or Software Engineering (preferably both)
- Maths & Probability
- Linear Algebra
- GRE not required, but encouraged
MS Data Science 40,784 (37.08 lakhs) Undergraduate degree in a related field - Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus-based probability and statistics
- Programming
- Familiarity with Python/ R
- Ability to write code is essential
MS Biotechnology 37,280 (33.89 lakhs) Undergraduate degree in a science field None - Biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, physics, or chemistry undergraduate degree preferred
MS Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship 76,200 (69.28 lakhs) Undergraduate degree None - STEM course with an entrepreneurship focus
- 2 Video essays are required for admission
MS Physics 81,960 (74.52 lakhs) Strong background in Physics or closely related subjects at the undergraduate level None - GRE is recommended, but not required
- 2 LORs are required
- Apply at least 3 months before for a smooth visa process

Note: Brown University does not set a minimum GPA requirement. However, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) are encouraged to submit additional academic evidence to demonstrate readiness for their intended program.


Brown University Executive MBA Admissions

Brown University’s executive MBA is a 15-month, hybrid Executive MBA (EMBA) offered jointly by Brown University and IE Business School. The program combines online learning with five in-person residencies in Madrid (Spain), Providence (USA), and Cape Town (South Africa), fostering global exposure and collaboration. It is highly ranked and placed 5th globally in the QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025.

Admission Requirements

  • Significant professional experience and leadership potential
  • No strict GMAT requirement
  • Resume/CV
  • Two essays
  • Official transcripts (unofficial accepted in early review)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Employment verification and organizational chart
  • Copy of passport or photo ID
  • Application fee of 150 EUR (16,104 INR, based on 1 EUR= 107.36 INR as of Feb 25, 2026)
  • Interview (on invitation)

How to Apply to Brown University from India?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply to Brown University from India.

Step 1: Choose Your Program

  • Undergraduate (First-Year)
  • Transfer
  • Brown | RISD Dual Degree
  • PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education)
  • Graduate (Master’s / PhD / Professional Programs)

Explore the courses offered by Brown, review academic prerequisites, and program-specific requirements before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents:

Start gathering:

  • Academic transcripts (Grades 9-12 or university records)
  • Predicted scores (if applicable)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement & Brown supplemental essays
  • Resume (optional but recommended)
  • English proficiency test scores (if required)
  • Financial documentation (international students)

Preparation should begin at least 3-4 months before deadlines.

Step 3: Submit Application via Common App:

Undergraduate applicants must apply through the Common Application, selecting Brown and completing:

  • Personal information
  • Activities list
  • Personal essay
  • Brown-specific supplemental essays

Graduate applicants apply directly through the relevant departmental portal.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee:

  • 80 USD (7,274 INR) for undergraduate
  • Graduate application fees vary by department

Step 5: Submit Test Scores:

  • SAT/ACT (for undergraduate)
  • TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo (for international students)
  • GRE / GMAT (if required for graduate program)

Scores can typically be self-reported initially, but must be verified upon enrollment.

Step 6: Track Your Applicant Portal:

After submission, Brown provides access to an applicant portal where you can:

  • Monitor document status
  • Upload missing materials
  • Confirm recommendations received
  • Track decision release timeline

Missing documents are a common cause of delays - monitor actively.

Step 7: Interview (If Required):

  • Alumni interviews may be offered (subject to availability)
  • Some graduate programs conduct formal interviews
  • Interviews assess academic alignment and communication clarity, not just achievements

Read more: How to apply to US Universities?


Brown University Acceptance Rate

Brown University has remained extremely selective over the past three admission cycles, with acceptance rates consistently below 6%. As of Fall 2025, Brown University acceptance rate is 5.65% (as per official statistics published by Brown).

Metric Latest Data (Most Recent Cycle)
Acceptance Rate 5.65%
Average GPA No official average published; majority in top 5–10% of class
SAT Range (Mid-50%) 1480-1560
ACT Range (Mid-50%) 34-36
% International Students ~14-15% (Undergraduate)
Total Applicants 42,765

Brown University Acceptance Rate Trend: Early Decision VS Regular Decision

Brown’s Early Decision (ED) data from Fall 2023 to Fall 2025 reveals a volume-driven acceptance shift rather than a policy shift in selectivity.

  • In recent cycles, we’ve observed that ED applications declined from 6,787 (Fall 2023) to 5,055 (Fall 2025), showing a ~25% drop.
  • However, ED admissions remained tightly controlled (884 → 907), indicating stable institutional enrollment targets.
  • As a result, the ED acceptance rate rose from 13.02% to 17.94%.

The Regular Decision (RD) pool mirrors the same structural pattern:

  • RD applications declined from 44,532 (Fall 2023) to 37,710 (Fall 2025).
  • Admitted students slightly decreased (1,727 → 1,508), preserving a small class size.
  • RD acceptance rates remained extremely tight, fluctuating marginally between 3.8% and 4%.

More information can be found on Brown University acceptance rate.


Brown University’s admissions statistics reinforces one clear reality: selectivity at Brown is structural, not cyclical. With an overall acceptance rate of 5.65%, stable enrollment targets, and consistently controlled class sizes, admission competitiveness is driven less by fluctuating applicant numbers and more by institutional strategy.

The recent rise in Early Decision acceptance rates (to ~17–18%) reflects declining ED volume rather than relaxed standards. Regular Decision remains intensely competitive at around 4%, underscoring that Brown’s admissions philosophy prioritizes class composition and fit over expansion. Even as applicant numbers slightly decline year-over-year, Brown continues to protect yield, academic profile, and global reputation.


FAQs

Ques: What GPA do you need for Brown?

Ans: There is no official minimum GPA at Brown University. However, most admitted students are at the top of their class, typically with a 3.9+ GPA (unweighted) in a highly rigorous curriculum (IB, AP, A-Levels, CBSE ISC with strong grades).

Ques: Is Brown test-optional in 2025?

Ans: No. For the 2025 admission cycle, Brown has reinstated standardized testing requirements. Applicants are generally required to submit SAT or ACT scores, unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

Ques: What is Brown’s ED acceptance rate?

Ans: Brown’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate is around 17–18%, which is significantly higher than Regular Decision (around 4%). However, ED applicants are typically very strong and well-aligned with Brown.

Ques: Does Brown offer scholarships to international students?

Ans: Yes. Brown offers need-based financial aid to international students. It does not offer merit scholarships. Financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need, and admitted international students can receive substantial support.

Ques: Can I apply without the SAT?

Ans: Generally, no. Since Brown has reinstated testing requirements, most applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. Always check the official admissions page for any updated testing policies.

Ques: How competitive is Brown for CS?

Ans: Computer Science at Brown is extremely competitive. While Brown does not admit by major for undergraduates, applicants interested in CS are evaluated in the context of a highly competitive applicant pool with strong math, coding, and research backgrounds.

Brown University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesApplication FeesEligibilityFinancial Aid
Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake (15th Jan 2026)
USD 43,908 /Yr75GPA- 3.0- 3.5, TOFEL- 105, IELTS- 8.0
Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake (1st Feb 2026)
USD 40,784 /Yr75GPA- 3.0- 3.5, TOFEL- 105, IELTS- 8.0
Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Apr 2026)
USD 37,280 /Yr75IELTS: 8, TOEFL: 100
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
USD 37,280 /Yr75GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 105, IELTS: 8.0, Duolingo: 130, PTE: 75
-
E.M.B.A
15 months
Priority Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (19th Jan 2026)
Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026)
USD 147,100 /Yr150GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 7, GMAT: 700
Early Admission Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026)
USD 39,592 /Yr75GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5
-
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake (1st Apr 2026)
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026)
USD 40,892 /Yr75GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 7
Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (3rd Jan 2026)
USD 37,280 /Yr75GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 7.0
Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake (1st Feb 2026)
USD 37,280 /Yr75GPA: 3.0- 3.5, TOFEL: 105, IELTS: 8.0
Regular Decision Application Deadline 2026 Intake (3rd Jan 2026)
Commitment deadline for Regular Admissions (1st May 2026)
Final Report Submission Deadline (30th Jun 2026)
USD 74,650 /Yr75GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 105, IELTS: 8.0, Duolingo: 130, PTE: 75

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Important Alerts

EventsDates
Physics Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake
Closing in 20 days
Electrical and Computer Engineering Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026 intake
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2 Reviews Found

Scholarship

  • Yes, I received a scholarship from Brown University based on my entrepreneurial profile; the amount was 15% of the fees to be paid.
  • I guess some of my friends do receive scholarships; approximately 10% of the cohort receives the scholarship.
  • Could not approximate the exact number but the financial aid is difficult to obtain, with quite a high percentage of fees.

+2 more
academic: 6/10
faculty: 6/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 4/10
extracurricular: 8/10

S
6.8 /10

Overview

For the Prestige, and the good education of an Ivy League institution as well as higher chances of getting into a good medical school later on in life. They also gave me a fairly good financial aid package.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 6/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 4/10
placement: 7/10
extracurricular: 8/10

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