University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison) Courses and Fees 2026

University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) fees for Indian students are based on the number of credits taken for undergraduate and graduate programs (except MBA) in the 2026/27 cycle. Popular courses at UW-Madison include MS Computer Science, MS Data Science, MBA, and BBA Accounting.

• Bachelor's programs: $13,215–$26,015 (₹12.69–₹24.97 Lakhs) per semester, based on 15 credits/semester, out-of-state.
• Master's taught programs: $9,435–$26,015 (₹9.06–₹24.97 Lakhs) per semester, out-of-state.
• Wisconsin MBA (2-year full-time): $53,473 (₹51.33 Lakhs) per year, flat rate at the Wisconsin School of Business.
• Application fee: $80 (₹7,680) for UG | $75 (₹7,200) for Graduate.
• Deposit: $250 to $500 (₹24,000 to ₹48,000) for Graduate | $1,500 (₹1.44 Lakhs) for Wisconsin MBA, payable before I-20 issuance.

At UW-Madison, the Kemper K. Knapp Scholarship offers up to $8,000 (₹7.68 Lakhs) and a Graduate RA/TA providing a full tuition waiver plus a stipend of $30,614–$37,417/year (₹29.39–₹35.92 Lakhs).

Currency Exchange note: The conversion rate follows 1 USD = ₹96, as of May 2026.

Learn about the Indian students' guide to studying in the US

UW-Madison Fees by Program 2026

UW-Madison tuition for international students starts at $9,435/semester (₹9.06 Lakhs) for Graduate programs. The Wisconsin MBA is charged at a flat $53,473/year (₹51.33 Lakhs). Indian Master's applicants targeting CS, Business Analytics, or Engineering pay $9,435–$26,015 (₹9.06 – ₹24.97 Lakhs) per semester.

Learn about the admission process at UW-Madison University

Credit System at UW-Madison for Fees Calculation

In India, university fees are typically charged per semester or per year as a flat amount; you pay one fixed fee regardless of how many subjects you take. UW-Madison works differently. It uses a credit system, where each course or subject carries a certain number of credits, and your tuition is calculated based on how many credits you enrol in that semester.

• UG tuition increases with credits until around 12–18 credits, after which the base fee usually stays the same. Most students, therefore, take around 15 credits per semester.
• A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits (typically completed over 8 semesters / 4 years), while most graduate programs require around 30 credits across 3–4 semesters.
• Taking fewer credits, such as 9 credits per semester, can reduce semester tuition but may increase overall duration and living costs.

The one exception to all of this is the Wisconsin MBA, which charges a flat annual rate of $53,473 regardless of how many credits you take, much closer to the flat-fee model Indian students are used to.

Read about the High-paying job roles in the US for international students

What is the Wisconsin MBA tuition for 2026/27?

The Wisconsin MBA tuition for international students is $53,473 (₹51.33 Lakhs) per year for the 2-year full-time program. Total tuition is approximately $106,946 (₹1.03 Crores). The MBA is delivered at the Wisconsin School of Business, AACSB-accredited and ranked QS Global MBA #94.

The Wisconsin MBA accepts Indian applicants with a Bachelor's degree at 65%+ plus 4 years of work experience. GMAT 680+ required (average 690). The Wisconsin MBA Merit Scholarship offers up to $30,000 (₹28.80 Lakhs), and the Forte Foundation Fellowship for women adds $10,000–$25,000 (₹9.60–₹24.00 Lakhs).

Read More: UW-Madison Rankings

UW-Madison Hidden Costs Indian Students Miss

Indian families budgeting for UW-Madison typically forget the deposit, visa, SEVIS fee, and one-time setup costs that add roughly $3,500–$5,500 (₹3.36–₹5.28 Lakhs) on top of regular tuition in Year 1.

• Graduate enrolment deposit: $250–$500 (₹24,000–₹48,000) mandatory before I-20 issuance.
• Wisconsin MBA enrolment deposit: $1,500 (₹1.44 Lakhs) mandatory to confirm a seat.
• F-1 visa fee: $185 (₹17,760) one-time | SEVIS fee: $350 (₹33,600) one-time.
• Mandatory health insurance (SHIP): $1,572/year (₹1.51 Lakhs/year) through UW-Madison; difficult to waive for international students.
• Segregated student fees: Recreation, instructional materials totalling ~$1,660/year (₹1.59 Lakhs/year).
• IELTS / TOEFL test fee: $260 (₹24,960) per attempt.
• Application fee: $80 UG (₹7,680); $75 Graduate (₹7,200) per program.
• MEA apostille and document attestation: ₹4,000–₹6,000 for marksheet attestation.
• Initial setup in Madison: Bedding, kitchen essentials, phone activation (~$500–$800 total, ₹48,000–₹76,800).

Note: The biggest hidden cost most Indian families miss at UW-Madison is the mandatory health insurance (SHIP) at $1,572/year (₹1.51 Lakhs). UW-Madison enrols all international students in SHIP by default; waivers are rarely granted. Budget for winter clothing too; Madison winters reach -15°C to -20°C.

Check which English exam you should take: IELTS, TOEFL, or DET?

UW-Madison Cost-Saving Strategies for Indian Students

Indian students at UW-Madison can reduce annual fees by $10,000–$30,000 (₹9.60–₹28.80 Lakhs) through scholarships, off-campus accommodation, RA/TA, and on-campus work.

• Pursue RA/TA: Full tuition waiver plus $30,614–$37,417 stipend (₹29.39–₹35.92 Lakhs). Contact specific faculty during application; PhD admits typically get this by default.
• Apply for Wisconsin MBA (Apply by Round 2, October 2026, for the best scholarship consideration) | Kemper Knapp Scholarship | Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship.
• Off-campus shared accommodation: Share a 3-bedroom apartment near Downtown or East Madison for $700–$900/month (₹67,200–₹86,400).
• Cook at home and shop ethnic stores: Self-cooking at Woodman's, Costco, and India Grocers, plus monthly trips to Indian Bazaar, cuts food costs.
• Use free Madison Metro bus: The Madison Metro bus system is free with a UW-Madison student ID, eliminating roughly $60–$80/month vs paid transit cities.

Learn more about the cost of studying in the US