Your Future Starts Here: Be a Cyclone in the Making

95% career placement rate | Ames ranked #1 safest college town in the U.S. | 10,000+ on-campus jobs 

Experience Iowa State >

IDP Education offers free guidance to support you on your education journey to Iowa State University.


IDP is a global leader in international educational services. We’ve been in the industry for close to 50 years and know the best practices to help you realise your dream of studying abroad. Our range of services and experienced staff, ensures that your international future is bright and rewarding.

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH IDP

Iowa State University - A great place to prepare for your future career

Book a Consultation with IDP Education

Receive the support you need to start your Iowa State journey with confidence:

  • Get tailored advice on courses, entry requirements and the student experience
  • Stay informed about 2026 application timelines and key deadlines
  • Explore scholarship opportunities that could help fund your studies

It’s free, helpful and designed to make your application process smoother. Book your consultation with IDP today.

Why do 2,800+ international students study at Iowa State?

The Iowa State Difference 

Iowa State is a large university with a small feel. Forge lifelong friendships and earn a degree that will take you anywhere. 

At Iowa State, you will never be on this journey alone.

Affordability for Everyone

Students never pay for more than 12 credit hours. Double major and minors? No extra cost.

From your first step on campus to graduation and beyond, Iowa State provides resources and opportunities designed with international students in mind:


Community & Connection

A welcoming student community with 800+ clubs and organizations.

Career- Ready Opportunities

10,000+ on-campus job opportunities so you can gain real-world experience.

Tailored Career Support

Specialized career services in every academic college, so your goals and field are understood.

International Student & Scholars Office (ISSO)

Dedicated guidance for visas, work authorization, and cultural support. 

95% of students

are either employed or going for higher education 6 months after graduation! 

Scholarships and Funding

Iowa State University is committed to making world-class education accessible and affordable for international students. A range of scholarships and tuition benefits are available to help you achieve your academic goals.

Transfer Excellence Awards

First-Year Excellence Awards

International transfer students beginning Summer 2026 and onward are also recognised for their academic achievement with automatic awards.


Eligibility: Based on transfer GPA

Duration: Up to 6 semesters, or until degree completion

Designed for high-achieving international first-year students, these awards are automatically granted upon admission.


Eligibility: Based on high school GPA, and in some cases, SAT/ACT scores

Duration: Up to 8 semesters, or until degree completion

Read more >

Read more >

Flat tuition for 12+ credits each semester

International Merit Scholarships

Take 12 or more credits each semester and enjoy flat tuition. This means you can explore double majors and minors without paying extra tuition, giving you the freedom to customise your degree and expand your future opportunities.

Iowa State University offers merit scholarships for international first-year and transfer students, recognising academic excellence and achievements to help fund your studies.

Transfer Students >

First-Year Students >

If you had told 18-year-old me that some girl from the suburbs of Chicago would travel to Antarctica by the time she graduated from Iowa State, I wouldn't believe you. I think study abroad is one of the most valuable experiences from my time at Iowa State.

M-K Russell, Fall '24, Biology & Secondary Education

Explore programs by college

Thinkers, creators, and doers find everything they need to unearth their full potential at Iowa State University.

Engineering & Tech

Business

Computer Science & Math

  • The College of Engineering stands out, ranking in the Unites States' top 50 best engineering schools by the U.S. News & World Report. 96% of engineering students experience positive career outcomes. 
  • With a wide range of academic options, you can follow your passion to make a global impact.
  • Engineering students have access to numerous resources, including over 90 student organizations, study abroad programs, specialized learning communities, hands-on experiences, internships, academic advisors, career services, leadership opportunities and a supportive environment focused on your success.
  • The Ivy College of Business continuously evaluates its programs, innovates and adds new opportunities that fit current market demand and anticipate future business needs.
  • It consistently ranks among the top for both undergraduate and graduate programs and is part of the distinguished 2% of business school globally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in both business and accounting.
  • Through our programs, you will gain the skills and experience to seize opportunities, achieve your goals and make a lasting impact in the world of business.
  • Ranked as the top computer science school in Iowa, the institution has an impressive 93% undergraduate employment rate within six months of graduation.
  • As the most academically diverse college at Iowa State University, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers over 50 programs to choose from.
  • With a wide range of courses and research opportunities, you will have the chance to delve deep into the world of computer science and mathematics and discover your own unique talents and interests. 

English proficiency requirement

  • The College of Engineering stands out, ranking in the Unites States' top 50 best engineering schools by the U.S. News & World Report. 96% of engineering students experience positive career outcomes. 
  • With a wide range of academic options, you can follow your passion to make a global impact.
  • Engineering students have access to numerous resources, including over 90 student organizations, study abroad programs, specialized learning communities, hands-on experiences, internships, academic advisors, career services, leadership opportunities and a supportive environment focused on your success.

Featured Courses:

  • Aerospace Engineering 
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

Engineering & Tech

  • The Ivy College of Business continuously evaluates its programs, innovates and adds new opportunities that fit current market demand and anticipate future business needs.
  • It consistently ranks among the top for both undergraduate and graduate programs and is part of the distinguished 2% of business school globally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in both business and accounting.
  • Through our programs, you will gain the skills and experience to seize opportunities, achieve your goals and make a lasting impact in the world of business.

Featured Courses:

  • Business Analytics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Business Economics
  • Supply Chain Management

Business

  • Ranked as the top computer science school in Iowa, the institution has an impressive 93% undergraduate employment rate within six months of graduation.
  • As the most academically diverse college at Iowa State University, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers over 50 programs to choose from.
  • With a wide range of courses and research opportunities, you will have the chance to delve deep into the world of computer science and mathematics and discover your own unique talents and interests. 

Featured Courses:

  • Computer Science
  • Data Science Physics
  • Psychology
  • Software Engineering

Computer Science & Math

International students can meet Iowa State's English proficiency requirement by achieving a satisfactory score on one of the following exams or by qualifying under one of the categories outlined below:


Option

Minimum Score or Grade Required

71 IBT with a 17 or above on the Speaking and Writing sections

17 on all sections on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT)

TOEFL

IELTS

6.0 overall score with all subscores 5.5 or above 

Duolingo English Test (DET) 

The minimum Duolingo English proficiency score for applicants is 105. 

48 overall score

PTE Academic

SAT

460 Evidence-based Writing and Reading subscore (EWR) 

ACT

19 English subscore 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

5 on any of the IB English courses (SL or HL) 

3 on English Language and Composition or 4 on English Literature and Composition 

Advanced Placement (AP)

  • TOEFL - 

         71 IBT with a 17 or above on the Speaking and Writing sections

         17 on all sections on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT)

  • IELTS - 6.0 overall score with all subscores 5.5 or above 
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) - The minimum Duolingo English proficiency score for applicants is 105. 
  • PTE - 48 overall score
  • SAT - 460 Evidence-based Writing and Reading subscore (EWR) 
  • ACT - 19 English subscore
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) - 5 on any of the IB English courses (SL or HL) 
  • Advanced Placement (AP) - 3 on English Language and Composition or 4 on English Literature and Composition 
  • IGCSE (O Levels/AS & A Levels) - D in First Language English or C in English as a second language 

D in First Language English or C in English as a second language 

IGCSE (O Levels/AS & A Levels)

International students meeting any of the following criteria will be considered to have fulfilled the requirement:

  • Those residing in a country where English is the sole official language and who are native English speakers
  • Graduates from U.S. high schools
  • Completion of the equivalent of Iowa State’s English 1500 or 2500 with a grade of B or higher at an accredited U.S. two-year or four-year college or university.

*English requirements may vary depending on the test type, course of study, and degree level. Apply today and contact IDP Education for more information.

Thinkers, creators, and doers find everything they need to unearth their full potential at Iowa State University.

Life at Iowa State

A Safe, Vibrant, and Affordable College Experience 

Fun things to do and endless places to explore. Unique shops and delicious dining. Concerts and performances featuring renowned and up-and-coming names. Iowa State University and the city of Ames offer a perfect blend of arts, culture and entertainment with a stunning backdrop no matter the season: spring, summer, fall or winter. Whether you're exploring campus or the Ames community, beauty and wonder are around every corner.

Best college town in the nation

From The Wall Street Journal to Forbes, the city of Ames consistently ranks among America's best places to live, work, play, and of course, go to college. With live music, shopping, outdoor adventures and a thriving arts scene, Ames has something for everyone.

Committed to support

College is an exciting time, but also can be overwhelming. At Iowa State, support is available to all Cyclones to help tackle any challenge – so no matter what lies ahead, you can come out on top.

Athletics and recreation

Experience Big 12 athletics, recreation centers, and intramural sports that keep the campus buzzing with energy.

Apply with IDP

There is so much to do at Iowa State

Activities for everyone

Art around every corner

Division I athletics

Activities for everyone

There's plenty to do outside of class. From bowling and billiards to movies and special events, you don't need to leave campus to find things to do in your free time.

Art around every corner

Iowa State is home to one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation. Its museums and public spaces showcase exhibits and host educational programs for all to enjoy. 

Division I athletics

Go, Cyclones! Iowa State fields 16 nationally competitive athletics programs that compete in the Big 12 Conference.

Entertainment and lectures

Iowa State University and the city of Ames are regular stops on national tours, hosting live music acts, comedians, theatrical productions and guest speakers. 

Indoor and outdoor recreation

Utilize more than 100 recreational spaces, rent outdoor equipment, participate in intramural sports and join a variety of fitness classes. Get the most out of your wellness journey with Iowa State Recreation Services.

Student clubs and organizations

Follow your passion, discover a new interest, or build your résumé. With more than 800 student organizations at Iowa State to choose from, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

There's plenty to do outside of class. From bowling and billiards to movies and special events, you don't need to leave campus to find things to do in your free time.

Iowa State is home to one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation. Its museums and public spaces showcase exhibits and host educational programs for all to enjoy. 

Go, Cyclones! Iowa State fields 16 nationally competitive athletics programs that compete in the Big 12 Conference.

Entertainment and lectures

Indoor and outdoor recreation

Student clubs and organizations

Iowa State University and the city of Ames are regular stops on national tours, hosting live music acts, comedians, theatrical productions and guest speakers. 

Utilize more than 100 recreational spaces, rent outdoor equipment, participate in intramural sports and join a variety of fitness classes. Get the most out of your wellness journey with Iowa State Recreation Services.

Follow your passion, discover a new interest, or build your résumé. With more than 800 student organizations at Iowa State to choose from, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

This is where imagination sparks innovation

IDP Hotcourses - India

IDP Hotcourses - India is your comprehensive and leading guide to all things studying abroad. From advice and insights to subjects and degrees, IDP Hotcourses - India has been assisting students to make the best possible study abroad decision for more than 20 years. 

IDP Education

IDP Education is an innovative and pioneering leader in international education services, with more than 50 years of experience in helping students from around the world. When you’re ready to apply, IDP Education is the partner and expert you need by your side.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 IDP. All rights reserved.

Apply with IDP