How to Get into Northeastern University from India? (2025 Guide)

The acceptance rate at Northeastern University is 6%. This means out of every 100 applicants, only 6 people get in. Northeastern University has a record of having the second-highest number of international students in the US, with more than 20,000 foreign students from 141 countries. 

Here's a list of the acceptance rate at Northeastern University, depending on different terms: 

Getting into Northeastern University is competitive, but it is possible if you build the right profile. The admissions team looks for students who are not only strong academically but also bring something extra to the table. Here is what they expect to see from their prospective students:

Academic Excellence

Good grades matter, but so does the type of coursework you take. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors-level classes show that you can handle challenging material.

Motivation and Leadership Skills

Northeastern values students who step up, whether that is starting a club, leading a sports team, organizing a community event, or taking responsibility in school activities/ college events.

Diversity and Global Perspective

Students who bring unique cultural, academic, or personal experiences that add to the campus community are highly valued.

Resilience and Adaptability

If you have faced challenges and managed to move forward, make sure you highlight that. It shows you can handle change and new environments.

To get admission into Northeastern University as an Indian student, you need a GPA of 3.0, IELTS 7.5 to 8/ TOEFL at least 106, and GRE if required. You also have to meet program-specific requirements (make sure to check the official website).

Here are some of the steps that you can follow to get into Northeastern University as an Indian Student:

Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

If you have chosen Northeastern University as your study abroad destination, then you must keep an eye out for their eligibility criteria and make sure to meet them accordingly in order to ensure a smooth admission. Some of the eligibility criteria include maintaining a 3.0 GPA, attaining a minimum score of 7.5 to 8.0 in IELTS, 106 in TOEFL iBT, and 73 in PTE. 

Prepare Application Documents

After ensuring that you meet all their eligibility criteria, gather all the necessary certificates of proof. These will include certificates of standardised test scores, academic grade cards, and proof of English proficiency test scores. 

Apply Before Deadline

Keep an eye out for the deadlines for the specific admission intakes and apply as soon as the admission portal opens. You’ll also be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 75

Prepare for the Interview

Lastly, once you are done with your applications, start preparing for the interview. Make sure to prepare clear and concise answers, as this will help you create an impression on the committee. Wondering what the interview questions for Northeastern University are like? We’ll find out!

To get into Northeastern University as an Indian student, you need competitive scores in the 12th standard, an SOP, SAT/ ACT scores, and 2-3 letters of recommendation. Here are the eligibility criteria that you must follow to be considered for admission into their undergraduate and postgraduate courses:

Admission Requirements to get into Undergraduate Courses

If you are a high school graduate and want to get into Northeastern University for your UG, here are some of the admission requirements that you should follow: 

• School Transcripts: Keep your school transcripts of classes 9, 10, 11, and 12. As an Indian student, you also need a credit score of 81 or more in class XII exams.
• Proof of Funds: All applicants need to sign the Declaration of sufficient financial funds. This would act as proof of your finances. All students visiting on a J-1 visa need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves.
• English Language Proficiency: To be eligible to apply for Northeastern University as a non-native speaker, you must have an IELTS score of 6.0, 70 on TOEFL iBT, and 50 on PTE. 
• Standardised Test Scores: Along with the proof of English language proficiency, you’ll also need to provide proof of SAT and ACT scores, the cut-off for which differ every year. 
• Documents: You'll also be required to possess and dispose of some essential documents, including academic transcripts and proof of identity, for you to be considered by the admission committee. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Additionally, you must also submit 2 or 3 letters of recommendation from your teachers and professors. 

Admission Requirements to get into Graduate Courses

If you wish to pursue your higher studies at Northeastern, you’ll need to meet the requirements for postgraduate admissions. 

Here is a detailed list of the eligibility criteria for postgraduate admissions:

• Academic Transcripts: You must possess a three or four-year undergraduate degree in any relevant field of study. Additionally, you must also maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. 
• Documents: You'll also be required to possess and dispose of these essential documents, including academic transcripts and proof of identity, for you to be considered by the admission committee. 
• Standardized Tests: Northeastern University is a test-optional institution and doesn't require any standardized test scores apart from English Language Proficiency test scores. 
• English Language Proficiency: To be eligible to apply for Northeastern University as a non-native speaker, you must have an IELTS score of 7.5 to 8.0, 106 on the TOEFL iBT, and 73 on the PTE. 
• DCF: All applicants of Northeastern University are required to sign the Declaration and Certificate of Finances. This would act as proof of your finances. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Additionally, you must also submit 2 or 3 letters of recommendation from your professors and employers (if any, including internships.

If you are aspiring to get into Northeastern University, you have to draft a Common Application Personal Essay for admission. This essay helps you create a first impression on the members of the admission committee. Here are some of the tips that you should follow in drafting your essay: 

Choose a Compelling Prompt

Select a prompt or experience that deeply resonates with your life story or ambitions. Effective essays often focus on a personal challenge, a significant achievement, or a core value that has shaped your outlook. Show how it has affected your decision to pursue higher education at Northeastern University.

Showcase Growth and Resilience

Use your essay to narrate how you have faced and learned from setbacks, confronted beliefs, or pursued passions, highlighting how these moments spurred personal growth. Focus on a particular event - a setback like low scores, personal situation, instead of giving a generic account. 

Be Authentic

Try avoiding clichés and vague statements. Share vivid and concrete details from your life that create a clear image of your life and personal struggles. 

Organise Logically

Make sure to structure your essay logically so that the sequence of events makes sense and connects easily with each other. 

Show how you fit in

Connect your story to why and how you’ll thrive at Northeastern University. Connect your personal growth story to the university's ethics and try to create a smooth line between the two. You can talk to thousands of Northeastern students on our platform by clicking here. 

Proofread Thoroughly

Make sure to proofread your essay thoroughly and avoid any grammatical or spelling mistakes. Mistakes would create a negative impression on the admission committee. 

Be very mindful of the application dates at Northeastern. Often, students get so involved in preparing their applications, they end up missing the deadlines. But the good news is, there are multiple term intakes. For example, if you miss the graduate application deadline for the fall term, you can also apply for the spring term in the following year.

The application deadlines for Northeastern University vary by program and intake, with specific dates for undergraduate and graduate applicants. 

Here's a table with detailed application deadlines at Northeastern University: 

The annual cost of studying at Northeastern University is USD 80,000 to USD 90,000 (INR 65 lakh to 73 lakh) per year. While these numbers may feel significant, Northeastern offers scholarship opportunities and a co-op program that can help offset the cost.

Here's a table of costs for studying at Northeastern University:

Northeastern University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students to help offset the cost of tuition and other expenses. Most scholarships, like the Graduate Assistantship and Work Awards, that cover full tuition, are merit-based, and you are automatically considered for them without needing to submit a separate application. 

Here's a list of scholarships that students of Northeastern University can avail:

Northeastern University has one of the largest Indian Students’ Associations in the US, known as Sanskriti, and caters to over 7900 Indian students.

Here are some of the common challenges that you may face as an Indian student: 

Understanding the U.S. System

The first challenge that any Indian student faces while applying for admission to Northeastern University is the understanding of the U.S. system, as it differs substantially from the Indian system. 

Visa and Documentation Process

Obtaining an F-1 student visa can be lengthy and complex, and with the current situation, the process has become more complicated and stressful, with perpetual uncertainty. 

Highly Competitive Admission

Due to high application volumes from India and a very steep acceptance rate of 6%, standing out requires a strong academic record, good English proficiency scores, and compelling essays. Many applicants have similar profiles, so differentiation becomes critical.

Getting into Northeastern University as an Indian student requires more than just meeting the eligibility criteria. You need strong academics, impactful extracurriculars, a compelling application, and a clear plan to finance your education. With the right preparation, strategic planning, and a well-presented profile, your chances of admission can significantly improve.

Planning your journey can feel overwhelming, but that is where Yocket Premium comes in. Our expert counselors with 15+ years of experience help you shortlist the right programs, refine your profile to meet Northeastern’s expectations, guide you through document preparation, and support you at every stage - from test prep to visa interviews. If you are serious about getting into a top school like Northeastern, Yocket Premium helps you make that goal achievable with expert, personalized guidance.