Organizer Information
Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas. Undergraduate education is organized across seven academic schools, including the School of Architecture, School of Humanities and Arts, Shepherd School of Music, Engineering and Computing, Business, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Rice offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with admissions administered by the Office of Admission.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Rice University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BS, BArch, BMus
- Academic Fields: Architecture, Art, Visual and Dramatic Arts, Film, Photography, Theatre, Music, Humanities, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Business
- Relevant Programs: BA in Art; BA in Visual and Dramatic Arts; BA in Architecture; BA in Architectural Studies; BArch; BMus programs; more than 50 undergraduate majors overall
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision
- Application Deadline: 1 November; 4 January; program-specific 1 December for Shepherd School of Music
- Start of Studies: Fall entry
- Application Fee: $75 nonrefundable
- Tuition: $71,140 per year for undergraduate students entering 2024 or later in 2026–2027
- Funding: Need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships are available; international eligibility differs by funding type
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
Rice offers undergraduate study across architecture, humanities and arts, music, engineering and computing, business, natural sciences, and social sciences. Relevant creative disciplines include Art, Visual and Dramatic Arts, Architecture, film, photography, theatre, and music. The Visual and Dramatic Arts major allows concentration in studio, film, or theatre.
The School of Architecture accepts creative portfolios that may include drawing, painting, photography, film, graphic design, sculpture, product design, ceramics, theatre design, installations, and other media.
General Eligibility
- First-year international applicants must be foreign nationals completing secondary school in the current academic year or otherwise eligible as first-year applicants. A high school diploma or equivalent is required before enrollment.
- Applicants must meet Rice's secondary-school preparation requirements, including coursework in English, social studies, mathematics, laboratory science, a foreign language, and additional academic coursework. Natural science and engineering applicants have additional mathematics and science preparation requirements.
- Rice recommends SAT or ACT scores but does not require them for admission consideration. Applicants who choose not to submit scores receive full consideration.
- For the School of Architecture, a creative portfolio is required. Applicants to the Department of Art may submit a creative portfolio, but it is not mandatory. Shepherd School of Music applicants must submit additional program-specific materials.
Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must either complete at least two years of full-time study in an English-language curriculum or submit an accepted English-proficiency examination. Minimum scores are:
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 100 for tests before 21 January 2026; 5.0 on the updated scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026 |
| IELTS | 7 |
| Cambridge English C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency | 185 |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 |
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| First-year international applicants | $75 | International applicants are not eligible to request a Rice application-fee waiver |
Tuition
| Study Level / Applicant Category | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, entering 2024 or later | $35,570/semester; $71,140/year | Per semester / academic year | Student Activity $120/year; Recreation Center $144/year; Health & Wellness Support $720/year |
| Incoming international undergraduate | Same undergraduate tuition | Per semester / academic year | $395 International Orientation Fee; health insurance required |
Health insurance is mandatory, with the premium determined separately. Additional course-specific charges may apply.
Funding & Financial Support
- Rice offers need-based financial aid to a limited number of international first-year applicants. International admission is need-aware, and applicants requesting aid must indicate this when applying and complete the required financial-aid documentation, including the CSS Profile. International students receiving need-based aid have 100% of demonstrated need met with institutional grant aid.
- Rice also offers merit-based scholarships to incoming first-year students, including international students. No separate application or interview is required for these admission-based merit scholarships.
University Services & Academic Support
Rice provides academic advising and access to interdisciplinary study across its academic schools. The Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts provides interdisciplinary instruction in studio art, film, theatre, photography, and related practices, with access to a cinema and performing-arts facilities. The Department of Art also provides faculty-supported opportunities for artistic research, exhibitions, awards, scholarships, and fellowships.
Application Requirements
- Common Application and Rice writing supplement
- $75 application fee
- Official secondary-school transcript in English or certified English translation
- Counselor recommendation
- Two teacher recommendations
- English-proficiency evidence, when applicable
- International Student Financial Statement
- Architecture portfolio, for School of Architecture applicants
Early Decision applicants must also submit the Early Decision Agreement. Shepherd School of Music applicants must submit the school's additional application materials.
Applicants to the Department of Art may submit a creative portfolio.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision II: 4 January 2027
- Regular Decision: 4 January 2027
- Shepherd School of Music: 1 December 2026
- Early Decision I interview request: 3 November
- Regular Decision priority interview request: 16 December
- Early Decision II interview request: 6 January
- Regular Decision interview request: 6 January
- Early Decision I admission results: Mid-December
- Early Decision II admission results: Late January
- Regular Decision admission results: 1 April
- Regular Decision enrollment deposit: 1 May
Location
Rice University — Houston, Texas, United States
Additional Details
Rice's Early Decision plans are binding. International applicants who do not request financial aid must demonstrate sufficient resources to finance their first year of study. International applicants requesting financial aid are evaluated on a need-aware basis.
The current Office of Admission pages still contain some material identified as the 2026–2027 application cycle, while Rice's financial aid pages have already published 2027–2028 information. Applicants should verify the cycle-specific application prompts and requirements before submission.