Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Pioneering Excellence in Science, Engineering and Global Innovation

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), established in 1861 in response to rising American industrialization, has developed into one of the world's leading and most powerful institutions for higher learning, research and technological progress. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just over the Charles River from Boston, MIT was founded with a vision of using science to address immediate, real-world issues — a purpose that is still deeply ingrained in its DNA today.

Since its earliest days, MIT has had a hands-on, problem-solving educational approach — the legendary "mens et manus" (mind and hand) motto — that continues to inform its distinctive academic philosophy. In more than 160 years, the Institute has emerged as a shining beacon of intellectual intensity, catalyzing breakthroughs in fields from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to economics, biology, architecture and urban planning.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is renowned for its challenging curriculum and incredible drive for innovation. It is always ranked among the world's top universities. It is home to scores of Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, MacArthur Fellows, and Turing Award winners, some of whom have made groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and society. Its roster of alumni features leaders like Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General; Richard Feynman, Nobel laureate physicist; and Shirley Ann Jackson, pioneering physicist and academic administrator — all of whom highlight MIT's enormous reach across the globe.

Today, MIT has a talented, diverse student body and a top-ranked faculty from all corners of the globe. Students are drawn not just to the Institute's world-class facilities and widely recognized programs but to the Institute's commitment to interdisciplinary work, ethical innovation and social responsibility. Whether through path breaking research in clean energy, the creation of life-saving medical technologies, or the establishment of game-changing startups, MIT keeps shaping the course of the 21st century and beyond.

MIT: At a Glance

Rankings and Reputation

MIT has featured prominently across global university rankings in 2025:

MIT’s engineering, computer science and business programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Education Programs at MIT

Academic Structure

Academic studies at MIT are more than degrees—they’re incubators for invention, exploration and impact across disciplines. Whether decoding the universe or redesigning cities, students fuse theory with practice in a culture built for breakthroughs.

MIT is organized into five schools and one college, each offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Degree Programs and Specializations

Undergraduate Programs:

Note: SB is short for "Scientiae Baccalaureus", or Bachelor of Science (B.S.). It's the formal degree title that MIT employs across all its undergraduate schools, even for architecture, management or the humanities.

Interdisciplinary Courses

MIT also provides undergraduate courses with interdisciplinary subjects involving elements of various departments. A few examples include:

• Humanities and Engineering 
• Humanities and Science 
• Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science 

The courses enable the students to fit their education in accordance with their own interest by crossing over between several disciplines of study.

General Institute Requirements (GIRs)

All undergraduate students are required to fulfill the GIRs, which consist of:

These requirements provide a balanced education, combining depth in a specific area with breadth across the disciplines.
 

Graduate Programs:

MIT graduate programs are known for their challenging academics and innovative research opportunities. The Institute provides a range of master's and doctoral programs across its schools. Students pursuing graduate level studies at MIT engage themselves in interdisciplinary research, frequently working in association with other departments and with industry partners as well.
 

Master's Degrees

MIT provides the following master's degrees:

• Master of Science (SM)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master in City Planning (MCP)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• Master of Business Analytics (MBAn)
• Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Such courses are available through different departments such as Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Management and Science.
 

Doctoral Degrees

MIT offers two primary doctoral degrees:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
   
• Doctor of Science (ScD)

MIT Academic Calendar 2025–2026

MIT operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar, which includes two main semesters (Fall and Spring) and an Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January. The IAP offers students a flexible four-week term to explore diverse educational experiences. Please find key dates related to the academic calendar at MIT:

Admissions at MIT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a very selective and holistic admission policy, reviewing candidates on the basis of academic excellence, individual achievements and contributions to the MIT community. The Institute practices need-blind admissions and meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.

We have pointed out general requirements for candidates interested in studying at MIT. You can always refer to the official website of MIT for more details.

Undergraduate Applicants

MIT's undergraduate admissions process is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 4.1%. Below are the major points which you should fulfill before applying:

• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT scores are mandatory. MIT reinstated this requirement to provide a complete evaluation of applicants' academic readiness.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters—one from a science or math teacher and one from a humanities, social science or language teacher.
• Secondary School Report (SSR): Including high school transcript.
• Essays and Activities: Detailed answers emphasizing personal experiences, accomplishments and goals.
• Midyear Grades: Submitted via February Updates & Notes Form.

Graduate Applicants (Including MBA)

Admissions at Graduate levels are managed by individual departments. Each department have their specific requirements and deadlines. Prospective students should get in touch with the respective department's website for detailed information on application procedures and criteria.

Standardized Tests:

• MBA: GMAT or GRE scores are required.
• Other Graduate Programs: GRE scores are typically required; requirements differ by department.

English Language Proficiency:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100.
• IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.0.
• Note: Requirements may differ by department.

Application Materials:

• MBA: Cover letter, resume, video statement, one letter of recommendation and organizational chart.

• Other Graduate Programs: Statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and relevant academic transcripts.

MIT Application Deadlines: 2025–2026 (Indicative)

A) Undergraduate Admissions

• Financial Aid Application: Submit by February 15, 2026. 

• Enrollment Decision Deadline: May 1, 2026.

B) Transfer Admissions

• Note: International students are eligible for fall entry only.

C) Graduate Admissions

Graduate application deadlines vary by department. Below are some examples:

1. Technology and Policy Program (TPP):

• Application Opens: September 15, 2025

• Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

• Decision Release: Mid-March 2026

2. Department of Chemistry:

• Application Opens: September 2025

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

• Decision Release: March 2026

Please check the specific department's website for exact dates and requirements.

D) MIT Sloan MBA Admissions

Tuition and Fees

MIT Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

Please have an overview of Tuition and other costs related to undergraduate programs at MIT:

MIT Graduate Cost of Attendance (2024–2025)

MIT Sloan School of Management: Graduate Tuition (2024–2025)

Financial Aid & Scholarships at MIT

MIT provides access and affordability with need-blind admissions to all students—internationals included—and promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Undergraduate Aid

• 58% of students receive need-based MIT Scholarships.
• Median scholarship (2023–24): $66,663.
• Beginning 2025–26: Families earning less than $200K will attend tuition-free.
• Families earning less than $100K won't pay for tuition, housing or fees.

Graduate Aid

Support includes:

• Research/Teaching Assistantships (RA/TA)
• Fellowships & Departmental Grants
• Most programs provide full or partial funding, often through departmental resources.

Research Infrastructure

MIT supports a large community of more than 80 laboratories, centers and institutes that allow cross-disciplinary innovation. Among them are very well-known entities like the MIT Media Lab, MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and MIT Mobility Initiative. Here are some important details about the research infrastructure at MIT:

Faculty, Campus and Student Life at MIT 

MIT's 168-acre campus in Cambridge is home to world-class facilities such as the Stata Center (CSAIL), MIT.nano and the Koch Institute. The faculty comprises innovation and research leaders. Student life flourishes through 500+ clubs, 33 varsity sports, arts programs and themed residential communities. Tech-integrated and developed labs, libraries and collaborative spaces support both academic achievement and creative exploration, making MIT a center of learning, discovery and active campus culture.

"At MIT, curiosity fuels invention and invention drives impact — where unique ideas are conceived and future is defined. MIT helps students to solve global challenges through excellence in education, research and inclusive environment."