Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA
WPI: Your global hub for innovation
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is not your average university. If you're an international student looking for a hands-on, globally-minded education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), then WPI might be the perfect fit for you. Located in the heart of New England, WPI offers a vibrant and supportive community where you can thrive both academically and personally.
A project-based approach to learning
At the core of a WPI education is the renowned WPI Plan, a unique project-based curriculum. Forget endless lectures and exams. Here, you'll learn by doing, tackling real-world problems from your very first year. For international students, this means you'll not only gain a top-tier technical education but also develop crucial skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication that are highly valued by employers worldwide. WPI offers over 70 degree programs, from Robotics Engineering and Computer Science to Biomedical Engineering and Interactive Media and Game Development, ensuring you can pursue your passion.
A welcoming and diverse community
Life at WPI is more than just academics. With a diverse student body representing numerous countries, you'll feel right at home. The University offers a wide array of clubs and organizations, including the International Student Council and various cultural associations, making it easy to connect with fellow students who share your interests and background. The Office of International Student Life provides extensive support, from navigating visa processes to offering workshops on adjusting to American culture, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in the US.
Go global with the Global Projects Program
A standout opportunity at WPI is the Global Projects Program. This is not your typical study abroad experience. Through this program, you'll have the chance to work in a team with other WPI students on a project that addresses a real-world problem at one of WPI's 50+ project centers across the globe. Imagine applying your engineering skills to a sustainability project in Costa Rica or your Computer Science knowledge to a healthcare challenge in Thailand. This immersive, hands-on experience will not only enhance your résumé but also provide you with a unique global perspective.
 |
WPI is known for strong engineering and science programs with increasing focus on sustainable technologies. |
|
Ranked in the top 5.1% of 20,000 worldwide universities | Center for World University Rankings, 2024 |
|
|
Ranked #12 among the "Top Game Design Programs" for undergraduates | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
|
|
Named a "Best Value College" | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
|
|
Ranked #13 among private schools for "Best Career Placement" | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
WORCESTER, Massachusetts, is the second-largest city in New England and is home to 12 other colleges and universities and 35,000 college students. Situated 40 miles west of Boston, it’s just 20 miles to skiing, 45 miles to beaches, and 180 miles to New York City.
"Overall, my collective experiences with projects at WPI have revealed and prepared me for the challenges and rewards of real-life work in a powerful, firsthand way."
“Through project work, I have learned to look critically at problems I don’t necessarily have the answer to. I’ve also gotten better at communicating my ideas through both writing and speaking."
“The project-based curriculum has given me the opportunity to gain valuable experience solving real-life problems. Overall, I feel like I am part of a supportive community of people here at WPI who all have the same goal of changing the world."
“The way it changed my view of the world translates to multiple, different areas of my life. I look at my community as a much smaller piece of a larger world than I used to. I see diversity in a different way.”