The Catholic University of America

Your Story Begins Here

The Catholic University of America is unique among universities in the United States—even among Catholic universities. And it’s not just because we're located in Washington, D.C.—a city of global significance and a place of extraordinary educational opportunity. We are a national research university in the heart of the nation's capital and we are rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Our university was founded by the Catholic bishops of the United States, with a charter from then Pope Leo XIII, to be the national university of the Catholic Church in America. For more than 130 years, we have lived out our mission to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research. Catholic University scholars in all fields embrace both reason and faith as they apply the inexhaustible resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition to solve contemporary issues and enrich the culture around us.

International students and scholars from more than 70 countries enrich our classrooms and campus culture at Catholic University. They bring knowledge and traditions that make our global community vibrant. Catholic University has a dedicated team—International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)—that provides educational and cultural programs and events throughout the year to help international students and scholars thrive.

Learn more about international student services