How To Get Into NYU As An Indian Student [2024]



How to get into NYU, you ask? We have the answers.

New York University (NYU) is one the largest private universities in the United States. Though not part of the Ivy Leagues, the university is world renowned, ranking 38 in QS World University Rankings. Located across New York with its graduate schools concentrated in Manhattan, NYU is one of the most sought after colleges, especially for students from India.


NYU: All you need to know


  • Established: 1831
  • Type: Private Research University
  • World Rank: 38
  • Graduate Employability Rank: 16
  • International Student population: Over 21,000 from 138 countries
  • Academic Programs: Over 400
  • Graduate Employment Rate: 95% (2021 statistics)
  • Campuses: New York, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi
  • Endowment: $4.7 billion

Schools of NYU

1832 – College of Arts and Science
1835 – School of Law
1841 – School of Medicine
1854 – Tandon School of Engineering
1865 – College of Dentistry
1886 – Graduate School of Arts and Science
1890 – Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
1900 – Leonard N. Stern School of Business
1922 – Institute of Fine Arts
1932 – College of Nursing
1934 – School of Professional Studies
1934 – Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences
1938 – Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
1960 – Silver School of Social Work
1965 – Tisch School of the Arts
1972 – Gallatin School of Individualised Study
1972 – Liberal Studies
2006 – Institute for the Study of the Ancient World
2010 – NYU Abu Dhabi
2012 – School of Global Public Health
2013 – NYU Shanghai

Mission Statement

New York University’s mission is to be a top quality international centre of scholarship, teaching and research. This involves retaining and attracting outstanding faculty who are leaders in their fields, encouraging them to create programs that draw outstanding students, and providing an intellectually rich environment. NYU seeks to take academic and cultural advantage of its location and to embrace diversity among faculty, staff and students to ensure a wide range of perspectives, including international perspectives, in the educational experience.

Source: NYU

Notable NYU Alumni

  • Nobel Laureates
    • Saul Bellow – 1976 Nobel Prize in Literature
    • Eric Kandel – 2000 Nobel Prize in Medicine
    • Leonard Linkow – 1969 Nobel Prize in Medicine
    • Frederick Reines – 1995 Nobel Prize in Physics
    • Clifford Shull – 1994 Nobel Prize in Physics
    • George Wald – 1967 Nobel Prize in Medicine
    • Rosalyn Yalow – 1977 Nobel Prize in Medicine, to name a few out of the 30 NYU alumni and faculty who have won the Nobel Prize. 11 McArthur Fellows are also associated with NYU.
  • Charles Flint, Founder of IBM
  • Robert Greifeld, Former CEO of NASDAQ
  • Paul Levitz, Former President of DC Comics
  • Ursula Burns, Chairman of Xerox
  • Jack Dorsey, Founder of Twitter
  • From the entertainment industry – Chris Columbus, Lady Gaga, Alec Baldwin, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway and many more.

If you’re looking to study in New York, there are other options as well – you can choose between CUNY and SUNY as well.

NYU – A Student Perspective

We reached out to Mr Akhil Bharadwaj, a student who went to NYU through TC Global. Here’s what he has got to say.

Akhil Bharadwaj is studying MS Management of Technology at NYU. He comes from New Delhi, India. Before going to NYU, he completed his B.E. (Bachelor’s in Engineering) in Automotive Engineering from SRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Here is his take on NYU.

On NYU

As one of the largest universities in the United States, NYU attracts students from all over the world, creating a culturally rich and inclusive environment. The university is known for its urban setting, as its main campus is in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City. I had the opportunity to interact with students from various cultures, countries, and academic disciplines. This diversity fosters a lively intellectual and social atmosphere, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.

On coursework

Classes can vary in size, format, and teaching style. Some are large lectures with several hundred students, while others are smaller with a more intimate setting. The class format includes lectures, discussions and mainly group projects and presentations.

The coursework can be rigorous. The workload and expectations vary depending on the course, but the university values academic rigour and encourages students to think critically, engage in class discussions, and apply concepts to real-world situations. Here are the things I found different when compared to my undergrad days in India

The teaching style:

Professors keep encouraging class participation, critical thinking, and open discussions within the students to think outside of the box. Most of the professors repeat the phrase “there are no wrong answers” so that students can speak their heart out.

Emphasis on written assignments, essays, and research papers:

This might require adapting to a very different work ethic and writing style (using formal writing formats such as the APA, for instance). Original thought is highly valued. Professors take plagiarism reports and ensure that your assignment is not AI generated. I remember in my Operations Management class. For our weekly reports, we had to write it in a sophisticated business language and format. Professor would provide each team with constructive comments to improve the manner in which we write business proposals and reports. It was brutal at that time because our entire team had to rewrite and restructure the entire thing a few times. Today, I am grateful because it helped me in my internship.

On Part-time Work

I did have a part time job while studying. While most students can get access to part time jobs at NYU on Handshake, I got mine by reaching out to the professor directly and explaining my skills and interest in his work.

On extracurricular activities

Whether you are interested in sports, performing arts, community service, cultural clubs, entrepreneurship, consulting clubs or any other hobby, you’re likely to find a group or club that aligns with your interests. And trust me when I say this, you will find a group or club that aligns with your interests.

When I am not on campus, I make the most of my time by exploring the city, trying new activities, attending events, and connecting with friends, whether it is visiting iconic landmarks, attending cultural events, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the things I like to do

  • Central Park for picnics and relaxing strolls
  • Bryant Park, Prospect Park, and the High Line for their beautiful settings
  • Explore the array of cuisines from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Take in NYC’s nightlife in its bars, clubs, and lounges
  • Check out the numerous festivals and events throughout the year like cultural festivals, street fairs, parades and film festivals
  • Indulge in retail therapy

On Future Plans

After completing the course, my plans are to get a full-time employment offer in the U.S. NYU offers a plethora of career services along with career fairs where we get the opportunity to meet employers and connect with them. Companies also come to the campus for in-campus interviews.

On Life in New York

Living in New York City provides a unique advantage for NYU students. The city offers countless opportunities for entertainment, cultural events, and exploring various neighbourhoods. From iconic landmarks to museums, theatres, restaurants, and parks, New York City serves as an extended campus, allowing me to immerse myself in a vibrant urban environment. While academics remain a priority, there are ample opportunities to enjoy and make the most of your time outside of the classroom.

On TC Global

My experience with TC Global was great. Right from searching universities, writing essays, sending the applications to visa process along with visa interview preparation, it was fantastic. I would like to thank my relationship manager, Alisha Arora. She is helpful and an expert in her work. She was approachable and even after getting infected with COVID, she would still ask the status of the applications we had sent and if there were any difficulties in the process. She also prepared me for my visa interview by conducting mock interviews. Overall, my experience with TC Global was a phenomenal one.

To future NYU students

I would say,

  • Take the time to research and understand the programs, departments, and opportunities offered by NYU or any university. Consider your academic and personal interests, and make sure they align with what the university provides. Look into the faculty, course offerings and resources available to students.
  • Start the application process early to ensure you have enough time to gather all the necessary documents and apply early. This is one of the things that got me scholarships from multiple universities.
  • Remember to reach out to guidance counsellors and mentors at TC Global, or alumni who can provide valuable insights and advice. They can offer guidance on the application process, review your essays, and help you make informed decisions about your academic and career goals.

Why study at NYU as an Indian Student?


There is a reason why over 22% of NYU’s student population is made of international students. Let’s look at all the reasons why you should consider NYU as an Indian student. If you’re thinking of New York, then you may also want to consider the debate of NYU vs Columbia – to see which one is right for you.

  • Academic Excellence: Offering over 400 different courses across disciplines, NYU has built a reputation for academic excellence. It is ranked 38th and among the top universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject for
    • Accounting and finance
    • Mathematics
    • Law and legal studies
    • Psychology and
    • Philosophy

The huge number of courses also give you an academic flexibility to have an interdisciplinary educational experience. The coursework is set to meet international standards and the university’s emphasis on research makes the curriculum pioneering. This is augmented by the university’s location in NYC, an economic and cultural powerhouse in the world. Take a look at the NYU’s alumni list who stand testament to its excellence.

  • Campus without walls: NYU is proud of its ‘campus without walls’ setup. You wonʼt find a traditional campus here. You will be fully integrated into New York City. For example, when you are walking between buildings between classes,  you will be alongside New Yorkers as they commute to work. And instead of a traditional campus quad, you will have Washington Square Park.

Source: NYU

  • Worldwide reach and recognition: The university has three degree granting campuses in New York, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. In addition, it operates 12 academic sites offering undergraduate academic-year and summer study away programs in Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Washington, D.C. Being an NYU student gives you a complete global experience.
  • Global networking and research opportunities: NYU is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” and research expenditures have crossed over $1 billion, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation. The university’s emphasis on research is one of the reasons why it is sought after. NYU is also one of the largest employers in New York City with over 19,000 employees. Another answer to “Why NYU?” is the culture of multiculturalism and diversity. All of its campuses are great places to start building your global professional networks.NYU’s alumni network is also extremely diverse and global with over 650,000 people spread across the globe.


Disclaimer: This video reflects details and rankings from 2023

How much does it cost to Study at NYU University for Indian Students?


When it comes to global education, the expenses you incur to get your degree including the cost of travel and life abroad should be considered as an investment rather than just an expense. The value of a global education, the reputation and recognition of the university, the networking possibilities and the worldwide job opportunities should also be taken into account, if you are looking at a return on investment.

Keeping all of that in mind, it is safe to say that the fees at NYU, especially for international students, is not cheap. Here is a table showing ballpark figures of the university’s tuition fees for international students. Please note that they are susceptible to change at any point. The table shows estimated figures to aid financial planning and need not necessarily be exact amounts.

UNDERGRADUATE FEES
College Annual Tuition Fees
  • College of Arts and Sciences,
  • College of Dentistry,
  • Gallatin School of Individualised Study,
  • Liberal Studies Program
  • Rory Meyers College of Nursing
  • School of Professional Studies (SPS), Hotel and Tourism Management, Real Estate, Sports Management
  • Silver School of Social Work
  • Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
$60,438
Leonard N. Stern School of Business $62,014
School of Professional Studies (SPS),
Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (McGhee)
$35,734
School of Professional Studies (SPS),
Associates
$16,920
Tandon School of Engineering $59,910
Tisch School of the Arts $66,388
POSTGRADUATE FEES
  • Graduate School of Arts and Science
  • Gallatin School of Individualised Study
$54,516
Center for Urban Science and Progress CUSP $42,030
College of Global Public Health $51,256
Institute of Fine Arts $47,148
Leonard N. Stern School of Business
Full-Time MBA
$86,092
Leonard N. Stern School of Business
Executive MBA (12 months)
$112,250
Leonard N. Stern School of Business
Fashion & Luxury MBA/Tech MBA (12 months)
$113,365
Leonard N Stern School of Business
MS in Accounting
$62,750
Robert F. Wagner MPA/MUP or PhD $54,788
Wagner Executive MPA for Global Policy Leaders (12 months) +
Wagner Executive MPA for Public Service Leaders (12 months)
$70,484
Wagner Masters of Science in Public Policy (12 months) $96,705
Rory Meyers College of Nursing $55,392
School of Professional Studies $50,966
Silver School of Social Work $40,860
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development $53,172
Tandon School of Engineering $42,030
Tandon School of Engineering-
Financial Risk Engineering (10 months)
$42,030
Tisch School of the Arts $73,698

In addition to the cost of tuition, you must also take into account the cost of living. The university website suggests that your annual living expenses can be between $30,000 and $40,000. This includes on campus accommodation, health insurance, books and supplies, and other activities.

Despite the staggering numbers, the university has a number of scholarship options, if you are looking for financial aid. The next section will cover the scholarships for Indian students in detail.

What are the available NYU University scholarships for Indian Students?


NYU offers financial aid and scholarships to international students applying as first-year students. However, if you are getting into NYU through transfer admission or a second bachelor’s degree, then you are not eligible for financial aid through the institution.

That said, if you are looking for need-based assistance, you must complete the CSS profile before the deadline. CSS stands for College Scholarship Service offered by College Board. Most need-based applications will be considered for some form of financial aid or the other. The university also has merit-based scholarships which consider your past academic performance and your average GPA and a few discipline-specific criteria. However, you can expect stiff competition for this category of scholarships.

While researching for scholarships, it is also important to look for ones specifically instituted for the particular school or discipline that you are applying to. For instance, if you are applying to the Stern School of Business, then you must look into the Breakthrough Scholars Leadership Program that is designed to support and equip high-performing students from different backgrounds.

You can seek financial assistance in one of the four ways:

  • Scholarships and Grants: Here are some of the general options to consider, especially as an Indian student
    • AnBryce Scholarships
    • Dean’s Scholar Program
    • Academic Department Scholarships
  • Federal Loans: Government loans, typically accessible only to U.S. citizens or international students of specific statuses or from a select list of countries.
  • Private Loans
  • Student Employment: Based on your CSS application, you might be considered eligible to apply for the Federal Work-Study Program. You will be given a set amount of money you can earn through approved jobs that provide you with 15 to 20 hours of work each week.

External Scholarships

Besides the need-based aid given by the university, you can also consider scholarships offered by external organisations or the state government, federal government or your home country. While the American state and federal government grants are open primarily to domestic students, your research should be focussed on external organisations that support international students. Some of the scholarships to look into are:

  • Tata Scholarship: From an endowment of $25 million, every year, 20 students from India receive this aid in support of their undergraduate studies abroad.
  • Fulbright Scholarship
  • JN Tata Endowment Scholarship (Scholarships at the graduate and doctoral level)
  • Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship: An external scholarship, it is meant for Indian students pursuing their master’s degree in any reputed international university.
  • KC Mahindra Trust Scholarship (Interest free loans for Indian students studying abroad)

This is, in no means, an exhaustive list. While doing your research it is also essential to look for scholarships that are tailored for your course/ department/ school/ area of research as well. The number of external benefactors offering funding for graduate and research level programmes is phenomenally higher when compared to bachelor’s degree courses. You can find them on your own research or ask the experts at TC Global to help you.

If you are considering applying for scholarships, you will have to rework your timeline. Scholarship agencies and offices are particular about deadlines and carefully filled out application forms. Considering the stress of application that you might be going through, it is easier to have an international education consultant who is far more experienced in the planning and documentation side of things. It is a lot of research and even more paperwork but it is a worthwhile effort to ease the financial burden of global education.

What are the eligibility criteria?


The NYU acceptance rate is around 13%, almost double that of Ivy Leagues or other top colleges like Stanford or UCLA. So, while the chances of you getting into NYU are higher, it’s important to note that only about 13% of applicants meet the criteria set by the admissions committee and get to call themselves NYU students. You can also do a comparison between NYU and UCLA or other universities, for instance, to know what’s right for you.

Here are some of the basic admissions criteria that will be considered.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Admissions

High School Transcripts showing completion of pre-university education (equivalent to U.S. 12th Grade) or IB diploma or A-levels. For a student from India, Grade XII Board transcripts, along with X and XI marks, will be considered. Depending on your choice of major and minor, you might be required to take some specific courses at the high school level. Typically, English, Science, Social Studies, History and Advanced Maths are required for most courses.

Standardised Testing: NYU continues its test-optional policy for its upcoming admissions cycle. Should you choose to submit your test scores (you must select that option in your CommonApp), the following will be considered.

  • SAT score
  • ACT score
  • 3 Advanced Placements (AP) Exams
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma or Higher Level Exams

English Language Proficiency: NYU does not have minimum score requirements, but competitive applicants typically score

  • 100 and above on the TOEFL iBT
  • 130 and above on the Duolingo English Test
  • 7.5 and above on the IELTS Academic
  • 70 and above on the PTE Academic
  • 191 and above on the Cambridge English Scale
  • 4.5 and above on the iTEP (C1 Advanced and C2 Mastery)

A checklist for undergraduate application

  • A completed Common Application that includes the application essay based on the given essay prompt. This essay must be original and carefully written, elaborating your previous accomplishments, future goals and a justification of your choice of university.
  • High school transcript
  • A Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
  • One or two teacher letters of recommendation
  • Test scores to satisfy NYU’s flexible testing policy
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Optional: college transcripts for any dual-enrollment courses taken
  • Portfolios or audition tapes, if required.
  • Proof of financial status

Requirements for a Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree: To apply for any of the graduate level or doctoral programs, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised university. A typical U.S. bachelor’s degree is 4 years long, so that would be expected. While the university does not advertise a specific average GPA requirement, an unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher will give you a good competitive edge.

Standardised Tests: Some of the more common entrance exams such as GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT might be required, depending on your course.

English Language Proficiency Exams: For Indian students, IELTS or TOEFL iBT scores are also required to complete your graduate application.

A checklist for graduate-level course application

  • Completed online NYU application
  • Bachelor’s degree transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement/Personal Essay
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • English Language Tests
  • GRE/ GMAT scores
  • CV/ Resume to show proof of work experience, if any

How to get into NYU from India?


Getting into NYU is not a decision you can make on a whim. It requires proper planning, guidance and effort to build your resume so that NYU will want you. Here are some tips to prepare your NYU college application.

Tips to get into NYU

1. Plan in Advance:

There are certain criteria that you cannot meet at the last minute. So, whether you are seeking bachelor’s or graduate applications, work towards a particular career goal. Remember, NYU is only a step to reach it. The university might be your dream school but is not the ultimate goal. Choose the required courses right from the highschool level. This will show the admissions committee that you are steadfast and have a clear plan.

2. Build a wholesome portfolio:

Diversify to show that you have varied interests but not to the extent that you are incapable of making a choice. Spend some time improving your communication, presentation, leadership and problem solving skills. Engage yourself with the needs of the community and display your entire professional self in your admissions essay. Extracurricular activities are also greatly valued.

3. Give enough time for your essays:

This cannot be written overnight. You need to balance between past achievements and future goals, without sounding like you are blowing your own trumpet. Give yourself enough time to revisit your essay, edit, and most importantly, proofread.

4. Apply before the deadline:

Do not wait till the last minute to apply. Start organising and collecting the necessary documents, especially those dependent on external sources. You cannot rush your high school teacher to give you an LOR overnight. The application process can be long and arduous. It needs a lot of planning and a great deal of diligence to ensure all the ‘i’s are dotted and all the ‘t’s crossed. Each step carries a specific deadline.

Application Deadlines

For undergraduate courses

  • The application process typically begins in August
  • Deadline for Early Decision I – November 1
  • Deadline for Early Decision II – January 1
  • Regular Decision deadline – January 5

What is Early Decision? The admission process is just the same, except that you compete with slightly fewer applicants compared to the regular entry. However, if accepted in the early decision quota, it is binding. You do not get the option of rejecting the university, except on grounds of insufficient financial aid. Applicants consider this option if NYU is their first choice school.

For graduate courses – Fall deadlines
Priority consideration – December 1
Regular Entry – March 15

Application Process for International Students

  • All applications go through Common Application.
  • You must pay a non-refundable application fee of $80.
  • Ensure that you have all the required documents and transcripts. All students will also be required to complete a Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR).
  • Complete the NYU supplemental essay / personal statement.
  • Graduate applicants might be called for an interview.
  • Keep track of scholarship deadlines
  • Admitted students are eligible for NYU sponsorship of F-1 or J-1 student status. Newly admitted students should review the student visa and immigration process.

Or, you can choose the easier path and get onboard with TC Global where all your application needs can be taken care of at one go. From counselling sessions to choose your course and test prep all the way to getting help with your visa (and even after you reach your destination),  TC Global stands with you every step of the way.

Here’s how to apply through TC Global.

Step 1: Choose the right course

The first step is to know what you want to do. With the number of interdisciplinary options available, you delve deep into the different programs or even disciplines and see what combinations will work the best for you. It is also a good idea to reach out to current or past students and get a more realistic view of how things work.
You can also reach out to us at www.tcglobal.com and schedule a counselling session or aptitude test to figure out which course would be the right fit for you.

Step 2: Log in to the TC Global Student Portal

Once you have an idea about what you want to study, visit www.tcglobal.com and “Get Started”.

Step 3: Update your Profile

Once you have logged in, update your profile, especially your Education and Work background and your Study Plans. This will help us tailor-fit our recommendations for you.

Step 4: Choose New York University and the Course

This page provides all the information you need, collated logically, in one page. You don’t need to go hunting under each department page of the university website. The list of all the courses will appear here. You can even use our filters to narrow down on what you are searching.

Step 5: Read up and Shortlist

The website will give you the top options, keeping in mind your profile and your preferences. Click on any of the courses or search for them and get an overview in one go. All of these are accessible to anyone, for free. All you need to do is sign up.

Step 6: Read more on Insights

Want the latest updates about a country or an industry? Are you looking for in-depth reviews about top universities? TCG Insights has it. Plus, it comes with an easy search option to specifically look for our research on any of the countries or courses. Check out our insights here

You need to look into each course, in addition to just knowing the specialisation. You must update yourself on the scope, employment opportunities, and transferable skills. Insights might just be the place to give you insights into how each university designs their courses.

Step 7: Schedule a Session and Apply

Once you have all the necessary information and shortlisted all the courses, you begin the application process. You can schedule a meeting with one of our Relationship Members through Calendly.com/tcglobal. There are no hidden costs. From here on in, an experienced member of our team will guide you through the process of applying to all your shortlisted universities. Your TC Global Student portal will help you with deadlines, checklists, tests, and a one-shot platform to monitor all your applications’ progress. Besides, our RM will be with you every step of the way. Now that you know the process on how to get into NYU as an Indian student, you can try to apply by giving it your best shot.

Keep an eye out for the dates when they open applications, and begin to gear yourself a year in advance, with TC Global.

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Date added
21.02.2024

Filed under:

Global Ed

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