Chet Raj Bhandari Written by Chet Raj Bhandari

About Northwestern University

Study at Northwestern University from Nepal

If you’re serious about learning from world-class faculty and working on real-life projects even as a student, Northwestern University should be on your radar. 

Located just outside Chicago, this is a dream university for Nepali students who want to blend strong academics with innovation, career opportunities, and a supportive international community.

Whether you’re into journalism, computer science, economics, or theatre, Northwestern offers you a balance of Ivy-level prestige and Midwestern warmth. 

And the best part? They welcome international students with strong academic potential—even if you didn’t go to a fancy school.

 

Why Choose Northwestern University?

 

Prime Location: Evanston (Right Next to Chicago)

You get the charm of a lakeside college town with access to the energy and job market of one of the biggest cities in the US. Whether it’s internships in downtown Chicago or hangouts near Lake Michigan, you get the best of both worlds.

Powerful Alumni & Career Network

Northwestern alumni are everywhere—from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, from Broadway to international diplomacy. Students get access to one of the most helpful career development networks in the US, with a strong focus on internships and paid research.

International-Friendly Campus

Over 8,000 international students and scholars study at Northwestern. From international orientation to visa support and cultural festivals, you’ll feel seen and supported.

 

Campuses

  • Evanston Campus – Main undergraduate campus, home to most schools, residence halls, and Lake Michigan views.
  • Chicago Campus – Houses the law, medical, and business schools.
  • Doha Campus (Qatar) – Focused on journalism and communication.

 

All campuses are interconnected, giving students opportunities to study and research across locations.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/campuses

Number of Courses & Levels

 

Here are some of the top picks among international students, including Nepali students:

StreamCourse ExampleDegree Type
Computer Science & ITComputer Science, Artificial IntelligenceBSc, MSc
Business & ManagementEconomics, Marketing, MBABA, BBA, MBA
EngineeringMechanical, Biomedical, CivilBEng, MEng
Media & CommunicationsJournalism, Film & Media StudiesBA, MA
Social SciencesPolitical Science, PsychologyBA, MA
Arts & PerformanceTheatre, Music, Performing ArtsBFA, MFA

Pro Tip: Planning to study at Northwestern from Nepal? You can explore more courses and talk to Goreto counsellors to find your best fit.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/academics

Scholarships for Nepali Students

 

Let’s be real—Northwestern is not a budget university.

But if you’ve got the grades, drive, and a story to tell, you could be looking at generous scholarships and excellent return on investment.

Scholarship NameEligibilityCoverage
Northwestern University ScholarshipsNeed-based; strong academic backgroundUp to full tuition
Northwestern Endowed ScholarshipsAutomatically considered based on the applicationPartial to full tuition
QuestBridge National College MatchFor high-achieving, low-income international studentsFull ride (tuition + living)
External Scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, PEO)Separate applications requiredVaries

These scholarships are highly competitive, so early application and a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) are key.

Goreto can guide you on writing a winning SOP and application essay.
Source: https://undergrad.northwestern.edu/financial-aid

Campus Life

  • 500+ student clubs and groups
  • Vibrant Nepali and South Asian communities
  • Cutting-edge labs, maker spaces, and accelerators
  • Access to Boston’s food, arts, and student culture

From theatre festivals to tech clubs to South Asian dance crews—there’s something for everyone.

  • Clubs: Over 500 student clubs, including Nepali Student Association
  • Events: International Students Week, Holi celebrations, TEDx, Startup Hackathons
  • Location Perk: 45 minutes from Chicago = concerts, sports, internships, Nepali restaurants
  • Housing: Guaranteed for first-year students. Dorms, apartments, and co-ops available. Off-campus housing in Evanston is affordable compared to other US college towns.

Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/student-life

Notable Alumni

  • Meghan Markle (Duchess of Sussex)
  • David Schwimmer (Actor, “Friends”)
  • George R. R. Martin (Author, “Game of Thrones”)
  • Stephen Colbert (TV Host)
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Actress)

Source: https://www.alumni.northwestern.edu

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2024: 47th globally
  • Times Higher Education 2024: 28th worldwide
  • U.S. News & World Report 2024: 9th among U.S. National Universities

Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/northwestern-university

Tuition Fees

 

Tuition Fees at Northwestern (2025 Intakes):

Program LevelAnnual Tuition (USD)Tuition in NPR (Approx.)
Undergraduate$65,997NPR 8,713,595
Graduate (Avg.)$50,000 – $70,000NPR 6,600,000 – 9,240,000

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = NPR 132. This may fluctuate. Check with Goreto for updated info.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/financial-aid

Living Expenses

 

Living Expenses in Evanston / Chicago Area:

Expense CategoryMonthly Estimate (USD)Monthly Estimate in NPR*
Housing & Utilities$800 – $1,200NPR 105,600 – 158,400
Food & Groceries$300 – $500NPR 39,600 – 66,000
Transportation$100 – $150NPR 13,200 – 19,800
Health Insurance$250NPR 33,000
Personal Expenses$200 – $300NPR 26,400 – 39,600
Total (Monthly)$1,650 – $2,400NPR 217,800 – 316,800

Students often save money by cooking at home or living with roommates. Goreto’s pre-departure counseling helps you plan all of this smartly.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/student-finances

Library

 

Northwestern University Library system is one of the largest private university libraries in the world, with:

  • Over 7 million volumes
  • Extensive digital archives and databases
  • Specialized libraries: Deering Library (humanities), Pritzker Legal Research Center, Galter Health Sciences Library

Source: https://www.library.northwestern.edu

Placements & Career Support

 

Northwestern’s Career Advancement Office helps students land internships and jobs with top global employers.

  • Internships: Most students complete at least 1–2 internships, often in Chicago.
  • Companies hiring graduates: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, The New York Times, BBC, UN, Tesla
  • Alumni Network: Career mentorship, resume reviews, networking events

Many students also take part in research opportunities and co-op programs, especially in science and engineering.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/careers

Top Companies Hiring

  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • McKinsey
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Deloitte
  • The New York Times
  • Tesla

Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/careers

Graduate Average Salaries

 

Northwestern graduates enjoy strong career outcomes:

  • Average starting salary: $76,000/year
  • Business graduates: $95,000+
  • Engineering graduates: $90,000+
  • Media/Journalism graduates: $60,000+

Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/School=Northwestern_University/Salary

Part-Time Jobs

 

As an international student on an F-1 visa, you can:

Work TypeAllowed HoursWhere You Can Work
On-CampusUp to 20 hours/weekLibraries, dining halls, labs
Off-Campus (CPT/OPT)After 1 year (with approval)Internships, paid work

Need help finding student jobs? Northwestern has a student job board and a dedicated job center.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/student-employment

Upcoming Intakes

 

Intake SeasonApplication Deadline (UG)PG Deadlines
Fall (Sept)January 1 (Regular Decision)Varies by program
Early DecisionNovember 1N/A
Spring (Jan)Limited courses availableVaries by department

For undergrad, apply via the Common App. PG applicants must apply through the respective program portals.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/admissions

Eligibility Criteria

 

Program LevelMinimum Requirements
UndergraduateCompletion of +2 / A-Levels with a high GPA (3.6+ preferred)
Graduate (Master’s)4-year bachelor’s degree with strong academic record (3.5+ GPA)
SAT/ACT (UG only)Optional but recommended for a competitive edge
GRE/GMAT (PG only)Required for some programs (especially MBA, Engineering)

Northwestern has a holistic admissions policy—meaning your essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars matter.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/admissions

Required Documents

 

DocumentUndergraduatePostgraduate
Academic Transcripts+2 mark sheetsBachelor’s transcripts
Standardized Test ScoresSAT/ACT (optional)GRE/GMAT (if required)
English Language TestIELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTEIELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE
Statement of Purpose (SOP)Personal EssayProgram-specific SOP
Letters of Recommendation2 – from teachers2–3 from professors/employers
CV/ResumeNot mandatoryMandatory for most PG programs
Passport CopyRequiredRequired
Financial DocumentsProof of funds for I-20 issuanceProof of funds for I-20 issuance

Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/admissions

Contact Details

 

English Language Requirements

 

TestMinimum Score (UG)Minimum Score (PG)
IELTS7.0 overall7.0–7.5 overall
TOEFL iBT100+100+
Duolingo125+125+
PTE Academic70+70+

Higher scores give you an edge, especially if applying without SAT/GRE.
Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/admissions

Admission Timeline & Deadlines

 

  • Fall Intake (September): UG deadline January 1; PG varies by program
  • Early Decision: November 1
  • Spring Intake (January): Limited courses available; PG varies by department

Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/admissions

Program Details

BS Computer Science

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Northwestern University

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

4 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

7.0

TOEFL:

100+

PTE:

70+

*Note:

Fees in USD

MBA

Kellogg School of Management

Northwestern University

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

2 years

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

7.5

TOEFL:

100+

PTE:

70+

*Note:

Fees in USD

MS Journalism

Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

Northwestern University

Prog Code:

N/A

Duration:

1 Year

Part time jobs:

Yes

PGWP eligibility:

Yes

IELTS:

7.0

TOEFL:

100+

PTE:

70+

*Note:

Fees in USD.

Accommodation for Nepali Students (On-campus + Off-campus)

 

On-campus housing:

Guaranteed for first-year students. Options include traditional residence halls, suite-style housing, and themed communities. Cost: $12,000–$17,000 per year.

Off-campus housing:

Apartments in Evanston are common for upper-year students. Average rent: $800–$1,200/month depending on sharing.

Support: Northwestern’s Off-Campus Life Office helps students find housing and roommates.

Source: https://www.northwestern.edu/housing

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