Study at Princeton University from Nepal
Princeton University is one of the world’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions — but for Nepali students, it’s also one of the most supportive.
With 100% need-based financial aid, small class sizes, and direct mentoring from world-class professors, Princeton isn’t just a place for the elite — it’s a place where talented students from Nepal can thrive without worrying about money.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy, the best educational consultancy in Nepal, we’ve helped students navigate Princeton’s highly selective admissions.
From crafting standout Common App essays to preparing strong financial aid documents, we make sure your dream doesn’t stop at the application stage.
Why Choose Princeton University?
Safe, student-focused location
Set in Princeton, New Jersey, the campus is calm and secure while still close to career hubs like New York City and Philadelphia.
Personal attention
With a smaller student body compared to other Ivies, students get more faculty interaction, mentoring, and research opportunities right from their first year.
Full financial aid
Princeton is one of the few U.S. universities that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including those from Nepal.
Global opportunities
From the Princeton in Asia program to internships across continents, Nepali students can expand their horizons far beyond the classroom.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu
Campuses
Princeton has a single main campus, but it’s more than enough — the 600-acre setting includes:
Residential Colleges where undergraduates live and study together
Libraries, labs, and research centers across disciplines
Art Museum, Chapel, and cultural hubs that enrich student life
Athletic and recreational facilities for balance beyond academics
The campus combines classic Ivy League architecture with modern labs — a mix of tradition and innovation.
Source: https://www.princeton.edu
Number of Courses & Levels
Princeton offers a wide academic range, but with a unique structure:
- 36 undergraduate majors (AB or BSE degrees)
- 53 interdisciplinary certificate programs
- PhD programs across sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities
- Professional master’s degrees (limited, e.g., Public Policy, Engineering)
Princeton does not offer a wide variety of taught master’s programs.
Most Nepali applicants apply for undergraduate degrees or PhDs.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/academics
Scholarships for Nepali Students
Princeton doesn’t use the traditional merit scholarship system.
Instead, it guarantees full need-based aid for every admitted student.
| Scholarship/Aid Name | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|
| Princeton Financial Aid Award | All admitted undergraduates | Up to 100% of tuition + living costs |
| International Student Support | Based on family income and documents | Tuition, housing, books, meals |
More than 60% of Princeton students graduate debt-free, which makes it one of the most affordable Ivies for Nepali students.
Goreto helps you prepare the CSS Profile and IDOC forms needed to secure aid.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid
Campus Life
- Residential Colleges – Your first community at Princeton, where you live, dine, and study with peers.
- Clubs & Societies – 300+ student-run groups, including Nepali and South Asian societies.
- Health & Wellness – Counseling, yoga classes, and fitness centers to support wellbeing.
- Arts & Culture – Free access to concerts, theatre, and the Princeton Art Museum.
- Transport – Easy train and bus connections to New York City and Philadelphia.
Nepali students find Princeton welcoming, with a balance of academic rigor and supportive community life.
Source: https://odus.princeton.edu
Notable Alumni
- Michelle Obama – Former First Lady of the U.S.
- Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon
- Alan Turing – Pioneer of computer science (studied as a visiting scholar)
- F. Scott Fitzgerald – Author of The Great Gatsby
- Abdus Salam – Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Source: https://www.princeton.edu/alumni
Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2025 – Top 20 worldwide
- U.S. News & World Report 2025 – #1 in National Universities (USA)
- THE World University Rankings 2025 – Top 10 globally
Princeton consistently ranks among the top 1–2 in the U.S., especially in undergraduate teaching and value.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/princeton-university-2627
Tuition Fees (2025–26)
| Program Type | Annual Cost (USD) | Approx. NPR/year |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $57,000 | NPR 7,581,000 |
Don’t let the sticker price scare you — most international students pay much less due to Princeton’s need-based financial aid.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid
Living Expenses in Princeton, NJ
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Approx. NPR |
|---|
| Housing & Meals | Included in aid | Included |
| Personal Expenses | $150–$250 | NPR 19,950–33,250 |
| Health Insurance | $200 | NPR 26,600 |
| Books & Supplies | $100 | NPR 13,300 |
Financial aid typically covers housing and meals, so Nepali students often only budget for personal and travel costs.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/cost-aid/undergraduate-expenses
Library
Princeton’s Firestone Library is one of the largest open-stack libraries in the world.
The university system includes 10 libraries and access to millions of digital resources.
Source: https://library.princeton.edu
Placements & Career Support
- 1:1 career advising and resume support
- Summer internship funding up to $5,000
- Princeton Startup Immersion Program (PSIP)
- Global programs like Princeton in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Graduate school mentoring for students aiming for master’s or PhDs abroad
Princeton grads are among the most sought-after in the world, with strong placement rates in consulting, finance, tech, and academia.
Source: https://careerservices.princeton.edu
Top Companies Hiring Princeton Graduates
- Google
- McKinsey & Company
- Microsoft
- World Bank
- Goldman Sachs
- United Nations
Source: https://careerservices.princeton.edu
Graduate Average Salaries
| Degree Level | Avg. Salary (USD/year) | Approx. NPR/year |
|---|
| Bachelor’s | $75,000 | NPR 9,975,000 |
| PhD/Doctoral | $90,000+ | NPR 11,970,000+ |
Salaries vary widely by field — tech and finance grads earn more, while academia and NGOs are lower but impactful.
Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/School=Princeton_University
Part-Time Jobs for International Students
On an F-1 visa, Nepali students can:
- Work up to 20 hours/week on-campus during term
- Work full-time during breaks
Common jobs include:
- Library assistant
- Teaching/research assistant
- Dining hall or events support
- Tutoring or IT desk roles
Average pay ranges from $13–$20/hour, helping you cover personal expenses.
Source: https://studentemployment.princeton.edu
Upcoming Intakes
- Fall intake (September) – main entry point
- Application deadline: January 1 (UG)
- Decisions released: Late March
- Graduate deadlines vary by department (usually Dec–Jan).
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Completion of +2/NEB with excellent grades (3.8 GPA equivalent or 85%+).
- SAT/ACT is optional but submitting a strong score (1400+ SAT) can give you an edge.
- IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo required for English proficiency.
- Essays and recommendations carry heavy weight — they’re as important as grades.
Graduate (PhD/Research)
- A 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with very high GPA.
- Strong research background with publications or thesis.
- GRE is optional for many departments but recommended in STEM.
- TOEFL/IELTS required (higher scores expected than UG).
- Writing samples and academic CV are key.
Princeton doesn’t offer many taught master’s degrees.
Most Nepali students apply for UG or PhD programs.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu
Required Documents
For Undergraduate Applicants (via Common App)
- Academic transcripts (Class 10, 11, 12)
- English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo)
- SAT/ACT (optional)
- Personal essay + Princeton supplement
- 2–3 teacher recommendations
- Financial Aid forms (CSS Profile, IDOC)
- Valid passport
For Graduate/PhD Applicants
- Bachelor’s (and Master’s if applicable) transcripts & certificates
- GRE (if required by program)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 3 recommendation letters
- Academic CV/Resume
- Writing sample (for humanities)
- Valid passport
At Goreto, we help students draft essays, SOPs, and even complete financial aid forms — which are crucial for Nepali families.
Source: https://gradschool.princeton.edu/admission
Contact Details
English Language Requirements
| Test | Undergraduate | Graduate (PhD) |
|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall (no band < 6.5) | 7.5 preferred |
| TOEFL iBT | 100+ | 105+ recommended |
| Duolingo | 130+ | Not accepted for PhD |
| PTE Academic | Not accepted | Not accepted |
If your medium of instruction was English in Nepal, you still need one of these tests for visa and admission purposes.
Source: https://gradschool.princeton.edu/admission/english-language-test
Admission Timeline & Deadlines
Undergraduate (Common App)
- Application opens: August
- Deadline: January 1
- Financial Aid deadline: February 1
- Decisions released: Late March
- Intake: Fall (September only)
Graduate (Departmental deadlines)
- Applications open: September
- Deadlines: Usually December–January depending on department
- Decisions: February–March
- Intake: Fall (September only)
Apply at least 9–12 months early to prepare essays, financial aid forms, and documents.
Goreto ensures you never miss a deadline.
Source: https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply
