University of Wisconsin–Madison logo

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Madison, WI, USA · Ranking #28

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) is a leading public research university situated in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 1848. As the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System, UW–Madison integrates rigorous academics with expansive research across STEM, health sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. It embodies the “Wisconsin Idea,” a philosophy that education should benefit people beyond the campus, informing public policy and community engagement. With more than 300 undergraduate majors, graduate and professional programs, and world‑class research infrastructure, the university attracts students from across the U.S. and the globe, fostering innovation and leadership. Its campus — spanning an urban layout between lakes Mendota and Monona — supports a vibrant intellectual and social environment where experiential learning, internships, and study‑abroad opportunities prepare graduates for impactful careers. UW–Madison is also notable for its contributions to science and society, reflected in Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners and global research partnerships.

University of Wisconsin–Madison logo

University of Wisconsin–Madison

About the university

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) is a leading public research university situated in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 1848. As the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System, UW–Madison integrates rigorous academics with expansive research across STEM, health sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. It embodies the “Wisconsin Idea,” a philosophy that education should benefit people beyond the campus, informing public policy and community engagement. With more than 300 undergraduate majors, graduate and professional programs, and world‑class research infrastructure, the university attracts students from across the U.S. and the globe, fostering innovation and leadership. Its campus — spanning an urban layout between lakes Mendota and Monona — supports a vibrant intellectual and social environment where experiential learning, internships, and study‑abroad opportunities prepare graduates for impactful careers. UW–Madison is also notable for its contributions to science and society, reflected in Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners and global research partnerships.

Key information

  • Location: Madison, WI, USA
  • Ranking #28
  • QS #93
  • THE #61
  • US News #26
  • National ranking #30
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Biological & Health Sciences
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Economics
  • Fine Arts
  • Law
  • Education

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 50,000
  • Undergraduate: 37,000
  • Graduate: 13,000
  • International students: 14%

Campus life

Campus life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is vibrant, diverse and deeply integrated with the city of Madison. Students engage in more than 1,000 student organizations that span academic, cultural, recreational and special interest areas, complemented by Division I Badger athletics and a rich calendar of events that unite the community. The campus is uniquely situated between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, offering scenic outdoor spaces, walking trails, green parks and waterfront gathering places like the Memorial Union Terrace that define Wisconsin student culture. Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) produces concerts, films, performances and lectures that contribute to an active social and cultural environment, while academic clubs, service initiatives and leadership programmes foster personal growth and professional skills.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $800 - $1,600 / per month

Housing options

  • Lakeshore residence halls
  • Southeast residence halls
  • University apartments
  • Off-campus in Madison
  • Graduate housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Badger Band
  • Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) performing arts groups
  • Debate Team
  • Engineers Without Borders
  • Dance Marathon
  • Environmental Law Society
  • Asian Student Union
  • Black Student Union
  • Recreation Sport Clubs (soccer
  • football
  • climbing)
  • Robotics Club
  • Entrepreneurship Club

Sports

  • Wisconsin Badgers Football
  • Basketball
  • Ice Hockey
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Track & Field

Career & internships

Employment rate: 91%

Partner companies

  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Deloitte
  • Epic Systems
  • UW Health
  • IBM

Internships: UW–Madison integrates internships, cooperative education and career development into its academic programmes and student experience. The University’s Career Services facilitates connections with employers across industries through career fairs, networking events, résumé workshops and employer information sessions. Students engage in internships, research placements and experiential learning opportunities that build practical skills and professional networks. These experiences — spanning sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance and public policy — help students apply classroom learning to real‑world contexts and strengthen employability before and after graduation.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • SAT
  • ACT
  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • GRE

Required documents

  • High School Diploma/Equivalent
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
  • Personal Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation — typical US requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.8

Tuition costs

  • $44,000 - $55,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 49.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a variety of scholarships, grants and financial aid programmes for domestic and international students. These include merit‑based awards, need‑based assistance, departmental scholarships and support for research and experiential learning. Many financial packages can reduce tuition costs and provide additional support for living expenses; eligibility criteria and application details vary by level and programme and are published annually on university financial aid pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1848
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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