With its globally recognized universities like Carnegie Mellon and U Pitt, Pittsburgh attracts ambitious students from both the US and overseas. But as well as having several world-class universities, Pittsburgh still manages to have a welcoming, local feel. Prospective students will appreciate the affordable cost of living, the diverse cultural makeup, and the access to arts and culture they'll find in this Northeast city. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about moving to Pittsburgh as an international student, from visa questions to the cost of living.
Renowned universities in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's universities have always attracted students from all around the world. Two universities in Pittsburgh got a spot in the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings庐 2025, led by the well-known Carnegie Mellon University in 58th place. A reputation for academic excellence and a good quality of life make Pittsburgh a sought-after destination for international students.
Carnegie Mellon University
(CMU) is a private research university in Pittsburgh's vibrant Oakland district, founded in 1900. CMU excels in technology and science and is renowned for its artistic and economic programs. Its computer labs are among the most innovative in the US. The university holds the impressive rank of the 4th most innovative American university according to US News and is the QS Rankings' 58th best university in the world.
In terms of being welcoming to international students, you can't do much better than CMU, which is essentially a global community, maintaining a massive 44% international student body (second聽highest in the U.S.). Expanding its worldwide reach, CMU has satellite centers in Silicon Valley and Manhattan. Additionally, it made history by being the first US university to establish a campus in Australia (in Adelaide) and operates an undergraduate branch campus in Doha, Qatar.
University of Pittsburgh
Established in 1787, , often referred to as Pitt, is a public university situated in the Oakland district near Carnegie Mellon University.
Pitt enjoys a global reputation for its exceptional medical school and medical center, leading the way in organ transplantations. The university is also renowned for its engineering school and finance program.
As of the latest data, Pitt accommodates over 19,000 undergraduate students, including nearly 3,000 international students. The university boasts a generous admission rate of 66%.
Other universities in Pittsburgh
Yes, CMU and Pitt are the most obvious choices in Pittsburgh, but don't rule out the other well-regarded colleges. Alternatives include:
- Duquesne University is a private Catholic university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its strong emphasis on ethics and social justice, it has a beautiful campus located on the Bluff overlooking downtown Pittsburgh;
- Point Park University is a private university focused on arts, media, business, and social sciences. It offers innovative programs and opportunities for hands-on experience in various fields;
- Chatham University is a private university committed to sustainability and environmental studies. It offers a diverse range of programs and is particularly known for its strong focus on women's leadership;
- Carlow University is another private Catholic university in Pittsburgh focusing on liberal arts and professional programs. It strongly commits to community engagement and offers a supportive learning environment.
Tuition fees and scholarships in Pittsburgh
The cost of completing a year at US universities can vary significantly. For example, at Pitt, the in-state tuition is $20,500 and out-of-state tuition is $40,060.
Many universities offer merit scholarships based on outstanding academic performance and grants based on financial need. However, these scholarships have a range of criteria and international students do not always qualify.
At CMU, students may apply for merit-based or need-based scholarships, including聽full tuition awards; these are included with admission applications and have no fixed deadlines.
At Pitt, there are four university-administered . These are the International Freshman Scholarship, the University Scholarship, the Pitt-Bradford Room and Board Scholarship and the Frederick Honors College Award. These are competitive awards and typically require strong academics and extracurricular engagement. There are also external scholarships available to students that are not Pitt-administered.
As an international student at these universities, even if you get some scholarship support, you will possibly need to rely on personal financial resources and even consider part-time work to support your studies (check the "Working as a student in Pittsburgh" section below for more information).
Academic calendar and courses in Pittsburgh
Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh use the quarter system, which divides the year into four terms of 10 weeks each, running from September to June.
Classes are conducted in small groups, either in a classroom or an auditorium, with dozens of students. It is also possible to participate in seminars, which give the floor to students and focus on communication, togetherness, and sharing opinions.
Grading system and diplomas in an American University
The grading system used in American schools is entirely different from the one used in Europe, and it may seem complicated at first. Grades are assigned using a percentage system and converted into letters (A鈥揊), with A equating to 4.33鈥疓PA points and F to 0. There are three levels of study: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate (Ph.D.).
Student visas in the US
Any foreigner wishing to study in the United States must have a visa. The F1 visa is for full-time academic students, the M1 is for technical/vocational programs (with a maximum of three renewals), and the J1 is for exchange students.
The visa procedure remains the student's responsibility, with admin costs typically between $300鈥�$500 (including SEVIS and application fees). Universities should provide support with paperwork, such as the SEVIS I聽20 or DS聽2019 forms. Under the Trump administration, increased visa scrutiny has led to hundreds of student visa revocations nationally, including .
Admission requirements now include:
- English proficiency proof via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or waivers for prior English-medium education.
- Undergraduate applicants: SAT/ACT scores (optional at many schools, including Carnegie Mellon except for computer science).
- Graduate applicants: GRE scores (required for most STEM programs; verbal/quantitative thresholds vary).
Health insurance is mandatory. Universities like Carnegie Mellon offer plans (e.g., $3,200/year for 2025 through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield). Students can waive the standard university plans if they have equivalent coverage (e.g., international policies or employer-sponsored plans).
Working as a student in Pittsburgh
International students with F1 and J1 visas are allowed to work on campus as long as they are enrolled at the university. They can work up to 20 hours per week. Students with an F1 visa may work off-campus (under certain conditions) from their second year of study. For either on-campus or off-campus work, your university must provide you with an acceptance letter that will allow you to obtain your US social security number.
M1 students may complete a 1-month internship after 4 months of study, then up to 6 months total, with a separate work permit.
Living costs as a student in Pittsburgh
The cost of living in Pittsburgh is not as expensive as you might think, especially when compared to other big cities on the East Coast. However, as a student, you often live on a shoestring, and it is important to have a clear idea of what to expect. Currently, average monthly expenses are $4,554 (about $54,648/year), with apartment rental ranging from $1,100 (North Braddock) to $1,540 (Shadyside). Shared flats in Oakland or the Strip District can cut costs.
Having a student ID is a great way to get discounts. Students attending Carnegie Mellon University, for example, are granted a free transportation card to get around the city. Some cultural visits and outings are also available at reduced prices.
Accommodation in Pittsburgh
As an international student in Pittsburgh, the simplest way to find housing is to live on campus. Not only will it save you time commuting to class, but it will also help you socialize more easily. Universities organize various activities for students living on campus, including sports teams, excursions, and Halloween or Christmas parties. At U Pitt, on-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment complexes like ). Carnegie Mellon University offers fully furnished, all-inclusive for undergraduates and graduates.
If you do want to live off-campus, use tools like Numbeo to determine the most affordable neighborhoods. Typical student districts include Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and Shadyside.
Culture and leisure in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, also known as "The Burgh" to locals, has a rich cultural scene, being the birthplace of Andy Warhol and Heinz Ketchup, both honored with dedicated museums. The prestigious has an excellent collection of contemporary art.
A site of historical significance, Pittsburgh witnessed one of the final battles of the War of the Conquest between France and Britain in 1760. History enthusiasts can explore the Fort Pitt Museum to expand their knowledge.
Pittsburgh offers diverse dining experiences, ranging from high gastronomy to typical American diners. Beyond being a vibrant metropolis, Pittsburgh is near nature, providing excellent opportunities for biking, picnicking, strolling, and kayaking on the converging rivers. For a brief escape from the city, the area offers ideal weekend hikes and camping experiences.
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