Located between New York and Baltimore, Philadelphia 鈥� affectionately called Philly- has a rich history, affordable public transport, and a thriving cultural and dining scene. It's a perfect place for international students, and it won't break the bank compared to some cities in America. This article gives you an overview of the higher education scene in Philadelphia and breaks down the enrolment conditions for international students.
Is Philadelphia a good place to study?
Students in Philly enjoy a good quality of life and a cost of living that, while rising, is still lower than in many other major US cities. Philadelphia remains one of the largest student cities in the US, with nearly 120,000 college students across its universities. The city is known for its diversity, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong support for international students.
Philadelphia's population is about 1.6 million. The city is famous for prestigious universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, a major research institution, and Drexel University, which has an interesting course structure where study is combined with work experience.
Universities in Philadelphia
So, what are the best places to study in Philadelphia?
Before going further, let's distinguish between public and private universities in the USA.
Public universities are state-funded, by Pennsylvania, for instance, while private universities are not. Some even have a blended model. University fees are very expensive in the USA, even at state-funded universities.If you're planning to enroll in Pennsylvania State University, which is the state's public university, you will still need to pay a hefty sum. The average cost of tuition at the university (before financial aid, if you qualify for it) is around USD 20,000. Other related costs (like food and housing) can amount to another USD 15,000, making the total annual costs around USD 35,000.
International students in the US typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, especially at public universities where they are ineligible for the in-state tuition rates.
University of Pennsylvania (not to be confused with Pennsylvania State University)
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn or UPenn) is an Ivy League school founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. Currently, UPenn ranks 13th worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and sits among the top 10鈥�15 universities in the United States. The university has over 22,500 students, with international students making up about a quarter of the student body.
UPenn is known for its research excellence, partly due to the , which is known for producing cutting-edge clinical studies. Recently, three Penn Medicine studies were ranked among the US's top 10 clinical research achievements, including advances in gene editing and cancer therapy. In addition to scientific research, the university is also home to the , currently ranked number one in the US for business schools.
Name-drop-worthy UPenn alums include Elon Musk, John Legend, Noam Chomsky, Elizabeth Banks, and US President Donald Trump. Popular programs for international students include business, finance, medicine, economics, engineering, and the life sciences.
For more information on admissions and enrollment, visit the
Drexel University
Founded in 1891, Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel is probably best known for its cooperative education (co-op) program, which allows students to mix six-month periods of full-time study with full-time, paid work experience with approved employers. The benefits of co-op study are pretty clear 鈥� undergraduates are able to gain up to 18 months of real-world work experience before graduating, as well as connections with future employers.
Currently, Drexel has more than 24,000 students enrolled, with international students comprising approximately 8鈥�9% of the student body. The university's main campus covers 74 acres in University City, close to UPenn and major city landmarks.
Drexel is ranked #86 among US national universities (US News 2025), number 721鈥�730 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and number 351 in the Times Higher Education global rankings.
Popular majors include nursing, engineering, business, computer science, biology, and design, generally industries where there is a clear work experience pathway. Drexel's academic year is structured around a quarter system, and its class sizes are pretty small.
For more information on admissions and programs, visit .
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) was founded in 1855. Made up of 24 campuses across the state and offering more than 275 undergraduate majors and over 100 graduate programs, Penn State is a huge school. Currently, Penn State enrolls nearly 88,000 students, including over 9,000 international students.
Penn State is consistently ranked among the world's top universities: it is ranked 89th globally in the , and 100th in the . The most popular majors include business, management, marketing, engineering, computer science, health professions, and social sciences.
The university is renowned for its research. It spends a whopping USD 1.3 billion on annual research expenditures. Another impressive thing about Penn is that it is home to the world's largest student-run philanthropy group: . In 2025, THON raised a record-breaking USD 17.7 million for a local children's hospital. Each February, more than 700 students dance for 46 hours to support pediatric cancer research.
Penn State boasts a global alumni network of over 788,000, comprising leaders in business, science, government, and the arts. Famous alums include Nike CEO Mark Parker, astronaut Guion Bluford, and former US Secretary of Defense William Perry.
Temple University
Temple University is a major public research university founded in 1884. Located in the northern part of the city, it has about 30,000 students in attendance across 17 different schools and colleges. Temple is known for its diverse student population and for its global presence, with international campuses in Tokyo and Rome.
Temple's acceptance rate is about 80%, making it an accessible yet competitive school to try and get into. International students make up roughly 4鈥�5% of the student body. Popular programs include business, health, communications, arts, biological sciences, and information sciences.
For admissions details and the latest requirements, visit 's official website.
Cost of living for international students in Philadelphia
While Philadelphia remains more affordable than New York or Washington, DC, the cost of living has increased. These days, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is USD 1,650鈥揢SD 1,850/month. UPenn recommends an annual student budget of USD 19,700鈥揢SD 22,300, covering housing, food, insurance, and personal costs. Public transport (SEPTA) monthly passes cost about USD 96.
Flat sharing is a common and affordable option. The offers accommodation and cultural support for global students.
What to do on campus in Philadelphia?
US universities are well known for organizing extracurricular activities for their students, and in America, student life is definitely not just about academics. You can join sports teams, a huge range of clubs and groups, participate in events and apply for memberships in sororities and fraternities. Among the four universities mentioned in this article, Penn State and Temple are famous for having a strong school spirit and real sense of camaraderie and loyalty. In Philly, there is an area known as 鈥淯niversity City鈥� as it is home to both UPenn and Drexel campuses. This area has a large and noticeable student population and is generally quite a lively place to be.
Student visas and internships in the US
In all scenarios, you need a visa to study in the US. If you have enrolled as a full-time student, you will need to obtain the F-1 visa, which allows you to study, take part in internships, and potentially pursue employment after graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT). Over time, it may also lead to applying for a Green Card or H-1B work visa.
If you're joining a student exchange program, you will likely receive a J-1 visa, which does not classify you as a full-time student. J-1 students may still undertake internships under particular conditions, but they are generally not allowed to do paid work in the US. At some universities like Drexel, exchange students on a J-1 visa may not be eligible for professional placement assistance or participation in clubs and student organizations.
The US student visa process has recently become fully digital. Students must:
- Obtain an I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) from their school;
- Pay the SEVIS fee;
- Complete the DS-160 visa application;
- Upload all supporting documents digitally at least 72 hours before the US embassy interview;
- Attend a scheduled visa interview.
Visa processing times are longer than usual at the moment, so make sure to begin the process as soon as you receive your admission letter. Do your own research and have a good sense of the timeline and what will be required. Applicants must also show proof of sufficient funds and demonstrate strong ties to their home country, as these requirements are more strictly enforced under the current Trump presidency.
F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term. Off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or OPT requires authorization. Although OPT is still available in 2025, it is under review and its continuation is by no means guaranteed; please check your university's international student office for the latest info.
You can find more information on the J-1 visa through the Department of State, and on F-1 visa employment options under the on .
Enrollment in US universities
Application deadlines will vary by school and term, so again, it's really important to do your own research. Many universities require , , or other standardized test results to apply, which you will have to arrange to sit in advance. To make sure you're up to speed see official university websites and consult resources like:
Important:
All students must carry health insurance. Most universities will automatically enroll students in existing institutional plans unless they provide proof of equivalent coverage.
Safety and support for international students in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is generally a safe and welcoming city to internationals, but students should use caution at night and on transit, especially if they are venturing off campus. All universities provide security, mental health support, and international student services.
and your university offices will also offer community events and housing support, which can be very helpful, especially when you are new to the area.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
