25 Best Universities In Wisconsin For International Students 2026

Wisconsin is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 32 universities and colleges in Wisconsin, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 32 universities in Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are the top-performing schools in Wisconsin. This list covers both public and private institutions in Wisconsin.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Wisconsin. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Wisconsin.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Wisconsin?

Applying to the universities in Wisconsin involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Wisconsin to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Wisconsin?

Tuition fees at Wisconsin’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 12,400 USD to 62,100 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 5,460 USD to 44,300 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Wisconsin!

As we cover the best universities in Wisconsin for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Wisconsin for International Students

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, a public institution founded in 1848, is one of the United States’ most prestigious universities. It is considered the first and the official state university of Wisconsin. Over the years, it has been associated with many prominent alumni, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners. It continues to produce such high-quality graduates by catalyzing their journey towards the extraordinary.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is the largest educational institution in the city. It is located strategically, with students just minutes away from the comfort of Lake Michigan and the metropolitan downtown. The university already has an excellent international reputation when it comes to its research outputs.

Located in the upper central part of the USA, Marquette University is a Jesuit institution that is rooted deeply in the Catholic faith. When first established, Marquette College selected only male applicants from its selection pool. Finally, in 1909, Marquette accepted its first female applicant, which is a significant event that lead to Marquette being the first coeducational Catholic institution in the whole world! Due to its long history in the Wisconsin area, this institution has grown to be the largest private university in the whole state, and in academics, Marquette University offers high-level research and academic fieldwork in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, law, and other STEM disciplines.

Medical College of Wisconsin was established in 1893 and is Wisconsin’s first medical school. The college offers graduate programs in different areas of medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences. It is also known for its cutting-edge research and contributions to the improvement of the state’s medical education and healthcare services.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has set up an educational curriculum that is built on high expectations. It seeks to create a better tomorrow for passionate students by providing them with the necessary support and tools. Over the years, the university has built an excellent reputation for academic excellence.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is one of the 13 University of Wisconsin system campuses. It started as a normal school in 1916 before becoming a state university in 1964. After the Wisconsin State University and University of Wisconsin systems merged in 1971, the university was given its present name. The institution and its programs are accredited by several organizations, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWLC) is dedicated to enabling its students to have a life-long passion for learning. They are known for their courses in business, psychology, and biomedical sciences. UWLC offers a vibrant and engaging environment that encourages students to participate in different community activities and initiatives.

Located in a small city in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is divided into 5 colleges. It offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across its 3 campuses, along with opportunities to study abroad. The university is committed to being sustainable, which is why it has environmental-related majors and three research institutes for sustainability. Actually, it is among the top universities in the US regarding green energy use. The university also has almost 200 student organizations and 54 club and intramural sports teams.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-Whitewater) was established in 1868. Throughout its early beginnings, the institution thrived on providing comprehensive programs and good quality education in the state of Wisconsin. The university then joined the University of Wisconsin System in 1971 to offer its students more structured and high standards of teaching and research. Today, UW-Whitewater continues to improve and create innovative and top-rated programs that would reshape the future of its students.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is an advocate for environmental sustainability. It aims to create a better world for future generations to live in. At present, the university already has strong alliances with different organizations.

Lawrence University was founded by a Boston merchant, Amos A. Lawrence pledging $10,000 to build a school in the state. It became the first co-educational school in the country in 1849 offering undergraduate programs in liberal arts and sciences with a conservatory in music. Since its inception, the university has grown to open an off-campus program in Germany and established a Warch Campus Center containing a cinema and meeting spaces within its campus.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout was founded by James Huff Stout, a civic leader, and a state legislator. At its inception, manual and domestic science training started in the institution, followed by the establishment of other training schools. Up to the present, the institution grew to offer programs related to professional industries, including technology, home economics, applied arts, and helping professions.

Beloit College is one of the oldest colleges in the state. With almost 200 years of experience, the institute is already reliable when it comes to providing academic excellence. In recent years, Beloit College has strengthened its internationalization and seeks to participate more in numerous foreign conferences and research collaborations.

Situated among the still prairie lands of Somer is the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. It is recognized as a regional center for performing arts, as well as offering over 40 degree programs in business and the sciences. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside enrolls around 4000 students coming from all parts of the world.

Milwaukee School of Engineering is a specialized private institution. It offers a limited selection of undergrad and master’s programs; most of these courses focus on engineering. Because of its small population, the community is close-knit and attentive training is given to each student. MSOE is well-ranked, placing 9th among undergrad engineering programs in the US.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is known for its renowned faculty and challenging academics. It offers rigorous coursework that will truly train the students’ critical thinking abilities. The university hopes to hone intellectual individuals that are willing to contribute to society through research.

St. Norbert College is a private Catholic college for liberal arts in De Pere, Wisconsin. Named after Saint Norbert of Xanten, the college was established in 1898 initially to educate future priests. Liberal arts programs were then added for lay students in 1955. St. Norbert College is ranked among the best institutions for higher education in the midwest and is known across the region for its community service and engagement. 

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls commits to providing students with a high-quality education at an affordable cost. It offers a warm learning environment to all students, making them feel like they’re home away from home. The university hopes to strengthen its internationalization by attending numerous research collaborations and opportunities.

Herzing University is focused on providing outstanding education to local and international students. With campuses located in several states and online programs, the university aims to make education accessible and help students attain their career goals. Its future-oriented programs have also attracted students as the curriculum are explicitly designed and aligned to meet the demands of various industry sectors.

Concordia University of Wisconsin is a member of the Concordia University System operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod. It has merged with the Ann Arbor campus back in 2013, sharing a new name called CUWA. Concordia University of Wisconsin features nearly 100 degree programs and certificates in arts, sciences, and business alongside community outreach programs.

Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, Carthage College is one of the leading colleges in the midwest region. It is a private academic institution founded in 1847 by pioneering members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The college offers interdisciplinary and innovative programs in over 50 fields. 

Viterbo University is both a liberal arts and a Roman Catholic institution. This allows students to explore various disciplines while remaining anchored to values like diversity, equity, and inclusion. Viterbo was established by Franciscan sisters in 1890. It welcomes 2000+ students annually. It is well-ranked in the country, placing 601st in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2019.

Edgewood University is a higher education institution in Wisconsin, United States, with a surprising gender distribution of a 3:7 male-to-female student ratio. Founded in 1927, it has come a long way to create a diverse student community in gender, race, and ethnicity. The school also offers different opportunities that help student life, such as internship programs, financial loans, scholarship programs, and athletic programs. Currently, the area of sports is also strong, with NCAA Division III teams under its care. Edgewood is a university that can hold its ground in both the academic and athletic fields against top universities in the United States.

University of Wisconsin – Superior was initially founded as a Normal school for the training of teachers and was able to produce three graduates in 1897. From then, the school was awarded college status, then university status in 1964 after the consistent increase in enrollment and additions of program offers. Since then, the university has opened various programs and offered undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Caroll University, initially established as an academy, became Wisconsin’s pioneer college and was the first established four-year higher education institution in the state. The university became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and has incorporated its teachings into its curriculum. Since its inception, Caroll university grew in number and academic programs and has made it to the top lists of regional schools in the U.S.