Information for International Cadets

Image of international flags

As a world-class educational institution, West Point welcomes the diverse backgrounds and experiences that international students bring to our campus. Situated along the historic Hudson River in New York state, it is easily accessible from New York City, 45 minutes from campus.

West Point is consistently recognized as one of the best undergraduate colleges in the U.S. We educate and train cadets to perform at the highest levels intellectually, militarily and physically. Ethical and moral development is emphasized as is selfless service to one’s country.

International cadets are fully assimilated into the Corps of Cadets. Their four-year experience here is identical to that of U.S. cadets.

How to Apply

Photo of international cadets at West Point

To apply for admission to West Point, contact the U.S. Defense Attaché Office at the American Embassy in your country. This office serves as the link between the student, the host nation and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Applying to West Point takes more time than applying to other colleges. Don’t wait until deadlines are looming and it’s too late to meet them.  You will continuously update it over the course of the following year.  Print the Application Timeline and use it as a guide through the process - USMA Application Timeline. 

The application process for international students is essentially the same as that for U.S. citizens, with a few key differences. General requirements include:

Be sponsored by a national-level government official.
Be between the ages of 17 and 22.
Not be married or pregnant, or have any legal obligation to support children.
Up to 60 international cadets may study at West Point at any given time. Eligible countries are selected on an annual basis by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Defense. The American embassies notify invited nations to nominate up to six candidates per country to compete for admission to West Point.