Does the Naval Academy accept international students?

I'm an international student looking at military academies in the US. Does the Naval Academy accept international students, and if so, what is the application process like? Any advice for meeting the requirements?

Yes, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) does indeed accept international students. International candidates must meet the same admission requirements as U.S. candidates plus a few additional ones.

Admission to the Naval Academy for international students is highly competitive, as only a limited number of spaces (usually up to 60) are available each year. Nominated international students are brought in on a quota basis, with spots typically filled by citizens of countries invited by the Department of Defense.

Similar to domestic students, all international applicants must have a "Nomination". It's a bit different, however. In this case, you need to be nominated by your nation's government. You will need to contact your country's naval and military officials or U.S. embassy or consulate to inquire about the process for obtaining a nomination.

While the requirements for international applicants broadly match the ones for U.S. applicants, there are some key differences. For example, though applicants must be proficient in English, international applicants are not required to take the TOEFL. Another key difference is that international applicants don't need to pass a qualifying medical examination at the time of application. However, if you are selected, you will need to pass a medical exam.

The application process itself begins with completing a preliminary application form available on the USNA website. After review, the USNA admissions office sends a follow-up letter concerning the next steps in the application process if you are found eligible.

As for the advice, it's important to plan ahead since the process can be lengthy and involve your country's government. Academically, focus on mathematics, science, and English—the core of the Naval Academy curriculum. Like U.S. candidates, staying physically fit is crucial. Lastly, leadership experiences and extracurricular activities always strengthen a candidate's application, demonstrating that you can handle the rigorous and leadership-focused environment at the Naval Academy.