Founded in 1839, Boston University is one of the leading private research universities in the United States. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, BU is internationally recognised for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, global outlook, and strong graduate employability. Consistently ranked among the Top 100 universities in the world, Boston University attracts students from more than 140 countries and offers one of the most diverse academic communities in the U.S. Boston University enrolls more than 37,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programmes. The university is especially renowned for excellence in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Business, Finance, Medicine, Public Health, Communication, Economics, International Relations, and Law. Its location in Boston—one of the world's leading education, healthcare, and technology hubs—provides students with outstanding opportunities for internships, research, and employment. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of Boston University admissions, available programmes, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Boston University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Economics, Data Science, Psychology, Communication, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Business Analytics, Public Health, and more. |
| Professional Programmes | Graduate programmes through the Questrom School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and School of Public Health. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research centres. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Outstanding academic performance with programme-specific requirements |
| GPA | Highly competitive academic record |
| SAT / ACT | Optional for many undergraduate programmes under current admissions policies |
| IELTS | Generally 7.0+ |
| TOEFL iBT | Generally 90–100+ depending on the programme |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, résumé/portfolio (where applicable), and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The Boston University tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, meals, books, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses while studying in Boston, Massachusetts. Although Boston has a relatively high cost of living, students benefit from access to one of the world's largest education, healthcare, biotechnology, finance, and innovation ecosystems, offering exceptional academic and career opportunities.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Boston University offers a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, graduate fellowships, assistantships, and departmental funding. Undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for several prestigious merit scholarships during the admissions process. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- Trustee Scholarship
- Presidential Scholarship
- Boston University Merit Scholarships
- Need-Based Financial Aid
- Graduate Fellowships
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Departmental Scholarships
- External Scholarships
Graduate students may also receive programme-specific fellowships, assistantships, and research funding depending on their school and department. International students are eligible for several merit-based scholarships and selected departmental funding opportunities.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Boston University offers a dynamic campus experience in one of America's premier student cities. Students benefit from:
- More than 500 student clubs and organisations
- Modern libraries and advanced research laboratories
- Career counselling and internship support
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programmes
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Global study abroad programmes in over 25 countries
- NCAA Division I athletics
- A vibrant urban campus along the Charles River
- Boston University's location allows students to connect with leading employers, hospitals, research institutes, financial institutions, startups, and multinational companies throughout the Boston metropolitan area
Research & Global Reputation
Boston University is internationally recognised for research excellence, innovation, and graduate employability. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 100 universities worldwide in major global rankings
- Member of the prestigious Association of American Universities
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Public Health, Medicine, Neuroscience, Economics, Climate Science, and Robotics
- Home to internationally recognised schools including the Questrom School of Business, College of Engineering, School of Medicine, and School of Public Health
- Strong partnerships with employers including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, IBM, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Moderna, Pfizer, and Mass General Brigham
- Excellent graduate employability supported by a global alumni network of more than 400,000 graduates
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to Boston University generally require an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. After graduation, eligible students may gain professional experience through Optional Practical Training. Graduates in eligible STEM programmes may also qualify for the STEM OPT Extension, allowing additional work experience in the U.S., subject to current U.S. immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | International students generally require an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Eligible graduates may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their degree. STEM graduates may qualify for an extended OPT period, subject to current U.S. immigration regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through the Common Application.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission decision.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the relevant Boston University graduate admissions portal. Upload academic transcripts and required documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your U.S. student visa process.
- Begin your U.S. student visa process — After accepting your offer, begin your U.S. student visa process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Boston University good for international students?
Yes. Boston University is one of the leading private research universities in the United States, offering globally recognised degrees, outstanding research opportunities, strong industry partnerships, and a diverse international student community.
Does Boston University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Boston University offers Trustee Scholarships, Presidential Scholarships, merit-based awards, graduate fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and departmental funding opportunities for eligible international students.
What English language tests does Boston University accept?
Boston University accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and other approved English language proficiency tests, depending on the programme.
How do I apply to Boston University?
Undergraduate applicants apply through the Common Application, while postgraduate applicants apply through the relevant Boston University graduate admissions portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Boston University?
Yes. Eligible graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training, and graduates from eligible STEM programmes may qualify for the STEM OPT Extension, subject to U.S. immigration regulations.
Does Boston University provide career support?
Yes. Boston University offers career counselling, internships, employer networking events, entrepreneurship programmes, undergraduate research opportunities, alumni mentoring, and comprehensive career development services. Its location in Boston provides exceptional access to careers in technology, healthcare, biotechnology, finance, consulting, media, and research.
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