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UNITED STATES · BOSTON

Boston University

private · Founded 1869 · Languages: en, ar, zh, de, he, hi, ur, ja, ko, fa, ru, tr

In short

Boston University is a large private research university in Massachusetts offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 17 schools. It is recognized globally for its academic excellence and research opportunities.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1869
Students: 38,000
International students: 10,000
Acceptance rate: 20%
Tuition (intl): €58–64k/yr
Languages: EN, AR, ZH, DE, HE, HI, UR, JA, KO, FA, RU, TR
Location: Boston, United States

Boston University (BU) is a large private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With a diverse student body from over 140 countries, BU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 17 schools and colleges, including the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences. The university is known for its dynamic academic environment and commitment to research, with faculty actively engaged in groundbreaking work across many disciplines. Students at BU benefit from a vibrant campus life and the extensive resources of Boston, a major global city. The university fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students can develop practical skills through clinics, externships, and pro bono placements, alongside a strong theoretical foundation. BU's rich history includes being a pioneer in coeducational medical education. From engineering innovation to theological studies, law, and medical sciences, BU provides a comprehensive educational experience. The university is dedicated to professional development and mentorship, preparing students for impactful careers worldwide.

Why study here

Access to a wide array of academic programs across 17 schools and colleges, including interdisciplinary options.
Opportunities for hands-on learning through clinics, externships, and research in a major global city.
Benefit from a world-class faculty known for teaching excellence and active engagement in research.
Experience a diverse and collaborative learning environment with students and faculty from over 140 countries.
Located in Boston, providing rich cultural experiences, career connections, and access to leading industries.

Student life

Boston University offers a vibrant student life with numerous activities and communities. Students can engage in varsity sports, celebrate cultural events like Pride Month, and participate in a wide array of clubs and organizations. The university's location in Boston provides access to a rich urban environment, including historical sites, cultural institutions, and major sporting events. BU's campus is active and diverse, with many opportunities for personal growth, academic enrichment, and social engagement. Housing options are available both on-campus and through supported off-campus listings in various Boston neighborhoods.

Fees

InternationalScholarships for LLM students are partial-tuition waivers; full tuition waivers and living expense support are not available. Students must secure other funding sources for the full cost of attendance. School of Theology aims to keep tuition low and offers generous financial aid packages to masters students and full funding to PhD students. Graduate Medical Sciences offers various tuition support and scholarships for doctoral and master's students. MSSP students are automatically considered for merit-based tuition assistance ranging from $5,000 to half-tuition awards, with on-campus employment, research, and teaching assistantships also available.

HomeUndergraduate tuition is roughly the same published rate for domestic and international students (about USD 66,000 per year); generous need-based aid is available primarily to U.S. students.

LivingLiving expenses are a significant part of the total cost of attendance in Boston. Off-campus housing options are available in various neighborhoods around Boston, with monthly rents varying. Students are encouraged to explore options like apartments, houses, and condos in areas such as Allston, Brighton, Brookline, and Cambridge. BU Housing also provides information and resources for off-campus living.

Tuition fees and living costs vary considerably by program and individual choices. Specific details for each program can be found on the respective departmental websites.

Admissions

TranscriptsRequired from each college or university attended. For graduate applications, SOPHAS sends verified coursework to SPH; direct submission to SPH is not needed unless currently enrolled and accepted into a program, in which case a final transcript is required.

Letters of RecommendationTypically 2-3 letters are required. For MS in MCBB and PhD, letters addressing research experience and aptitude are highly valued. For Public Health programs, 3 letters are needed (2 for Online MPH); mix of academic and professional references suggested based on time since last in school. Family, friends, or acquaintances should not write letters.

Personal Statement/Statement of PurposeA thoughtful statement outlining motivation for graduate school, research interests, and prior research experience (for PhD or MS with research thesis) is important. Public Health programs emphasize narrative of education, experiences, and career objectives.

Curriculum Vitae/ResumeRequired for many graduate programs.

Writing SampleRequired for graduate Sociology applications.

Undergraduate Prerequisites (MSSP)Solid foundation in Calculus and core statistics (coursework or equivalent experience), familiarity with computing (e.g., one-semester programming course, R experience). Exposure to probability and linear algebra is beneficial.

GRENot required for MSSP, PhD in Sociology, or BU School of Public Health programs. For MSSP, if submitted, send to Boston University GRE Institution Code 3087 (scores older than 5 years are not valid). No subject test required for MSSP. Sociology applicants may submit GRE scores if they choose, but they are not mandatory.

TOEFL (iBT only)100 overall (25 recommended in each section) for MSSP; MyBest Scores not accepted.

IELTS7.0 overall band score for MSSP.

Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)185 overall score for MSSP.

Duolingo130 overall score for MSSP.

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report#41 Best Global Universities

U.S. News & World Report 2025Top 10 Online Master's Programs (MET)

QS World University Rankings#88 in the QS World University Rankings

University scholarships

School of Theology Financial AidVaries (generous financial aid for masters, full funding for PhD)

LLM Scholars ProgramPartial-tuition waiver

LLM Leadership ProgramMost generous scholarship support (partial-tuition waiver)

Frederic C. Corneel ScholarshipPartial scholarship

Bigelow-Deland Scholarship FundPartial scholarship

Master in the Study of Tax Law ScholarFinancial support (partial-tuition waiver)

Commonwealth ScholarsFinancial support

LITC Scholarship$10,000 tuition scholarship

MFA Playwriting Full Tuition ScholarshipsFull tuition

MSSP Merit Scholarships$5,000 to half-tuition awards

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. The MS in Biomedical Forensic Sciences program is accredited by FEPAC.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community Health Sciences program at Boston University is designed to prepare you to become an independent, innovative, and productive research scientist. The curriculum emphasizes social and behavioral science theories and methods, community-engaged research, and social justice, with the goal of training the next generation of community health scholars. This doctoral program integrates advanced methodological training with a social justice perspective and a focus on collaborations with community members and organizations to ensure research is rigorous, impactful, and equitable. The program aligns with Boston University’s strategic priorities by offering a high-quality residential education, fostering research that addresses complex public health challenges, and promoting social justice through scholarship. Graduates will be equipped to analyze the social and behavioral determinants of health, develop theoretically informed research questions, apply diverse research methods, and communicate findings effectively to various audiences.

PhD

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Boston University?

Undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 66,000 per year for both domestic and international students. Scholarships for LLM students are partial-tuition waivers, and full tuition waivers or living expense support are not generally available.

Does Boston University offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?

Scholarships for LLM students are typically partial-tuition waivers. The School of Theology offers generous financial aid packages to master's students and full funding to PhD students. Graduate Medical Sciences also offers various tuition support and scholarships for doctoral and master's students.

What are the living expenses like for students in Boston?

Living expenses are a significant part of the total cost of attendance in Boston. Students can explore off-campus housing options in various neighborhoods, with monthly rents varying considerably.

What English proficiency tests does Boston University accept for international applicants?

Boston University accepts TOEFL (iBT only) with a recommended score of 100 overall (25 in each section), IELTS with a 7.0 overall band score, Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) with an 185 overall score, and Duolingo with a 130 overall score for specific programs like MSSP.

What are some of the academic highlights at Boston University?

Boston University is ranked #41 in Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #88 in the QS World University Rankings. It offers over 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges.

Last updated 3 July 2026