Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focuses on connecting education with employment through experiential learning and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its supportive environment and practical approach to preparing students for professional careers.
Lesley University is a private institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. It focuses on connecting education with employment, preparing students to become skilled and compassionate professionals. The university offers a wide range of programs across undergraduate, graduate, and certificate levels in fields such as Education, Mental Health & Well-Being, Art & Design, and Liberal Arts & Business. Lesley is known for its experiential coursework, with faculty who are active practitioners in their fields, and its commitment to lifelong support for alumni.
Lesley University offers a safe and nurturing campus community for living, learning, and growing. On-campus housing includes 12 halls and houses with diverse living spaces, from traditional residence halls to Victorian homes and modern suite-style apartments. Students can choose from special interest housing and Lynx Living Learning Communities, allowing them to live alongside peers with similar goals and engage in shared projects and events. The campus is located in the heart of Cambridge, steps away from Harvard and Porter Squares, providing a rich social and cultural experience.
Most students receive financial aid; international applicants should budget for health insurance and fees in addition to tuition.
Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), with several programs holding additional specialized professional accreditation. The university is committed to a supportive and equitable environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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.
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 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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Lesley University offers Master of Arts degrees in Expressive Therapies, preparing students to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and certified therapists. The program uniquely integrates creativity, imagination, and expression into mental health practice. Lesley is one of the few universities nationwide to offer specializations in all five expressive therapy modalities: Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Drama Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Music Therapy within the same academic department, fostering an interdisciplinary and art-infused approach. Graduates are equipped to guide individuals, groups, and communities toward improved mental health.
Lesley University's online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to equip students with essential technical competencies and soft skills needed to advance their careers. The program offers a flexible learning experience, allowing students to study fully online and asynchronously, and to choose between full-time or part-time enrollment. Graduates will be prepared to excel in various business roles or lead in fields such as education, mental health, and art and design, leveraging a curriculum that blends core business principles with specialized areas of interest.
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
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.
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).
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.
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.
International undergraduate tuition at Lesley University is approximately 28,000-32,000 EUR per year. Graduate tuition varies by program and is typically charged per credit. Students should also budget for health insurance and fees.
Room, board, and personal expenses in Cambridge add approximately 16,000-20,000 EUR per year. This is in addition to tuition fees.
International applicants typically need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79-80 for most programs, or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall. Specific requirements may vary by program.
Yes, Lesley University offers highly experiential coursework and guaranteed internships through its Scholar Partner Program, providing practical, real-world experience.
Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Additionally, several programs hold specialized professional accreditations.