The University of Massachusetts Boston is a public research university located on the Boston Harbor waterfront, offering over 200 programs and recognized for its diversity and research in urban studies, gerontology, and marine science.
The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a public research university founded in 1964, located on the Boston Harbor waterfront — the only public research university in the city of Boston itself. With 16,000+ students from 136 countries, it is the most diverse four-year campus in New England. UMass Boston offers 200+ undergraduate and graduate programmes across nine colleges, including liberal arts, sciences, management, nursing, education, and public policy. The university is a Carnegie R2 institution with nationally recognised research in urban studies, gerontology, and marine science.
UMass Boston's Columbia Point campus is compact and modern, set along the scenic Boston Harbor. The campus has a student centre, dining hall, fitness facilities, and free shuttle services to the MBTA Red Line (JFK/UMass station). Students have instant access to downtown Boston — museums, concerts, professional sports, and neighbourhoods from the South End to Cambridge. The university's urban commuter character means many students balance study with work and community engagement.
On-campus housing is limited; most students live off-campus in surrounding neighbourhoods. Financial aid packages and graduate assistantships are available.
Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); professional programmes hold additional accreditations (AACSB, CCNE, NCATE, etc.).
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.
UMass Boston's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to pursue a career in nursing. This intensive online program allows you to become a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree in just 12 months. You will learn from instructors experienced in online education and engage with state-of-the-art simulation and clinical experiences. The program prepares graduates to demonstrate competence and clinical judgment in providing person-centered, culturally sensitive care, focusing on health equity. Graduates will be skilled in integrating evidence into practice, coordinating care across diverse populations and complex health systems, and promoting wellness and managing illness to enhance population health.
The Department of Accounting & Finance at UMass Boston offers a range of programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Our curriculum is kept current with fast-paced changes in accounting and finance, and our dedicated faculty are focused on student success. We provide rigorous academic knowledge, fostering critical thinking and preparing students to become leaders in their fields. The department offers undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance, as well as graduate programs including Master's degrees in Accounting and Finance, an MBA with Accounting and Finance specializations, and a PhD in Business Administration with a Finance track. A certificate in Investment Management & Quantitative Finance is also available.
UMass Boston's Addictions Counselor Education Program Certificate equips you with professional skills for evidence-based treatment of Substance Use Disorders. This program is ideal for current treatment professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, add a valuable certification to their resume, and prepare for licensure or certification exams. You will explore the societal impact of alcohol and drug use, and learn about the delivery of effective treatment and counseling services, applying these to work with individuals facing substance use disorders. An optional two-day workshop is available to assist with licensure/certification exam preparation.
The Africana Studies BA program at UMass Boston offers a comprehensive exploration of the experiences, cultures, and histories of people of African descent and the African diaspora. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students to understand and address complex social, political, and cultural issues in a global context. Students will gain insights into the history, cultures, social structures, and political movements of the African diaspora, enhancing their ability to communicate and advocate effectively on related issues.
The global population is aging rapidly, creating a significant demand for professionals knowledgeable in the issues and needs surrounding aging. This minor provides students with a foundational understanding of gerontology, exploring various aspects of aging and its implications across different fields. It is designed for students interested in healthcare, education, research, public policy, and beyond, offering opportunities to understand and address the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging society.
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 (non-resident) tuition fees at UMass Boston are approximately USD 17,500–26,000 per year, depending on whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate program.
The estimated monthly living costs in Boston, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses, range from EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,000. Boston is considered one of the more expensive cities in the US.
UMass Boston accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and the Duolingo English Test for international applicants. Minimum scores vary by program level, with undergraduate programs generally requiring a lower score than graduate programs.
Yes, UMass Boston offers a UMass Boston Merit Scholarship for high-achieving undergraduates, which can range from USD 2,000–8,000 per year. Limited merit-based awards are also available specifically for international undergraduate applicants.
UMass Boston is a Carnegie R2 research institution with nationally recognized research in urban studies, gerontology, and marine science. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine colleges.