
Boston University does accept international students, defined as non-US citizens or non-US permanent resident green card holders. International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, and provide original or certified copies of their home country's credentials. Additionally, international students are required to submit financial documentation reflecting the minimum amount of support in US dollars and specify funding for study at Boston University. While Boston University does offer scholarships for international students, they do not offer need-based financial assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of international student | A non-US citizen or non-US Permanent Resident Green Card Holder |
| Requirements for admission | SAT or ACT scores, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores, and proof of English proficiency |
| Scholarships | Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Alumni & Friends Scholarships |
| Financial aid | Boston University does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students |
| Visa | International students usually need an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US. Boston University Academy and Metropolitan College also sponsor visas for graduate students. |
| Passport | All international applicants must submit the completed International Applicant Coversheet or International Student Data Form with required passport/visa documentation |
| Financial documentation | All declarations of financial support must reflect the minimum amount of support in US dollars, specify funding for study at Boston University, include a date and be no older than one year from the intended date of enrollment, indicate the period of time for support will be provided, and be written in English |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Boston University's definition of an international student
Boston University (BU) defines an international student as a non-US citizen or non-US permanent resident (Green Card holder). BU accepts international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and students can transfer from other universities. International students are eligible for the Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Alumni & Friends Scholarships.
International students are required to submit the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test as the primary means for evaluating English-language proficiency. They must also submit a photocopy of the photo/data page of their current, valid passport. Original or certified copies of their home country's credentials are also required, along with any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates. Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.
BU does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students, so applicants should be prepared to finance the full cost of their education. BU provides resources for international students, including information on visas, travel, and legal rights. The university also maintains a Student Emergency Assistance Fund to assist students with unexpected expenses.
Truman State University: Student Population Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products

English proficiency test requirements
Boston University does accept international students, who are defined as non-US citizens or non-US Permanent Resident Green Card Holders. International students usually require an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US.
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency by providing official results from one of the following tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Duolingo English Test
The minimum total TOEFL score requirement is 84, with minimum scores in each section as follows:
- Reading: 22
- Listening: 18
- Speaking: 22
- Writing: 22
The minimum total band score requirement for IELTS is 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
For Boston University Academy, the minimum total TOEFL score requirement is 100.
Exploring Rutgers University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Scholarships for international students
Boston University does accept international students, and there are scholarships available to them. However, BU does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. Instead, international students can apply for merit-based scholarships, which are awarded regardless of financial need. These include the Trustee Scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship, and the Alumni & Friends Scholarships.
The Trustee Scholarship is one of the university's most prestigious awards, recognising 20 exceptional students annually with full tuition and fees coverage. The scholarship is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including international students, who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in their academic and community pursuits.
The Presidential Scholarship is available to first-year students worldwide who exhibit exceptional academic excellence and leadership qualities. This scholarship offers a USD 25,000 annual award to acknowledge achievements that impact students.
The Alumni & Friends Scholarships are made possible by the generosity of distinguished alumni and friends of the university community. These awards are given to first-year students from a variety of geographic regions and academic interests and are valued at $10,000 up to the full cost of attendance.
In addition to these scholarships, Indian students are eligible for various other scholarships at Boston University for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Abertay University Student Population: Numbers and Trends
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Visa requirements for international students
Boston University does accept international students, and the visa requirements for international students are as follows:
F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
International students usually need an F-1 Student Visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US. To obtain these visas, students must provide:
- A Boston University admission letter
- Original documents evidencing how they will pay for their studies and living expenses
- Additional documents required by the specific consular post where the student will apply (information available at the nearest US embassy or consulate)
SEVIS Fee and Form
Before obtaining the visa, students must pay the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. This can be done online, by mail, or through Western Union. After paying the fee, students will receive a SEVIS Form DS-2019, which confirms their invitation to study at Boston University and includes information about their intended program. Students with dependent family members travelling with them will receive additional forms to assist with their J-2 visa applications.
Additional Requirements
When entering the US, international students must have the following documents with them:
- A passport valid for at least six months from their entry date
- Medical records, including certificates of immunizations, vaccinations, and any necessary prescriptions or medical documents
- Documents demonstrating their intent to leave the US once they complete their studies, such as ties to their home country
- Contact information for their student advisor
Upon arrival in the US, students will go through immigration and speak with an officer, answering questions about their program of study, family ties, and intent to return home.
H-1B Visa
For temporary employment at Boston University, international scholars may require an H-1B Visa. The application process involves reviewing the H-1B Approval Notice (Form I-797B) and the entire H-1B petition submitted by the ISSO to the US Department of Homeland Security. The application may be subject to a security clearance by the consular official before the visa is granted.
Enrolment Insights: Columbia University's New York Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Financial requirements for international students
Boston University does accept international students, and a select number of awards are made to first-year students from a variety of geographic regions and academic interests. These awards are funded by distinguished alumni and friends of the University community and can range from $10,000 to the full cost of attendance.
However, it is important to note that Boston University does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students. Thus, international students are expected to finance their entire education at Boston University.
To apply for graduate admission, international students can visit the Graduate Admissions Office in the school or college they are interested in attending.
International students are required to submit specific documents as part of their application process. These include:
- A photocopy of the photo/data page of their current, valid passport.
- Original or certified copies of their home country's credentials.
- Copies of any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates.
- Notarized English translations of all documents written in a language other than English, along with the original documents in their first language.
Additionally, international students typically need an F-1 Student Visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US.
Boston University's Graduate Student Population
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Boston University accepts international students.
International students usually need an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US. Boston University's Metropolitan College (MET) sponsors visas for graduate students in master's degree and select graduate certificate programs for full-time on-campus study. However, it does not sponsor visas for undergraduate programs.
International students must submit proof of English proficiency by providing official results from English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Additionally, they need to send original or certified copies of their home country's credentials, including any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates. All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.
Boston University does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students. International students are expected to finance their education independently. However, first-year international students are eligible to apply for scholarships such as the Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Alumni & Friends Scholarships.











































