International Students At Boston University: Who Gets Accepted?

Boston University (BU) welcomes international students and has a large international student population. The university defines an international student as a non-US citizen or non-US permanent resident. International students are required to submit various documents as part of their application, including secondary school records, English proficiency test scores, and documentation of financial support. BU offers several scholarships for first-year international students, but does not offer need-based financial assistance. Overall, BU has a diverse and vibrant campus community, with international students contributing exciting new ideas and cultures.

English proficiency requirements

Boston University does accept international students, and they are required to demonstrate English proficiency. The requirements for English proficiency vary depending on the program and level of study (undergraduate or graduate). Here are the details for each:

Undergraduate English Proficiency Requirements:

International first-year applicants to Boston University must submit English Proficiency Testing Results as part of their application. If English is not their first language, they must take one of the following tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET).

TOEFL iBT:

The minimum composite score requirement is 90, with a minimum score of 20 in each section.

IELTS:

A total/overall score of 7 or higher is required, and BU will review component scores for consistency.

Duolingo English Test (DET):

A total score of 125-135 is recommended for competitive applicants. BU requires both the total score and all subscores of the test.

Graduate English Proficiency Requirements:

Graduate programs at Boston University also require international applicants to demonstrate English proficiency, typically through English proficiency test scores. The specific tests accepted and minimum scores required vary by department/program. Here are the requirements for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Metropolitan College:

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences:

• TOEFL: Minimum overall score of 100 (internet-based test only; "MyBest Scores" are not accepted).
• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 7.0.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: Minimum overall score of 185 on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams.
• Duolingo: Minimum overall score of 130.

College of Engineering:

• TOEFL: Minimum overall score of 90. While there are no minimum section score requirements, the College of Engineering provides guidelines for successful students: Reading (21), Listening (18), Speaking (23), and Writing (22).
• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 7.0. This score is recommended for students interested in Teaching or Research fellowships.

Metropolitan College:

• TOEFL: Minimum total internet-based score of 84, with minimum section scores as follows: Reading (20), Listening (18), Speaking (20), and Writing (24).
• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• Duolingo: Minimum overall score of 115.

English Proficiency Waivers:

Both undergraduate and graduate programs at Boston University offer waivers for the English proficiency requirement under certain circumstances. These typically include citizenship or permanent residency in specific countries where English is the primary language, or previous/current enrollment in a degree program at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The specific criteria for waivers vary by program and are determined by the admissions committee.

Visa requirements

Boston University does accept international students and requires them to submit various documents as part of their application.

International students typically need an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US. After being offered admission to a program, students are required to submit an international student data form and proof of funding for all tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the duration of their studies.

International students must also provide the following documents:

• A copy of the personal information page of their current passport
• A copy of their current US visa (if they have studied/are studying in the US)
• Their most recent I-94 (if they have studied/are studying in the US)
• Any previous I-20s (if they have studied/are studying in the US)
• Financial support documentation (Admission Offer Letter, Sponsorship Certification, and/or Bank Statement)

Obtaining a Visa

To apply for a student visa, students must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from Boston University. There are two types of certificates: the Form I-20 (for those seeking an F-1 visa) and the Form DS-2019 (for those seeking a J-1 visa). Obtaining this certificate is the first step towards securing a student visa, as it is needed to schedule a visa appointment at a US consulate in the student's home country.

Deadlines

As visa processing can take several months, incoming students should submit all required immigration documentation as early as possible and no later than the specified deadlines. For students not currently studying in the US who need to apply for a student visa, documents should be submitted at least three months before the start of the term. For students currently in the US on an F-1 visa who plan to transfer their SEVIS record, documents should be submitted at least two months before the start of the term.

Health Insurance

Both Massachusetts state and federal law require all international students to enrol in a health insurance plan that meets strict minimum requirements. All Boston University students are automatically enrolled in the Boston University Student Medical Insurance Plan administered by Aetna Student Health. Students who do not wish to participate in this plan must file a Medical Insurance Waiver of Enrollment.

Application process

Boston University welcomes applications from international students. Here is a detailed application process guide for international students:

• English Proficiency Requirement: International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through English proficiency tests. Accepted tests include TOEFL, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications, and Duolingo. The minimum score requirements vary by test and department, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your chosen program.
• Transcripts and Academic Records: If your transcript or academic records are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified English translation. This can be provided directly by your home institution, or you may need to obtain a third-party translation.
• Standardized Tests: Boston University has a test-optional policy for first-year applicants. However, international students must submit standardized test scores as proof of English proficiency. Additionally, international students may be required to submit secondary school records or other academic credentials.
• Financial Documentation: All international students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to submit financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the duration of their studies. The documentation must be current, readily available, and in US dollars.
• Passport and Visa: International students must submit a copy of the photo/data page of their valid passport. Additionally, students requiring a student visa should review the "Obtaining a Visa" section on the Boston University website, which outlines important documentation requirements and deadlines.
• Application Form and Supporting Documents: After ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you should begin the application process by creating an account on the Boston University application portal. Upload all the required documents, including transcripts, test scores, and financial documentation.
• Application Review and Admission Decision: The admissions committee will review your application and supporting materials. Admission decisions are made after a full evaluation of each candidate's application. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of admission.
• Acceptance and Enrollment: Once you have received an offer of admission, you will need to accept the offer and complete any necessary enrollment steps, such as submitting final transcripts and confirming your enrollment. You will also need to apply for your student visa and make arrangements for travel and accommodation.

Please note that the application process may vary slightly depending on the specific program and your individual circumstances. It is important to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by Boston University for international applicants.

Financial requirements

All international students who are admitted to Boston University are required to submit additional documents prior to enrolling at BU. This includes financial documentation.

International students will be notified by the Graduate Programs Office of the financial documentation necessary to be issued an I-20. Boston University is required by US government regulations to provide documentation of adequate funding for educational expenses for the first year of studies.

Students who are offered a full financial aid package will not be required to submit any additional financial documentation (unless travelling with dependents).

Students who are not offered financial aid are required to provide proof of financial support to cover the cost of their first year at Boston University. This amount will be listed in the letter from the Graduate Programs Office.

There are various ways in which students can provide financial documentation to prove support for their first year of study. Students funding their own education will be required to provide official bank statements to cover their educational and living expenses for their first year of study. All documents submitted to provide proof of financial support must be:

• Original documents (photocopies are not accepted)
• Showing in US dollars
• No more than one year old from the date of the start of your program
• Financial documents must be issued in the student's name

If someone else is funding your education, you will need:

• An original, signed Financial Sponsorship Certification which indicates that your sponsor is willing and able to support you financially for your academic fees and living expenses for the first year of your studies at Boston University
• An official bank statement or credit reference from a bank stating the availability of the minimum estimated expenses. The name on this document needs to match the name on the signed Financial Sponsorship Certification. This document should be written in English and the sum should be indicated in US dollars

If you are funded by your government, an organisation, a company, etc, the sponsoring organisation must submit an official Letter of Sponsorship which states:

• That your funding is valid for Boston University specifically
• Exactly what expenses will be covered, for example, academic fees, living expenses, health insurance, financial support for family members, travel costs, etc. The letter will need to be written in English and the amounts should be listed in US dollars
• The letter should list the length of time your sponsoring organisation is funding you for

If you will be funded by a bank loan, submit an official letter of certification from the lending institution. The letter must be an original document (photocopies will not be accepted). The letter will need to be written in English and the amount of funding should be listed in US dollars.

Undergraduate Students

All students who will be studying on an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa are required to submit financial documentation and it is recommended to submit these items along with your application. Complete the Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support Confirmation to submit documents confirming available funds for the annual costs of study, such as online deposit accounts or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay educational expenses. All documented sources of support must be:

• Current (within 12 months of starting at Boston University)
• Readily available or liquid (stocks or non-liquid investments are not acceptable)
• The name of the owner of the bank account must match the name of your sponsor signing the Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support Confirmation form

Graduate Students

After being offered admission to a program, you will be asked to submit an international student data form and proof that you can fund all tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the duration of your studies.

Scholarships

Boston University does accept international students. However, international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from Boston University, the state, or the federal government. Instead, international students may be eligible for select merit scholarships offered by BU.

Trustee Scholarship

First-year international students are eligible to apply for the Trustee Scholarship. This scholarship is offered on a competitive basis to those with outstanding academic records. To be considered for the Trustee Scholarship, candidates must apply for admission by December 1.

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is also offered to international students on a competitive basis. Like the Trustee Scholarship, it is awarded to those with outstanding academic records. To be considered, candidates must apply for admission by December 1.

Alumni & Friends Scholarships

A select number of Alumni & Friends Scholarships are awarded to first-year students from a variety of geographic regions and academic interests. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of distinguished alumni and friends of the University community. The annual value of these scholarships ranges from $10,000 to the full cost of attendance. The priority deadline for application is December 1, and the number of awards ranges from 5 to 15.

External Scholarships

There are also several external scholarships that international students at Boston University can apply for. These include:

• Education Future International Scholarship - USA & Non-USA 2025
• Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students (HEST) 2024
• SME Education Foundation Scholarships 2025-26
• Doctoral Research Grant by The Al Qasimi Foundation 2025
• Gordon Watson Scholarship by Universities New Zealand Te Pōkai Tara 2025
• The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation 2025-26
• Byron Hanke Fellowship 2025
• Khyentse Foundation Individual Practice Grants 2025
• Udall Undergraduate Scholarship by Udall foundation 2025
• NWSA Graduate Scholarship 2025

Frequently asked questions