Boston University's International Student Aid: What's Covered?

Boston University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for its students. However, when it comes to international students, the financial aid landscape is more limited. International students at Boston University are generally not eligible for need-based financial aid from the university, the state, or the federal government. This type of financial aid is typically reserved for US citizens and eligible non-citizens. Instead, international students are often required to demonstrate proof of financial support or sufficient funds to cover their tuition, fees, and living expenses. While Boston University does offer merit-based scholarships like the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship, which international students can apply for, they are awarded competitively based on academic merit. It is important for prospective international students to carefully review the financial requirements and explore external funding options to ensure they can meet the financial obligations of studying at Boston University.

Boston University scholarships for international students

Boston University defines an international student as a non-US citizen or non-US Permanent Resident Green Card Holder. Unfortunately, Boston University does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students. However, international first-year students are eligible to apply for the following merit-based scholarships:

• Trustee Scholarship
• Presidential Scholarship
• Alumni & Friends Scholarships

Both the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship are offered on a competitive basis to those with outstanding academic records. The deadline for applications is December 1.

There are also other scholarships that international students at Boston University can apply for, such as:

• 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

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 welcomes international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and they may transfer from other universities. International students usually need an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the US.

International students at BU must submit the following credentials:

• Secondary School Records
• Counselor Recommendation and School Report Form
• English Proficiency Testing Results
• InitialView and Vericant Interviews (Optional)
• Documentation of Financial Support
• Copy of Data Page of Passport
• Standardized Tests (Optional)

English proficiency is required for admission to BU. International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). BU provides reading, writing, and conversation resources to help students meet their high language skill standards and get to know their American peers.

International students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from BU, the state, or the federal government. However, BU offers a limited number of undergraduate scholarships for international students. First-year international students are eligible to apply for the Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Alumni & Friends Scholarships.

English proficiency test requirements

Boston University requires international students to submit their English proficiency test results as part of their application. This is to ensure that English proficiency levels are adequate, as English is the language of instruction at the university.

International students whose first language is not English 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)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

Students are expected to achieve at least the minimum scores on these tests:

• A minimum of 84 on the TOEFL iBT
• A minimum of 7 on the IELTS
• A minimum of 115 on the Duolingo English Test

Students who are most competitive for admission will have higher scores, such as a composite score of 90-100 on the TOEFL iBT, with minimum scores of 20 in each section. For the Duolingo English Test, a total score of 125-135 is considered competitive.

It is important to note that Boston University does not accept all versions of these tests. For example, they do not currently accept the IELTS Indicator, TOEFL ITP Plus, or TOEFL Essentials exams.

In some cases, international students may be exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores. This includes students who are enrolled in a US college or university and those who can provide documentation showing that English is the primary language of instruction at their home institution. Additionally, students may request a proficiency waiver, which is granted at the discretion of the Board of Admissions.

If a student's English proficiency test scores are below the required minimum, they may still be admitted to Boston University by achieving the minimum score before classes begin. This can be done by enrolling in intensive English courses at the university's Center for English Language & Orientation Programs (CELOP).

Financial support documentation

Boston University requires all international students to submit financial documentation as part of their application. This is to ensure that international students have the financial means to cover their tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of their studies.

Required Financial Documentation

All financial documents must be original and in English. It is recommended that prospective students request three sets of financial documents: one to submit to BU, the second to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa, and the third to retain for their records and to present at the U.S. Port of Entry if requested.

The financial documents must:

• Reflect the minimum amount of support in U.S. dollars
• Specify funding for study at Boston University (not another college or university)
• Include a date and be no more than one year old from the intended date of enrollment
• Indicate the period of time for which the support will be provided
• Reflect funds that are readily available for tuition payments (e.g., checking or savings accounts). Certain investment accounts such as stocks, salary documents, property holdings, etc., will not be accepted

Additional Information

If the prospective student will be funded by a family member, they must submit:

• A letter of sponsorship, indicating the sponsor's willingness and ability to support the student financially for academic fees and living expenses throughout their studies at Boston University, as well as their relationship to the applicant. It is recommended to use the Sponsorship Certification Form.
• An official bank letter, bank statement, or credit reference from a bank, stating the availability of funding to support the minimum estimated expenses as indicated on the Estimate of Expenses.

If the prospective student will be funded by their government, an organization, or a company, the sponsor must submit a letter of sponsorship on official letterhead, which states:

• The funding is specifically for Boston University
• Which expenses will be covered (e.g., academic fees, living expenses, health insurance, financial support for family members, travel, etc.)
• The length of the financial support

If the prospective student will be funded by a bank loan, they must submit an official letter of certification from the lending institution, indicating the specific amount guaranteed.

If the prospective student will be funding themselves, they must submit official documentation (a bank letter, bank statement, or a credit reference from a bank) indicating the specific amount to support the minimum estimated expenses.

Visa requirements for international students

To study at Boston University, international students usually need an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. The steps outlined below will help international students navigate the visa application process smoothly.

Ensure your passport is valid:

It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your expected entry date to the US.

Check your immigration documents:

Make sure that the spelling of your name and your date of birth are exactly the same as reflected in your passport. Ensure the information on your SEVIS Form I-20 is correct. Your I-20 indicates that you are expected to enrol in a specific program at BU and that a record has been created for you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). If you have any dependent family members travelling with you, they will receive their own I-20 Forms to assist with their F-2 visa applications.

Pay the SEVIS fee:

Before you can get your visa, you must pay the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. The easiest payment method is online, but you can also pay by mail or Western Union.

Apply for your visa:

You will need to apply for your visa at the US Embassy or Consulate closest to you. Apply as early as possible so you have plenty of time for the interview and processing. In many cases, you can apply up to 120 days before your academic program start date.

Prepare documents for the visa interview:

You will need the following documents for your visa interview:

• Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Application fee
• One photograph
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the expected date of entry to the US
• Additional documents, varying by visa classification

Be patient:

Your visa may take some time to be processed through security clearances. The consular official may decide to process your application through a special “security clearance” before granting the visa. Security checks can take anywhere from three business days to three months or more.

Schedule your travel to the US:

Once you have obtained your visa, you can arrange your travel. Make sure you have the following items with you at all times:

• Your passport
• Your I-20 or DS-2019
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment
• Admission letter from Boston University
• Original financial documents
• Medical records
• Documents demonstrating your intent to leave the U.S. once you’ve completed your studies
• Contact information for your student advisor

Pass through Immigration at your US port of entry:

Once you arrive in the US, you’ll go through Immigration and speak with an officer. Be prepared to show your documents and answer questions about your program of study, your family ties, and your intent to return home.

Get to Boston University:

There are several options for getting from Logan International Airport to the Charles River Campus. The easiest way is by taxi.

Check in with the ISSO:

Once you’ve arrived, check in at BU’s International Students & Scholars Office to keep your SEVIS record updated and make sure everything is ready for beginning your program of study.

Frequently asked questions