Boston University, Boston
Massachusetts, United States of America | Estd in 1839 | Private University
THE Rank : 78 | QS Rank : 93
About Boston University
Boston University is a private Ivy League university located in Boston, USA. The university was established in 1839. It is one of the most prestigious universities and is known for its research expertise.
The university is among the leading institutions in the nation with an acceptance rate of about 19%, which makes it highly competitive for international students to get admitted at BU. Also, The average fee for courses at this institute is around Rs 52,88,000.
The University of Boston is known for its diverse community of students which includes 18,459 undergraduate students and 11,501 graduate students. It welcomes students from all over the world.
All students must meet the eligibility conditions as per their selected course at the institution. Moreover, all international students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and must showcase their English proficiency via one of the allowed English examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
There are some optional examinations such as the ACT or SAT for undergraduate programmes whereas GMAT and GRE requirements are course-specific for Graduate studies. On selection of the course, one can apply to the university through a common application.
Boston University’s graduate employability rate is approximately 94% as per the official website, and its student-faculty ratio is 11:1. The university ranked 93rd in the QS and 78th in THE for 2024.
International students are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 80 (Rs 6,668 approx) for UG and USD 85 (Rs 7,085 approx) for PG programmes.
Boston University has three campuses with its main campus at Charles River located in an urban setting over an area of 140 acres. The campuses comprise 17 schools and colleges and 300 fields of study.
Also Read: Top Public Universities in the USA
Latest Updates at the university
All applicants must apply before the prescribed university deadlines by Boston University.
- First-Year Regular Admission Deadlines: January 4
- Early Decision Deadlines: November 1
- Early Decision 2 Deadlines: January 4
Why would I want to go to Boston University?
One must consider Boston University as a higher education institute due to the presence of some of the best courses in the country which are highly appreciated by US News as well. Further, it is world-renowned as the world's foremost research university with extensive, world-class facilities. Hence, it is a great educational opportunity for students to be experts in their respective fields.
Boston University Highlights
- Domestic: 13844
- International: 4615
Boston University Ranking and Stats
BU is among the leading institutions in the world and is ranked by various global ranking agencies. Boston University's rankings for 2024 include 93rd in the World University Rankings and 80th in the Graduate Employability Ranking as per QS.
As per US News in 2024, it was overall recognised at 43rd place in National universities, and 25th rank under Best Value Schools. This institute has also got its name marked at 78th place in the category of "World University Rankings" by Times Higher Education.
Is Boston University a Tier 1 school?
Yes, Boston University is a top-tier or Tier-one university. It has been improving drastically over the past two years and marking its name at 93rd place as per "QS World University Rankings". It was at 112th and 108th places in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Are the courses provided by Boston University good?
Yes, Boston University provides quality education as some of the programmes are even ranked highly including Economics at 37th place and 46th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programmes in the whole nation.
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
Ranking by year
Show adjacently ranked institutions
Boston University Courses
Boston University offers over 300 courses of study with 250 undergraduate programmes and nearly 400 graduate programmes.
Some of Boston University's popular courses are Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing; Communication, Journalism; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Health Professions; Computer and Information Sciences, etc. One of the most known programmes of the university is an MBBS equivalent course:
MBBS Courses at Boston University (BUMC)
Boston University offers a Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) programme at the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC). Boston University Medical Campus was located in the South End of Boston, consisting of the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and Chobanian & Avedisian SOM’s Graduate Medical Sciences.
These institutions, which are well-known for their high standards of instruction, research, and community service, offer instruction and training in the newest theories and methods.
BUMC has an international student body of almost 3,800 full- and part-time students and staff, including over 2,900 full- and part-time, affiliate, and volunteer faculty members.
The duration of the MBBS course at Boston University (BUMC) is 48 months, which means four years.
Can I apply to various graduate programmes at Boston University?
It depends on the college or school of Boston University. One is not eligible to apply to more than one course at the same college but can apply to more courses if the programmes selected are offered at different colleges. For example: PhD program in Economics + PhD program in Computer Science within the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) is impossible. However, the Master’s program in Economics within GRS + Master’s program in Social Work within the School of Social Work (SSW) is okay.
Accreditations
Boston University Fees
Boston University Cost Of Living
The university charges tuition fees from students based on credits awarded per subject. A full-time UG student must obtain 12.5 credits and the Graduate students must obtain a minimum of 12 credits for full-time study. The average full-time tuition fee for the academic year 2023 to 2024 is approximately USD 31,899 per semester.
Is it expensive to study at Boston University?
The cost of living while studying at Boston University is quite expensive due to its popularity in academics and the facilities available. International students are expected to spend around USD 90,000 to USD 96,000, depending on the duration of the course for one academic year.
The estimates for graduate international students studying at the main campus (Charles River Campus) during the 2023/2024 academic year are given in the table below:
Boston University’s cost of living for international students (Graduate Programme)
Cost Item | Expenses for the 9-month duration (Fall and Spring semesters) (USD) | Expenses for the 12-month duration (all, Spring, and Summer semesters) (USD) |
Tuition Fees | 63,798 | 63,798 |
University Fees | 914 | 914 |
Health Insurance | 3,235 | 3,235 |
Room and Board | 18,110 | 24,901 |
Books and Supplies | 1,251 | 1,251 |
Incidentals | 2,270 | 2,867 |
Total | 89,578 | 96,966 |
Note: The tuition fees are approximately the same across all Graduate Programmes except at the College of Fine Arts, School of Law, School of Social Work, and School of Theology.
How do I pay tuition at Boston University?
Boston University has defined various methods through which students can pay their tuition and other fees. These payment options include Electronic Payment (using a U.S. bank account online through the MyBU portal), Personal Checks, Money Orders (Mailing them to address: Boston University, P.O. Box 23656, New York, NY 10087-3656), and International Payment ( Payments through Flywire or Convera).
Boston University Admission and Application
Boston University's acceptance rate is around 19% as per the unofficial estimates, which shows that the university’s admission criteria are extremely selective and competitive. International applicants must demonstrate strong academic competency to get admitted to the university. Students need to submit various official documents, and the SAT or ACT requirements are optional. Applicants can decide whether or not to include standardized test scores with their application for admission to Boston University. Students can get more details about the BU USA admission procedure written below.
How to Apply to Boston University?
To apply at Boston University, one must fill out an online application form on the common application available on the official website of the university. The steps they can follow to access it are mentioned below:
- Visit the official website of Boston University
- Click on "Admission"
- Click on "International applicants"
- On the bottom of the webpage, one must click on "Apply to BU"
- Click on "Apply Now: Common Application"
- The user will then be redirected to the common application website
- The user is then required to add relevant information with documents to the online portal
- pay the application fee
- Submit the application form.
Documents required for Admission at Boston University
Candidates interested in applying for Boston University admission must submit a required set of documents to ensure any complications do not occur. These documents must be verified before submitting them with the required application fee mentioned on the official website.
Secondary School Records (class 12th marksheet and certificate) for UG admissions.
Bachelor's degree from any recognized university or institution in a relevant discipline for Graduate admissions.
letters of recommendation (LORs)and School Report Form.
Teacher Evaluation
Documentation of Financial Support
Copy of Data Page of Passport
Standardized Tests (Optional)
Boston University Application Fees
Boston University application fees are USD 80 (Rs 6,668 approx) for Undergraduate courses and USD 85 (Master) (Rs 7,085 approx)/USD 25 (certificate) (Rs 2,083 approx)for Graduate courses. The application fees are nonrefundable.
Does Boston University take a common app?
Yes, Boston University takes Common Applications. The university provides the liberty to students to apply from one of the university-defined modes. Students can apply directly, through common application, or via coalition application as per their eligibility and choice.
Boston University Scholarship
Boston University offers various financial aid and grants for its students in the form of scholarships, bursaries, fellowships, and others. BU offers scholarships for international students based on merit and academic performance but does not offer need-based financial assistance to international students.
The students can avail of several scholarships in the US from external sources as well. The scholarship eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines can be viewed at the official website of the university.
Some of the prominent Boston University Scholarships for international students include,
General Scholarships
External Scholarships
The following databases may help find resources outside Boston University.
Department of Labor Scholarship Search
College Board
CollegeNET
Fastweb
Scholarship Experts
Does Boston give full financial aid to international students?
No, Boston University does not provide any type of financial aid (full or partial) which is based on the financial need of the student applying at the university. However, there are various grants and scholarships which are available for international students on a competitive basis and to those with outstanding academic records
Boston University Eligibility
Boston University's eligibility criteria are course-specific. The applicants must meet all the academic and English language requirements of the University and degree programme they wish to pursue. However, the common eligibility criteria for International applicants are listed here.
- The applicants must have completed senior secondary school (class 12) before admission.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher is required in a 3-year Bachelor's degree programme for Graduate admissions.
- Must meet the English Language Proficiency requirements.
- Must meet any other course-specific requirements.
Note: BU has not specified any minimum aggregate or grade requirement for senior secondary school.
English Proficiency Requirements of Boston University
Boston University requires international applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language to meet the academic requirements. The university accepts proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Tests (DET).
Some of the acceptable examinations along with the minimum required scores are given below:
Boston University English Proficiency Requirement for international students
Tests | Test Scores (overall minimum) |
TOEFL iBT TOEFL (paper-based test) | 100 600 |
IELTS Academic | 7.0 |
Duolingo English Tests (DET) | 115 |
How can I get admission to Boston University from India?
One can easily apply to Boston University via the common application form available at the university's official website. The students from India who aspire to be a part of the institute must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent in the previous course of study. There are programme-related requirements as well to enter university which include SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, and many more.
Boston University Campus Facilities
Library
Boston University has more than 2.4 million physical volumes, over 45,000 current unique serials, and 77,000 media titles. There are library tutorials, library instruction ranging from research basics to graduate-level classes, reference services in all of our major libraries, access to digital resources, specialist consultations, and librarian-created guides with curated resources at the university. The many libraries include the African Studies Library, Alumni Medical Library, Astronomy Library, Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries, Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, Krasker Film/Video, Mugar Memorial Library, Music Library, Frederick S. Pardee Management Library, Pickering Educational Resources Library, School of Theology Library, Science & Engineering Library, Stone Science Library, and Additional Libraries.
Boston University facilities at the library include-
- Borrow & Request
- Interlibrary Loan
- Loans & Renewals
- Study Rooms & Spaces
- Databases A-Z
- Course Materials (Reserves)
- eJournals
- Research Support
- Research Guides
- Course Guides
- How-To Guides
- Ask a Librarian.
Moot Court
Boston University has a moot court program and competitions like-
- J. Newton Esdaile Appellate Moot Court Program which is part of the Lawyering Skills Class.
- Edward C. Stone Moot Court Competition which students can participate in the second year.
- Homer Albers Prize Moot Court Competition and other external moot court competitions.
Laboratories
Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences
PCR Testing Center,
Boston Playwrights Theatre
Tsai Performance Center
3 Art Galleries
Photographic Resource Cen Arch
12 Libraries, including Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Cen
Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies
Photonics Cen
Judson B. Coit Astronomy Observatory
Boston Medical Cen
National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
EPIC
Wheelock Family Theatre
Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre
Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground.
Sports
Boston University has various sports clubs associated which supports various sports like badminton, baseball, cricket, cycling, equestrian, golf, ice hockey, jiu jitsu, kendo, kung fu, rugby, sailing, shotokan karate, ski racing, snowboarding, soccer; squash, skating, swimming, table tennis, frisbie, volleyball, water polo.
Gym
The Gerald Tsai Jr. Fitness Center at Fenway campus is of 18,000-square-foot weight training and cardiovascular conditioning area. The area offers the latest in exercise equipment, from free weights to selectorized weight systems to treadmills and ellipticals.
Transport Facility
Boston University campus life is easier to access as it aims to provide the best and most accessible transport to its students.
The university aims to help students by providing STUDENT MBTA SEMESTER PASS which is available on Local Bus, LinkPass, Inner/Outer Express Buses, Commuter Rail Zones 1A–10, and Boat Pass. And, students receive a discount of approximately 11% through the Semester Pass program.
Students interested in public transport can check out online for additional information regarding trains, passes, and timings. They can even choose to walk, or try selecting a bicycle permit to use on campus.
Physical Challenged Student
- Adaptive equipment
- Braille services
- Interpreters for hearing-impaired
- Note-taking services
- Reader Services
- Special housing
- Talking books
- Tape recorders
Cafeteria
Students interested in breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night options can check on-campus dining locations. It can include dinner take-out, sushi for lunch, or a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich, there are a variety of menu options for every craving.
The options at the cafeteria are available at-
Fenway Campus Center Dining Room
Fresh Fuel At Granby Commons
Fresh Food Co. at Marciano Commons
The Fresh Food Co. at West Commons
The Fresh Food Co. at Warren Commons
Boston University International Office Details
Boston University has a diverse population of 30,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs, out of which more than 7,000 are international students, representing nearly 100 countries.
International students make up approximately 23% of the total student body at BU and more than 1,250 foreign nationals are teaching, researching, or working at Boston University.
Is it hard to get into Boston University for international students?
Boston University's acceptance rate stands at 19%, which is quite low. This shows that the university is highly selective in giving admissions. International students who wish to pursue their higher education at the university must have a very strong academic background to compete for admission at BU.
How can I contact the university for admission?
An international student can contact the admission office of Boston University: International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) via email, post or phone. The following are the contact details:
Mailing Address: 888 Commonwealth Avenue South Entrance, 2nd floor Boston, MA 02215
Phone No. 617-353-3565
Email: isso@bu.edu
Boston University Gallery
Gallery
FAQ's
Boston University is quite expensive for international students. The average cost of living including tuition fees is approximately $95,000 per academic year for international students. The foreign applicants are required to demonstrate if they can fund all the expenses of studying and living at BU.
Boston University is known for offering unparalleled excellence in its academic and research studies. It has a widespread network of alumni all over the world and invites thousands of students from across the globe. BU offers amazing work opportunities for its students and has a remarkable graduate employability rate of 94%.
Boston University is among the top 100 universities in the world, and ranked 93rd in the QS and 78th in THE World University Rankings, 2024. According to the US News and World Report 2023, the University of Boston has ranked 43rd out of 439 national universities in the US.
Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 19%. This shows that for every 100 applicants, only 19 to 20 will be admitted. The admission criteria are very selective and highly competitive. International students with extraordinary academic credentials have good chances of getting into the university.