Boston University Scholarships for International Students 2025–2026

Introduction & History of Boston University

Founded in 1839, Boston University (BU) is one of the leading private research universities in the United States, located in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. With a strong commitment to global diversity, academic excellence, and innovation, BU attracts students from over 130 countries.

Boston University has consistently been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and is renowned for its programs in business, engineering, medicine, law, arts, and sciences. To support international education and foster global talent, BU offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs for international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Benefits of Studying at Boston University

Studying at Boston University provides international students with not only a top-quality education but also a supportive environment that encourages academic growth, leadership, and career success.

Key Benefits:

Access to partial and fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Opportunities to work as research or teaching assistants.
Exposure to a diverse global community of scholars.
Modern facilities, advanced laboratories, and innovation-driven programs.
Scholarships that may cover tuition, housing, and living expenses.
Access to career development services and global networking platforms.

Eligibility Criteria for Boston University Scholarships

To apply for Boston University scholarships for international students, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Must be a non-U.S. citizen applying as an international student.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (for undergraduate applicants).
For graduate programs, a recognized bachelor’s degree is required.
Demonstrated academic excellence with a strong GPA or academic record.
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test).
Leadership experience, community service, or extracurricular achievements are highly valued.

Documents Required

Applicants are required to provide the following documents when applying for Boston University scholarships:

Completed online application via the BU Admissions Portal.
Official academic transcripts (translated into English if necessary).
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
Personal statement or essay describing academic goals and achievements.
Letters of recommendation (usually two or three from teachers or professors).
Financial aid statement (if applying for need-based aid).
Copy of passport for identity verification.

Courses Offered Under Boston University Scholarships

Boston University offers scholarships for a wide range of academic programs.

Popular Undergraduate Programs:

Computer Science
Business Administration and Management
Mechanical Engineering
Economics
Psychology
International Relations
Biology
Film and Media Studies

Popular Graduate Programs:

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Biomedical Engineering
Public Health
Law (JD and LLM)
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Education
Political Science

Application Process

The Boston University scholarship application process is straightforward. Follow the steps below to apply:

1. Apply for Admission

Submit an application to Boston University via the Common Application or Coalition Application.

2. Indicate Scholarship Interest

During your application, indicate that you wish to be considered for available scholarships.

3. Submit Required Documents

Upload all academic and financial documents before the deadline.

4. Scholarship-Specific Applications

Certain scholarships, like the Trustee Scholarship, may require additional essays or interviews.

5. Await Notification

Scholarship results are typically announced with the admission decision or shortly after.

Application Deadlines

The following are important deadlines for Boston University Scholarships 2025–2026:

Early Decision I: November 1, 2025
Early Decision II: January 4, 2026
Regular Decision: January 6, 2026

Note: Some specific scholarships, such as the Trustee Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship, have separate deadlines, so applicants are encouraged to check BU’s official scholarship portal regularly.

Major Scholarships Offered by Boston University

Boston University offers several prestigious scholarships for international students, including:

 1. Trustee Scholarship

Coverage: Full tuition + fees for four years.
Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.
Selection: Based on essays, academic merit, and achievements.

 2. Presidential Scholarship

Coverage: $25,000 annually (renewable for four years).
Eligibility: Outstanding academic record and extracurricular involvement.

 3. Dean’s Scholarship

Coverage: Partial tuition assistance.
Eligibility: Strong academic performance and community contribution.

4. Global Scholars Program

Coverage: Partial tuition + special seminars and leadership training.
Eligibility: International students demonstrating global awareness and leadership potential.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Does Boston University offer full scholarships to international students?
Yes, the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University offers full tuition coverage for the entire undergraduate degree.

Q2. Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
Some scholarships, like the Trustee or Presidential, require additional essays, while others are automatically considered during admission.

Q3. What is the average GPA required?
A GPA equivalent to 3.8 or higher (out of 4.0) is recommended for competitive scholarships.

Q4. Can I work while studying at Boston University?
Yes, international students may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.

Q5. Are scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, most scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided you maintain academic excellence.

 Conclusion

Boston University stands as a global leader in education, innovation, and diversity. Through its range of scholarships, BU offers international students the opportunity to study in a world-class academic environment while minimizing financial burdens.

From full-tuition Trustee Scholarships to merit-based and need-based awards, Boston University ensures that deserving students from around the world can access transformative education. If you’re aiming to study in the United States, BU should be at the top of your list.