Return to International Application Instructions
International students are eligible to apply for admission to Boston University as undergraduates if they have completed the equivalent of an American secondary school education (approximately twelve years of formal education, starting at age six) and have the appropriate diplomas or satisfactory results on leaving examinations.
However, some secondary certificates represent varying amounts of total education according to the different educational systems of the world, and may either exceed or fall short of the required preparation for University entrance. Applicants should refer to the Secondary School Credentials and Advanced Credit Policies chart to find the admission requirements for the country (or countries) in which they have studied.
In addition to the credentials required of all applicants, international applicants must also submit the items listed below.
- copies of the results of any terminating or qualifying examinations taken or certificates obtained;
- documentation of financial support. International students and their families or sponsors must assume all responsibility for student expenses. Therefore, it is extremely important that all applicants review the expenses shown on the Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at Boston University before deciding whether to apply to Boston University.
Please note that financial aid is available only for U.S. citizens, applicants who hold a United States Permanent Resident or Immigrant Visa ("green card"), and other eligible non-citizens as confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS). A limited number of merit scholarships are available for international students. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions at 617-353-4492 or at intadmis@bu.edu.
Payment of tuition, fees, health insurance, and room and board (for all students living in University residences) is required at the beginning of each semester.
Please note that all documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a notarized English translation. Please also note that both documents are required: the original in the applicant's language and the English translation. These documents must be signed in ink by the appropriate official of the applicant's school and must have the institution's official seal.
In order to enter the United States to study, an international student will need a visa, usually either an F-1 Student Visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor's Visa. To obtain the necessary visa, the applicant must submit a valid Form I-20 for an F-1 Visa, or a Form IAP-66 for a J-1 Visa, to the United States Embassy or Consulate in his or her country. In addition to these forms, the applicant will have to present a passport and evidence of financial support.
Boston University will send either Form I-20 or IAP-66 to the applicant after he or she has been academically admitted and has submitted evidence of financial support.
To receive the necessary papers for obtaining a visa, the applicant must demonstrate to Boston University that sufficient funds are available to pay for tuition and living expenses at the University. All applicants are required to submit documentation that confirms funding is available for the annual costs of study. All documented sources of support must be:
- indicated in U.S. dollars;
- addressed to Boston University and not another college or university;
- current (within twelve months of starting date at Boston University);
- written in English; and
- signed and stamped by a bank official.
The applicant should keep copies of all documents sent to the University, since this information will be needed for the U.S. Consulate when applying for a student visa, for the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) upon entry to the United States, or for transfer from another U.S. educational institution.
Boston University cannot issue an I-20 unless all proper official financial documentation is received.
Applicants entering the United States on a visitor's visa (B-2) without the "Prospective Student" classification, which is issued only in exceptional circumstances, will not be able to change to student classification. Students unable to change their status from "visitor" to "student" may not be permitted to continue in school and will risk forfeiture of their tuition. Responsibility for obtaining approved visa classification rests entirely with the student.
English Language Proficiency
English is the language of instruction at Boston University. Students must be able to understand rapid, idiomatic English and to express themselves clearly in speech and writing.
International students who are academically admissible but whose TOEFL score is below the required minimum (see "Standardized Testing" above) can be admitted to the University with the condition that they must attain the minimum TOEFL score before classes begin. International students may choose to enroll in intensive English courses offered at Boston University's Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP). Upon reaching proficiency in English, students continue their academic studies at Boston University. For more information about CELOP, please visit the website.
International students who have demonstrated English proficiency are still required to take an English placement examination at Boston University before their first semester of study. Students who do not pass the placement examination may be required to take noncredit English courses to strengthen their English skills.
Return to International Application Instructions