Registration... How to Apply

International students are welcome to take courses at Boston University Summer Term as visiting students. Whether you choose to study full-time in the summer or just want to take one course while you visit the U.S., we are here to help you understand and navigate the rules and regulations for studying at BU this summer. Please be aware that taking Summer Term courses does not constitute admission to a degree program at Boston University.

To apply, please go to our Forms page.

If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to contact us at sumintl@bu.edu.

TOEFL

Although TOEFL is not required for registration, English is the language of instruction at Boston University. A high degree of English competency is assumed. Most academic programs require a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a minimum score of 215 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of 84 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The College of Communication and School of Management require minimum scores of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 91 (internet-based). These competency levels are strongly recommended for international students who wish to study at Boston University during the summer.

Course Registration

A full list of summer course offerings can be found on our Courses page. Students studying full-time on a student visa are required to take two courses if they are studying here for one summer session (must equal eight credits), or three courses if they will be here for both sessions (must equal 12 credits). Once you have decided on your courses, you need to complete a Summer 1 or Summer 2 Registration Form. If you are registering for both Summer 1 and Summer 2 sessions, please complete a separate form for each session. Your registration form(s) should be mailed or faxed to the Summer Term office along with your other documents (see below for more information).

Course Codes

All Summer Term courses are assigned a College and departmental code, a three-digit course number, and a section identifier. For example, CAS EC101S A1 means that the course is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), by the Economics Department (EC). The course number 101 indicates it is an introductory course, the S indicated it is a summer course, and section A1 indicates it is offered in Summer 1. Graduate level courses have course numbers above 500. Please see Course Numbers for further information on the numbering system.

Health Immunization Records

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all full-time or part-time international students to submit proof of immunization against the following communicable diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, hepatitis-B and (bacterial) meningitis. Your health care provider can provide proof of vaccination against these diseases, with dates of your immunizations, or they can complete the attached Immunization Record form. This information must be received before you can complete your course registration.

Medical Insurance

International students on an exchange J1 or J2 visa and International students on an F1 or F2 visa are required to participate in a qualifying medical insurance plan offered by Boston University. Please contact Student Account Services at 617-353-3870 or visit the medical section for more information on how to obtain medical insurance.

Visa Information

The type of visa you will need and the forms you need to complete are dependent on your current immigration status. Your immigration status depends on whether you are in the U.S. already or in your home country, and whether you are coming to the U.S. to study full-time or as a tourist. Please visit the Visa section for a step-by-step guide to applying to Boston University Summer Term.

Tuition

The tuition for a course is determined by its number of credits, the level of the course (undergraduate vs graduate), and the college through which it is offered (College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management, etc.). The tuition for each course is listed at the end of its course description found in the Courses section. For a detailed explanation of the tuition rates, please visit Tuition and Fees.

Housing

Housing and meal services are available to students registered in Boston University Summer Term. Dormitory-style and apartment-style residences are available on a space available basis. Some students also choose to live in apartments or with family members. Boston is a wonderful city to experience during the summer regardless of which housing option you choose. Further housing information can be found at www.bu.edu/housing/summer.

Adding, Changing, and Dropping Courses

Students often need to adjust their schedules by adding, changing, or dropping courses. See the Adding/Dropping section for information on this process.

Withdrawal Deadlines

Absence from class does not constitute an official withdrawal or dropped course. If your plans change and you are unable to attend a course for which you have been registered, you must officially withdraw from the class. Failure to do so within the schedule of dates listed in the Calendar will result in your being held responsible for all tuition and fees associated with the course(s) in questions. See the Withdrawal Deadlines for more information.

Contact Information

If you have further questions, please visit our FAQs page, or contact our International Coordinator at sumintl@bu.edu or 617-353-0556. We will be happy to help you with the registration and visa process to make your summer study plans run as smoothly as possible.

Yolanta Kovalko, International Coordinator
Boston University Summer Term
755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 105
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617 353-0556
Fax: 617 353-5532
E-Mail: sumintl@bu.edu