{"id":253,"date":"2011-11-30T16:45:18","date_gmt":"2011-11-30T21:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/?page_id=253"},"modified":"2026-07-16T13:42:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T17:42:56","slug":"international-students","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/admissions\/ma-ms\/international-students\/","title":{"rendered":"International Master&#8217;s Applicants"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"responsiveVideo responsive-youtube\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"A Safe and Vibrant Campus for International Graduate Students\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BWM12ExFguI?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><span>The Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences takes pride in our large international student population, and we welcome applications to our master&#8217;s degree programs from all over the world. Our students from around the globe ensure a richly diverse and stimulating environment.<br \/>\n<\/span><script>\r\nwindow.unibuddySettings = {\r\nuniversityId: \"6255f8a0de00f56593ccfdff\",\r\n};\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script defer src=\"https:\/\/prospect-guidance-ui.unibuddy.co\/embed.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\" >\r\n<\/script><\/p>\n<table width=\"572\" height=\"109\" style=\"border: 0px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center; border: 0px;\"><a class=\"button-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/bu-grs.cas.myliaison.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apply for Admission<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center; border: 0px;\"><span><a class=\"button-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/admissions\/ma-ms\/frequently-asked-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Admissions FAQ<\/a> \u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center; border: 0px;\"><a class=\"button-primary\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/grad\/why-bu\/international-student-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The International Student Experience<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center; border: 0px;\"><a class=\"button-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">International Students &amp; Scholars Office<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>International transcripts<\/h3>\n<p>If your transcript or academic records are in a foreign language, you will need to provide a certified English translation of each document. <span>This can be provided directly from your home institution; however, if your home institution does not provide an English translation of your academic records, a third-party translation will be required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Proof of English proficiency<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>All international applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English proficiency scores.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accepted standardized tests include <span>Test of English as a Foreign Language (<\/span>TOEFL), TOEFL<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> iBT Home Edition, <span>International English Language Testing System (<\/span>IELTS), Cambridge English Qualifications, and Duolingo. Please note, t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he TOEFL ITP exam will not be accepted as proof of English proficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">English proficiency waiver<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applicants <strong>will <\/strong><\/span><b>not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> need <\/strong>to submit these scores if they:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are a citizen of the United States (including permanent residents), <span>Anguilla, Antigua &amp; Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec and Nunavut), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are currently enrolled as a full-time student in a degree-granting program at a university in one of the countries listed above for at least two consecutive years by the time of graduation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in one of the countries listed above, after at least two consecutive years of <span><span class=\"ui-provider vw b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">academic <\/span><\/span>study<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have received, or expect to receive, a graduate degree from an accredited institution in one of the countries listed above. Dual-enrollment and satellite programs may not qualify<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will have completed at least two consecutive years of academic study in a country not listed above, at an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English, up to two years prior to pursuing studies at Boston University. <span>An acknowledgment that English is the primary language of instruction must be on the transcript, or provided on letterhead by your home institution when submitting your application<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are currently a resident, or have been pursuing post-graduate work <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in one of the countries listed above, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for at least two years immediately prior to starting at Boston University. Please upload a letter from your employer to your application.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applicants <\/span><b>will<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> need<\/strong> to submit English proficiency scores if do not satisfy any of the conditions outlined above, or if they:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">were enrolled remotely (excluding those adhering to the COVID-19 policies of their home institution) in an institution referenced above<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have received, or expect to receive,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> their undergraduate degree in a country referenced above via a partnership or dual degree program that did not require at least two consecutive years of academic study at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an institution in said country<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have received, or expect to receive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> their undergraduate degree in a country different to those listed above, via a partnership or dual degree program that did not require at least <\/span>two<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> consecutive years of academic study <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at an institution where the language of instruction is English<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">earned their degree at a foreign satellite campus affiliated with an institution in one of the countries referenced above<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">have only studied as an exchange student in an English-speaking country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Recommended English proficiency scores<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span><span class=\"ui-provider ed bhb bhc bhd bhe bhf bhg bhh bhi bhj bhk bhl bhm bhn bho bhp bhq bhr bhs bht bhu bhv bhw bhx bhy bhz bia bib bic bid bie bif big bih bii\" dir=\"ltr\">Our Admissions Committees take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, carefully considering each applicant&#8217;s potential for success in the classroom. To remain competitive in our programs, we recommend the following English language proficiency scores:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ets.org\/toefl.html?utm_source=institution&amp;utm_medium=ref&amp;utm_campaign=toefl-demandgen-partner-US-con-2025-Q1-10&amp;utm_content=boston-uni&amp;utm_creative=link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TOEFL:<\/a><\/strong> <strong>5.0<\/strong> or higher for the <span>new TOEFL iBT score reports starting in January 2026. <\/span><strong>10<\/strong><span><strong>0<\/strong> Overall Score on the internet-based Test (iBT). We do not accept \u201cMyBest Scores.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ielts.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IELTS<\/a><\/strong>: <strong>7.0<\/strong> Overall Band Score<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridgeenglish.org\/exams-and-tests\/qualifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Cambridge English Qualifications<\/strong><\/a>: <span><\/span><strong>185<\/strong> Overall Score on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.duolingo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Duolingo<\/a><\/strong>: <strong>130<\/strong> Overall Score<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>The\u00a0<strong>Cambridge English Qualifications\u00a0<\/strong>test does not expire. All <strong>other\u00a0<\/strong>English proficiency tes<\/span><span>t scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) are valid for\u00a0<\/span><strong>two years<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span>(for example, an applicant who submitted an application on December 15, 2024, must have taken the English proficiency test after December 15, 2022).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Submitting official English proficiency scores<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">TOEFL<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">TOEFL iBT is an internet-based English proficiency test that can be taken in a test center or at home to give students flexible test-taking options. This test can be completed in about 2 hours. TOELF iBT is a widely accepted English language proficiency test that showcases students\u2019 skills in four key areas (reading, listening, writing and speaking) to demonstrate that students are prepared for academic success. Scores now provide detailed insights into performance and skill level with explanations to help you practice and improve. <a aria-label=\"Link Register here\" id=\"menur42m\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/toefl\/test-takers\/ibt\/register\/how-to-register.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/toefl\/test-takers\/ibt\/register\/how-to-register.html\">Register here<\/a>\u00a0to take the test.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>It is important that you schedule your TOEFL test well in advance of the application deadline so your scores will be received before the application review. <span>Please send your official score report to the Admissions Office through ETS with our institution code <\/span><strong>3087<\/strong><span>. <b>You do not need to designate department or program codes<\/b> and may therefore leave these fields blank. If the system requires you to enter a program code, you may use \u201c99\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">IELTS<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>IELTS is a globally recognized English language proficiency test that can be taken in a test center or online for added convenience. The exam lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. IELTS assesses candidates&#8217; skills in four key areas\u2014Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Find your local test center <a href=\"https:\/\/ielts.org\/test-centres\">here<\/a><span data-teams=\"true\"><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It is important that you schedule your IELTS test well in advance of the application deadline so your scores will be received before the application review. Applicants submitting IELTS scores will need to contact their testing center and request official test scores be sent electronically to Boston University Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences via our e-delivery account name: <\/span><span><strong>Boston University \u2013 Graduate Programs<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Duolingo<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The Duolingo English Test is a modern, flexible, and accessible online English proficiency exam that can be taken from home. The test takes about 1 hour to complete and assesses skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through a series of interactive tasks. Find more information <a href=\"https:\/\/englishtest.duolingo.com\/applicants\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>When you complete your Duolingo exam, please select <strong>Boston University Graduate &amp; Professional Programs<\/strong> as a score recipient.<\/p>\n<p>After you submit your admissions application and have completed the exam, please email GRS Admissions at <a href=\"mailto:grsmams@bu.edu\">grsmams@bu.edu<\/a>\u00a0with\u00a0<strong>Subject Line \u201cDuolingo,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0and include your\u00a0first and last name, exam date, and the\u00a0name of the master\u2019s program to which you are applying in the email.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Cambridge English Qualifications<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">Cambridge English Qualifications are in-depth exams that make learning English enjoyable, effective and rewarding, through a unique approach that encourages continuous progression with a clear path to improve language skills. Find more information <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridgeenglish.org\/exams-and-tests\/qualifications\/general\/\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>After you have completed the exam and have submitted your admissions application, please email a copy of your\u00a0<\/span><strong>Cambridge English Certificate<\/strong><span>\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span>grsmams@bu.edu<span>\u00a0with the subject line\u00a0<\/span><strong>\u201cCambridge English Qualifications,\u201d<\/strong><span>\u00a0and include your\u00a0<\/span><strong>first and last name<\/strong><span>, your 10-digit admissions\u00a0<\/span><strong>application ID<\/strong><span>, your Cambridge English Qualifications\u00a0<\/span><strong>Candidate ID<\/strong><span>, and the\u00a0<\/span><strong>name of the master&#8217;s program<\/strong><span>\u00a0to which you are applying in the email.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Chat with an International Student<\/h3>\n<p><script>\r\n            window.unibuddySettings = {\r\n                universitySlug: 'boston-university-graduate-school-of-arts-sciences',\r\n                filters: [{key: 'domesticOrInternational', valueList: ['international']}],\r\n                ubLang: 'en-US',\r\n                ubCookieConsent: 'necessary',\r\n            };\r\n        <\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.unibuddy.co\/unibuddy-carousel.js\" async defer><\/script><\/p>\n<div data-unibuddy-carousel=\"\"><\/div>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Connect with GRS on Social Media<\/h4>\n<style>img.socal_icon { height: 32px; width:32px;}<\/style>\n<div style=\"text-decoration: none; display: flex; justify-content: space-around; flex-direction: row; margin: 1em;\"><a style=\"border: 0px !important;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bu_grs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2020\/10\/IG-Icon.png\" alt=\"GRS Instagram\" class=\"socal_icon aligncenter\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" \/><\/a> <a style=\"border: 0px !important;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BostonUniversityGRS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2020\/10\/FB-Icon.png\" alt=\"GRS Facebook\" class=\"socal_icon aligncenter\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" \/><\/a> <a style=\"border: 0px !important;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/boston-university-grs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2020\/10\/Linkedin-Icon.png\" class=\"socal_icon aligncenter\" alt=\"\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" \/><\/a> <a style=\"border: 0px !important;\" href=\"\/cas\/files\/2020\/10\/WhatsApp-e1602178181366.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2020\/10\/WhatsApp-Icon.png\" class=\"socal_icon aligncenter\" alt=\"GRS WhatsApp\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences takes pride in our large international student population, and we welcome applications to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1355,"featured_media":0,"parent":22439,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/253"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1355"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=253"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/253\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91389,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/253\/revisions\/91389"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}