International Students

Merit-Based Scholarships

International applicants are considered for merit scholarships on a competitive basis based on outstanding academic records. Candidates must apply for admission by December 1. Visit the BU Admissions website for more information. 

Need-Based Aid

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. In addition, BU Financial Assistance is unable to offer need-based University scholarship or grant aid to international students, except through select partner organizations.

BU does not pay for visa fees, summer or winter housing cost, or any tax liability for international students receiving a BU scholarship.

Credit-Based Loans

Most lenders offering credit-based educational loans to international students require that a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen credit-worthy co-borrowerThe person who applies for a loan with and signs a promissory note agreeing to be responsible for repayment if the borrower fails to meet the terms of repayment. This person’s creditworthiness may make the borrower eligible for a lower interest rate, lower fees, and/or other more favorable terms. apply for the loan along with the primary borrowerThe borrower is the person legally responsible for repayment of a loan and who has signed the promissory note.. Certain lenders do not require a co-borrowerThe person who applies for a loan with and signs a promissory note agreeing to be responsible for repayment if the borrower fails to meet the terms of repayment. This person’s creditworthiness may make the borrower eligible for a lower interest rate, lower fees, and/or other more favorable terms.. However, their interest ratesA loan expense charged a borrower for the use of borrowed money. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the principal of the loan, which includes the original amount borrowed and any capitalized interest. and other terms may be less favorable.