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Applying to Questrom
The Questrom Master in Finance degree program will fast-track you to a successful career in finance. We consider the whole applicant. Here are some things we look for:
- MS in Finance is open to applicants of any academic background
- Academic performance in analytic or technical coursework
- Leadership experience in student or professional organizations
- Work, volunteer, internship or business project experiences
- Strong communication skills and desire to learn how to work effectively in teams
- Passion for hands on learning and a dedication to learn what it takes to deliver excellent project outcomes
Helpful Links
We know the application process can take a lot of time and effort. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call us at (617) 353-2670.
When you’re ready to apply, start with our online application form. You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. Review the admissions checklist to stay on top of required materials, and keep an eye on our deadlines, too. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as simple and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office at (617) 353-2670 or mfin@bu.edu.
The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. We welcome your re-application. Each re-applicant is required to submit a new application form and fee ($125); an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying; an updated resume; university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application); and updated GMAT or GRE results (if applicable).
The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events. In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:
| The US Military | Education Pioneers | Historically Black Colleges |
| The Peace Corps | Teach for America | Hispanic Serving Institutions |
| AmeriCorps | City Year Corps | Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Fellows |
Instructions: To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out this form once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application. DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. As such, we encourage you to submit your application fee waiver request as soon as you have started your application. If you wait until the application deadline to submit your waiver request, you will still be considered “on time” for that deadline as long as you submit your application within 48 hours of receiving your waiver code. You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied.
Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only. You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.
Admissions Deadlines
After submitting a complete application for admission, candidates can expect to receive an admissions decision within 6-8 weeks.
| First date to Submit Application | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Extended to January 21, 2025 |
Extended to March 21, 2025 | |
| April 16, 2025 |
Applications are now closed for the 2025 – 2026 academic year.
*** For Domestic Students & International Students with a current, active F-1 visa
Admissions Checklist
Submit application form online only.
Online Application Fee of $125 is payable by credit/debit cards only at time of submission.
In the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, respond to three video essay questions to help us get to know you better.
This is your opportunity to explain to the admissions committee why you’d like to earn your degree from the Questrom School of Business specifically. It should also address why you have selected the program you are applying to and how that program will help you achieve your post-graduate goals.
Current resume, as required in the “Experiences” section of the online application. Upload in the “Supporting Information” section of the online application.
Submit transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad and post-graduate work, in the “Academic History” portion of the application.
Mail paper copy to:
Boston University Questrom School of Business
595 Commonwealth Ave, Suite 115 Boston MA, 02215
We accept either GMAT or GRE score reports for applications to the MSF program. BU’s GRE code is 3087. GMAT and GRE test scores are valid for 5 years and you should upload an unofficial copy with your online application. You can register for the GMAT exam at mba.com, and the GRE at ets.org. You may also wish to familiarize yourself with these tests by viewing free GMAT sample questions and practice tests, as well as free GRE preparation materials, though we do not endorse any particular prep source and encourage you to do your own research
Math Subject test (Optional)
Tuition & Financial Aid
The following tuition, fees, and other indirect expenses have been established at Boston University Questrom School of Business for the 2025-2026 academic year. These numbers are expected to be updated to reflect the 2026-2027 academic year in late March of 2026.
Graduate Financial Aid Office
Our team is here to help you finance your education. From scholarships and loans to benefits and eligibility, we can help you explore your financing options and find the plan that works for you.
| Tuition & Fees* | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | Total Program Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $34,935 | $34,935 | $13,098 | $82,968 |
| University Fees1 | $576 | $576 | $120 | $1,152 |
| Total Tuition & Fees* | $35,511 | $35,511 | $13,218 | $84,240 |
1. University Fees include the Student Services fees, Program Fees, and Health and Wellness Fees
Indirect expenses may not be factored into your student bill, but it’s important to consider them for your personal budget. These can include things like books, course materials, school supplies, and everyday personal costs. When we calculate financial aid and loans, we use a comprehensive cost estimate that includes these indirect expenses to make sure you’re getting a realistic and reasonable allowance for all your potential costs during the year.
| Estimated Living Expenses & Indirect Costs* | Estimated Cost: Academic Year ’25 – ’26 |
|---|---|
| Housing & Food (Estimated) | $23,175 |
| Books (Estimated) | $1,868 |
| Personal (Estimated) | $4,566 |
| Transportation (Estimated) | $1,680 |
| Health Insurance1 | $3,538 |
| Loan Origination Fee (Estimated) | $312 |
| Total Living Expenses & Indirect Costs (Estimated) | $35,139 |
1. Health insurance is currently reflective of the 2025-2026 academic year and is subject to change for the 2026-2027 academic year. Full-time students and students who are enrolled in at least 9 credits are required by Massachusetts law to carry health insurance. Students covered under another health plan that meets Massachusetts requirements may waive participation in the Boston University Plan. Students with coverage from insurance carriers outside the United States or coverage by non-US National Health Service programs may not waive participation. Charged in the fall semester for the academic year.
What type of applicant does BU look for?
The admission committee looks for a few primary factors when they review an application:
- At least initial programming coursework and a commitment to prepping prior to the program.
- Prior experience via internship and/or post-bachelors employment is helpful. You can find employment ranges in our class profile.
- Commitment to ethics — to ensure that you will maintain the high level of integrity expected of all students in the Questrom School of Business
- Evidence of student and community involvement — to indicate the value you will bring to future classmates
Learn more about our strategies and initiatives.
We are committed to enrolling qualitatively excellent incoming classes representing global, ethnic, and demographic diversity. Our policy encourages prospective students to consider our management programs regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, eligible veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
How do I begin an application?
We ask all interested applicants to fill out our online application and follow our admission procedures.
Where do I send my official application components (i.e official transcripts)?
You should first upload your documents with your application or email them to questromappdocs@bu.edu. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official documents. Official documents can be mailed to:
Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02215
How long will I have to wait for my admission decision?
If your application is submitted in its entirety by the required deadline, we aim to release the decision within 6-8 weeks. This precludes our doctoral programs.
What tests are required for admission?
Applicants to the MS in Finance program may either submit a GMAT score or a GRE score. We accept students with a range of scores. Having a score that exceeds the average does not guarantee admission, nor does a score below the average necessarily mean that you will not be accepted.
Are official documents, such as transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores, required?
To expedite the admissions process, please upload unofficial documents when submitting your application. Candidates who enroll in the program are required to submit official copies of all documents.
Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score?
Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least three years of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission (through their transcript/accompanying documents or a link to the institution’s website). Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver.
If you do not meet these criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language before submitting your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.
We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS. To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test. –
If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for 2 years.
What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores you accept?
TOEFL: Minimum scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the IBT are recommended. BU’s TOEFL code is 3087, and the department code is 02.
IELTS: A student’s overall score must be a minimum of 6.5. PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
Duolingo: A minimum score of 120 is recommended.
PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
Do I need to interview?
No, formal interviews are not required for the MS in Finance Program. Instead, applicants are required to complete the three video essay questions as part of their applications. Please use the hyperlink found in the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application to complete the video essay process.
Do I need a four-year degree?
We require that applicants hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process.
Diplomas, the Higher National Diploma (H.N.D.), certificates, memberships or associate memberships in some professional organizations, and some bachelor’s and technical degrees are not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for the purpose of gaining admission to the Graduate School.
For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact mba@bu.edu before starting the application process.
Do I need to complete all essays?
All candidates to our MSF program need to complete a written essay and respond to three video essay questions as part of their applications. Please use the hyperlink found in the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application to complete the video essay process.
Is this program STEM designated?
The MS in Finance program at the Questrom School of Business is currently designated by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students in F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization. More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
Can this program be completed part-time? No, students may only enroll in the program on a full-time basis.
How do I apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid? Admitted candidates to the MS in Finance are considered for merit-based scholarships. You do not need to submit any additional information to be eligible for a merit-based award. Notification about scholarship is included in the acceptance packet. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Learn more about our financial aid offerings.
Do you offer financial aid to international students? Yes, all applicants to the MS in Finance program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships provided that their applications are submitted by the admission deadlines. A separate application is not required. In addition, international students can finance their graduate education with private education loans provided they apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a U.S.-based address.
The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid team is here to support you during the admission process. Please feel free to email or call us at (617) 353-2670.
Apply for an MS in Finance Degree
Ready to apply? Follow the link to learn more about the application process. Once you’ve submitted your materials, we’ll start the review process. We’re happy to answer your questions along the way.
Application Deadlines
- Round 1: January 21, 2025
- Round 2: March 21, 2025
- Round 3: April 16, 2025
Upcoming MS in Finance Admissions Events
There are no events at this time
Check back at a later time for all the exciting events Questrom has to offer.