Applying to the PhD Program at Questrom
BU provides generous support to its PhD students. This support includes a full tuition scholarship, fully covered student fees, payment of the premium for you to participate in BU’s student health insurance plan, and a stipend to cover living expenses.
We offer two PhD in business programs: PhD in Business Administration and PhD in Mathematical Finance. The PhD in Business Administration offers seven academic disciplines. Our PhD community is small, we seek candidates who will thrive in an open environment where collaboration and collegiality are key.
When we review applicants, we consider analytical skills, GMAT and GRE scores, academic background, and research fit—we want to ensure that your research goals are a good match with our faculty, who provide exceptional support and expertise. Our aim is to create a class of diverse and dedicated researchers. PhD candidates at Questrom come from a variety of impressive backgrounds, not just in academics but in culture, life experience, and professional work.
Ready to take the next step?
We want to get to know you better through your application beyond the numbers. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds—not just business—to apply to Questrom. We look forward to hearing from you!
Questrom PhD Programs Application Form
- When you’re ready, 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.
Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office
- (617) 353-2670
- PhD in Business Administration program:questromphd@bu.edu
- PhD in Mathematical Finance: questromphd@bu.edu
We welcome your re-application. The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. Re-applicants must submit:
- a new application form and fee ($125)
- an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application
- reasons for re-applying
- an updated resume
- a new letter of recommendation
- official university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application)
- updated GMAT or GRE results
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 and off-site fairs.
In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:
| The US Military | AmeriCorps | Education Pioneers |
| Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA Fellows | Teach for America | Historically Black Colleges |
| The Peace Corps | City Year Corps | Hispanic Serving Institutions |
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. If you submit this request before or on one of our application deadlines but do not receive a confirmation from us that same day, your application will still be considered “on time” for the deadline to which you applied. 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
| Entry Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | January 9, 2025 |
Admissions Checklist
Remember: You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. Once you’ve applied, we’ll begin the review process.
We’re here to help.
We know the application process can take a lot of time and effort. If you have any questions, please email or call us at (617) 353-2670.
$125 application fee payable by credit/debit cards only.
Submit personal statement online only.
Current resume, as required in the online application.
Submit three letters of recommendation as required in the online application.
Transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad, transfer credits, and post-graduate work. Unofficial documents will be accepted for admission consideration. Official copies will be required for incoming students prior to matriculation.
The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation.
BU’s codes vary by program, so please see the GMAT and GRE Code chart below for your degree.
See more information on accepted exams and the waiver policy in the “Information for International Students” section outlined below.
PhD in Mathematical Finance Checklist
$125 application fee payable by credit/debit cards only.
Submit personal statement online only.
Current resume, as required in the online application.
Submit three letters of recommendation as required in the online application.
Transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad, transfer credits, and post-graduate work. Unofficial documents will be accepted for admission consideration. Official copies will be required for incoming students prior to matriculation.
The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation.
BU’s codes vary by program, so please see the GMAT and GRE Code chart below for your degree.
BU’s codes vary by program, so please see the GMAT and GRE Code chart below for your degree.
Specifics on prerequisite coursework can be found in the FAQs section below.
See more information on accepted exams and the waiver policy in the “Information for International Students” section outlined below.
Please note: our ability to process mailed application materials may be significantly delayed. Because of this, we encourage applicants to plan to also send electronic copies of all necessary documents to questromappdocs@bu.edu.
Additional Application Information
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.
GMAT Codes
PhD in Management: P42-5K-06
PhD in Mathematical Finance: P42-5K-96
GRE Code
PhD Programs: 3087
English Language Proficiency:
Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two 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. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. 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 this 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 to questromphd@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for two years.
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.
- TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the iBT are recommended.
- IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band.
- 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.
Undergraduate Degrees:
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 Questrom School of Business.
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.