Home › Colleges › USA › Boston University
52%
Acceptance rate
~$52k
Tuition / yr
7
IELTS required
35%
Intl students
1839
Founded
#322
QS World rank
Located in Boston, major tech/startup hub; excellent CS and engineering programs. This guide covers Boston University's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at Boston University
Boston University is best known for Boston tech hub location, Strong CS and engineering, Research opportunities, Alumni network. Popular programs for international students include:
- MS Computer Science
- MS Computer Engineering
- MS Data Science
- MBA
- MS Systems Engineering
Class profile: Selective private research university; strong reputation in engineering and CS. Notable alumni: Strong alumni network in Northeast tech and finance.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 |
| PTE Academic | 65 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| GRE | Required for most MS programs |
| GMAT (MBA) | Required for MBA |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.4/4.0 |
| Work experience | N/A |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for Boston University.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | ~$52k/yr tuition; total cost of attendance ~$72k |
| Application fee | $80 |
| Living costs (est.) | $12,000–20,000/yr |
| Scholarships | Graduate assistantships, merit scholarships available |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Shortlist programs & note GRE/GMAT policy
- Take IELTS/TOEFL + GRE/GMAT if required
- Prepare SOP, 2–3 LORs, CV & transcripts
- Apply online (Fall deadlines Dec–Jan)
- Pay application fee; submit
- Receive decision → I-20 → F-1 visa
📄 Documents checklist
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
- Resume / CV
- GRE/GMAT (if required)
- IELTS / TOEFL
- Application fee
- Passport copy
- Financial proof (I-20)
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · USA
- Student visa: F-1 student visa
- Work while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks
- Post-study work: OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees)
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Clear the requirements comfortably. Meet IELTS 7+ and the GPA cleanly, then differentiate with a focused SOP and 1–2 strong recommendation letters.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at Boston University and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. Boston University needs IELTS 7 / TOEFL 90 / PTE 65. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (~$52k/yr tuition; total cost of attendance ~$72k) plus living costs ($12,000–20,000/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. Boston University's main intakes are Fall (Aug) & Spring (Jan) — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Fall (Aug), Spring (Jan) |
| Typical deadline | Rolling (varies by program) |
| Acceptance rate | 52% (moderately selective) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (www.bu.edu) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for Boston University?
- Boston University typically requires IELTS 7 (TOEFL 90, PTE 65). GRE: Required for most MS programs.
- How much does Boston University cost?
- International tuition is approximately ~$52k/yr tuition; total cost of attendance ~$72k, plus living costs of $12,000–20,000/yr. Application fee: $80.
- What is the acceptance rate at Boston University?
- Boston University has an indicative acceptance rate of about 52% (Selective private research university; strong reputation in engineering and CS).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at Boston University?
- Intakes: Fall (Aug), Spring (Jan). Typical deadline: Rolling (varies by program).
- Is Boston University hard to get into?
- Boston University is moderately selective, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 52%. A complete application that clearly meets the requirements has a strong chance.
- Does Boston University require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Required for most MS programs. GMAT (for MBA): Required for MBA. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at Boston University?
- OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees) (USA). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks.
- What documents do I need to apply to Boston University?
- Typically: Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, 2–3 Letters of Recommendation, Resume / CV, GRE/GMAT (if required), IELTS / TOEFL, Application fee, Passport copy, Financial proof (I-20). Check program-specific requirements before applying.