Boston University Scholarships

Boston University (BU), a leading private research institution in Massachusetts, is home to over 36,000 students from 130+ countries. To ensure that finances do not hinder talented students, BU offers a wide range of scholarships for both domestic and international students. The university offers over 300 programs across various disciplines, making it a top choice for undergraduate, graduate, and international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and financial need.

Boston University Scholarships for International Students

1. BU International Student Financial Aid

Coverage: Need-based grants that partially cover tuition and fees.

Eligibility:

  • Available to international students applying for admission.
  • Must demonstrate financial need through required financial documentation.

Benefit:

  • Reduces financial burden, making BU more affordable.

2. Trustee Scholarship for International Students

Coverage:

  • Full tuition + mandatory undergraduate fees (renewable for 4 years).

Eligibility:

  • Exceptional academic performance.
  • Leadership qualities and outstanding extracurricular achievements.
  • Requires a separate essay submission.

Benefit:

  • BU’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship for international students.

3. Boston University Presidential Scholarship for International Students

Coverage:

  • $25,000 annually (renewable for 4 years).

Eligibility:

  • International students with high academic performance.
  • Strong leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Benefit:

  • Recognizes outstanding global talent.

Boston University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

1. Boston University Presidential Scholarship

Coverage:

  • $25,000 annually (renewable up to 4 years).

Eligibility:

  • High-achieving students with strong academics and leadership.

2. Boston University Trustee Scholarship (Full-Tuition Scholarship)

Coverage:

  • Full tuition + mandatory fees (renewable for 4 years).

Eligibility:

  • Only 20 students are awarded each year.
  • Requires a separate application essay.
  • Exceptional academic and extracurricular record.

3. Boston University National Merit Scholarships

Coverage:

  • $25,000 annually + an additional $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Eligibility:

  • U.S. high school seniors who qualify as National Merit Finalists and select BU as their first-choice school.

4. BU College of Engineering FIRST Robotics Scholarship

Coverage:

  • $25,000 per year (renewable for 4 years).

Eligibility:

  • Undergraduate applicants to BU’s College of Engineering.
  • Active participants in a high school FIRST Robotics competition.

5. BU Community Service Award (For Local Students)

Coverage:

  • Up to full tuition, depending on financial need.

Eligibility:

  • Boston public high school graduates.
  • Students who demonstrate financial need and commitment to community service.

Boston University Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students at BU are supported with full-tuition scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and departmental funding.

1. BU School of Medicine (Full-Tuition Scholarships)

Coverage:

  • Full tuition + living stipend (varies by program).

Eligibility:

  • Top medical students demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to healthcare.

Benefit:

  • Allows students to focus fully on their medical training.

2. Boston University Graduate Fellowships

Types:

  • Merit Fellowships (for outstanding academic performance).
  • Diversity Fellowships (for underrepresented groups).
  • Professional School Fellowships (Law, Business, Public Health).

Coverage:

  • Full or partial tuition + stipend.

Benefits:

  • Provides financial independence while pursuing graduate research or study.

3. Boston University Law School Scholarships

Coverage:

  • Full tuition or partial tuition scholarships.

Eligibility:

  • Law students with exceptional academic backgrounds, leadership, and public service commitment.

Funding Options:

  • Dean’s Scholarships, Public Interest Scholarships, and merit-based law fellowships.

4. BU Research and Teaching Assistantships (RAs and TAs)

Coverage:

  • Full or partial tuition remission + monthly stipend.

Eligibility:

  • Graduate students willing to teach undergraduate courses or assist with faculty research.

Benefits:

  • Gain teaching and research experience.
  • Financial support during graduate study.

Scholarship Options:

  • Offered across various departments.

How to Apply for Boston University Scholarships

Applying for scholarships at Boston University is straightforward, but requirements differ depending on the program. Below are the general steps for both undergraduate and graduate applicants:

1. Undergraduate Students

Step 1: Apply for Admission

  • Submit the Common Application or Coalition Application to Boston University.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

  • Official transcripts
  • SAT/ACT scores (test-optional in some years)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement

Step 3: Indicate Scholarship Consideration

  • All first-year applicants are automatically considered for most merit-based scholarships (e.g., Presidential, National Merit).
  • For the Trustee Scholarship, submit the separate Trustee Essay by the application deadline.

Step 4: Financial Aid Application (for Need-Based Aid)

  • U.S. Students: Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
  • International Students: Submit the BU International Student Financial Aid Application and financial documents.

2. Graduate Students

Step 1: Apply to a Graduate Program

  • Complete the online graduate application for your chosen school (Law, Medicine, Engineering, etc.).

Step 2: Submit Academic Materials

  • Transcripts
  • GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT (if required)
  • Recommendation letters
  • Statement of purpose

Step 3: Fellowship & Assistantship Applications

  • Many fellowships (Graduate, Law, Medicine) are considered automatically during admission.
  • For Research/Teaching Assistantships, indicate your interest in the application or contact the department directly.

Step 4: Apply for Additional Funding

  • Submit forms for departmental funding, professional school scholarships, or BU-sponsored fellowships.

Deadlines

  • Undergraduate Scholarships (Presidential, Trustee, National Merit): January 4 (for fall admission).
  • Graduate Fellowships & Assistantships: Vary by department; usually December–February.

Boston University ensures that financial barriers don’t limit student potential. With clear application processes, BU opens doors to world-class education, research opportunities, and full financial support for both local and international students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can international students apply for BU scholarships?

  • Yes. BU offers scholarships like the Presidential Scholarship and Trustee Scholarship exclusively for international students.

2. Do I need a separate application for scholarships?

For most merit scholarships, you are automatically considered once you apply for admission. However, the Trustee Scholarship requires a separate essay.

3. Are scholarships renewable?

  • Yes. Many BU scholarships, like the Presidential and Trustee, are renewable for up to four years as long as students maintain academic performance.

4. Does BU offer full scholarships?

  • Yes. The Trustee Scholarship (undergraduate) and many graduate fellowships cover full tuition and additional costs.

5. What makes a strong application?

  • High grades, strong essays, leadership, community service, and in some cases, financial need.