Boston university acceptance rate for international students

In This Section

  • Overview
  • Questbridge Applicants
  • International Applicants
  • Homeschooled Applicants
  • Transfer Applicants
  • Veteran and ROTC Applicants
  • Test-Optional Policy 2022-23
  • Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
  • First-Year Admission Profile

Applying as an International Student

Boston College, a university located in the Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill, is home to 1,725 international students. Boston College's 9,445 undergraduates come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, leading to a vibrant and enriching campus atmosphere.

A student is considered an international applicant if he or she is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. With the few exceptions listed below, international students must submit the same application credentials as other first-year or transfer students. 

Standardized Test Scores & English Proficiency Exams

Boston College has adopted a test-optional policy for first-year applicants to the Classes of 2027. This policy does not include English proficiency examinations. Learn more here.

In addition to submitting ACT or SAT scores, Boston College requires that non-U.S. citizens submit TOEFL (CEEB Code: 3083), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores.

TOEFL ITP Plus, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials, and IELTS Indicator will not be accepted. If you do not have access to a testing center, please register for the Duolingo English Test.

Please note that Boston College does not superscore English proficiency exams and TOEFL MyBest Score reports are not considered in the evaluation process. 

The English proficiency requirement can be waived if an applicant meets at least one of the following three options:

  • English is your native language;
  • You have attended a U.S. high school or another majority native English speaking country for at least three years, and you are enrolled in a traditional academic curriculum without ESOL coursework; or
  • You score 650 or above on the SAT EBRW or 29 or better on the ACT English section.

Testing Recommendations

Minimum scores of 100 on the iBT, 7.5 on the IELTS, or 130 on the Duolingo English Test are recommended.

Play

Boston university acceptance rate for international students

Associate Director David Weber

English Proficiency Supplements

Students attending a national school in China are encouraged to schedule an interview with InitialView. While not required, a video interview allows candidates the opportunity to demonstrate English proficiency and communication skills to the Admission Committee.

Applicants should submit InitialView results by November 15 for Early Decision I and January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.

Financial Aid

Boston College is unable to provide need-based financial aid to students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. Therefore, international students should be prepared to finance the full cost of their Boston College education.

Once admitted, international students will receive a link to the Boston College Certification of Finances form. This form will outline the costs of attending Boston College for the upcoming year. I-20 forms will not be mailed to admitted students until they have verified that they can fully meet the financial obligations outlined in the Certification of Finances. Boston College only accepts the Certification of Finances form for admitted international students. Therefore, applicants who have not yet received an admission decision should not send this form.

All international students who do hold U.S. citizenship or a Green Card are fully eligible to receive financial aid.

Breakdown of expenses for the 2022-2023 academic year

ItemCost
Undergraduate Tuition $62,950
Mandatory Fees for Resident Student (Campus Health Infirmary & Student Activity Fees) $1,226
Room and Board $16,120
Total Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board* $80,296

*Please note that freshmen pay a one-time required charge of $600 for First Year Orientation and their student ID.

**Estimated cost for books and incidental items is $3,150

55

Countries our students call home

845

Undergraduate international students

219

International faculty and research scholars

Financial Aid

Boston College is unable to provide need-based financial aid to international citizens. Therefore, non-U.S. citizens should be prepared to finance the full cost of their Boston College education. Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for international students to learn more about financing a Boston College education.

Is Boston University good for international students?

It is also the 8th best university hosting the maximum number of international students in the US by Open Doors. As per the U.S News & World Report 2021, Boston University has been ranked 42 among the national universities, while it ranks 62 in the World University Rankings 2022, by Times Higher Education.

Is Boston University tough to get into?

The acceptance rate at Boston University is 22.1%. For every 100 applicants, 22 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. If you meet Boston University's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in.

How can a Indian student get into Boston University?

Academic requirements.
GPA– BU requires a GPA over 6 out of 10 (GPA-3.6/4).
SAT/ACT- While BU doesn't specify a certain cutoff for application, it certainly requires one. ... .
GRE– They need an average of 60% for Verbal and 80% for Quantitative..
TOEFL/IELTS– For TOEFL, a score of 85-100 is required, while IELTS needs 7.0/10..

Does Boston College give financial aid to international students?

Boston College is unable to provide need-based financial aid to international citizens. Therefore, non-U.S. citizens should be prepared to finance the full cost of their Boston College education.