Boston University (BU) offers merit scholarships to international first-year students, but does not offer need-based aid to international undergraduates. Here is what is available.
Last checked: October 2026. Confirm details on BU’s official first-year merit scholarship page.
Presidential Scholarship
- Value: half of undergraduate tuition, renewable for up to four years in good standing
- Eligible: US citizens, permanent residents and international students
- How: no separate application; have your complete admission application in by 1 December (for fall 2027 entry)
- Not covered: fees, housing and food
What About the Trustee Scholarship?
BU’s Trustee Scholarship used to cover full tuition and fees and is still described on many older websites. Check BU’s current official merit page before planning on it, as BU’s main first-year merit award is now the Presidential Scholarship.
Need-Based Aid
International undergraduates are not eligible for BU need-based scholarships. Even with a Presidential Scholarship, you will need to show how you will pay the remaining costs to obtain a student visa.
Graduate Students
PhD students are generally funded through fellowships and assistantships. Master’s programmes may offer partial scholarships; check your specific school.
If you need full financial aid, compare universities that meet full need for international students, such as MIT and Yale.
