Boston University
Boston University overview
Boston University (BU), in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the largest and most prestigious private research universities in the United States. It began in 1839 in Vermont as the Newbury Biblical Institute, founded by Methodist ministers. In 1869 it became a comprehensive university in Boston.
Since then, BU has grown into a significant global academic institution, offering more than 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges. Boston University has a strong tradition of inclusivity. It was among the first American universities to open all its departments to women and to reject racial segregation.
Its urban campus along the Charles River serves more than 35,000 students. Through its history, the university has made significant contributions to academia, public service, and innovation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), it stands out as a top-tier research institution.
BU is known for groundbreaking work in fields such as biomedical engineering, public health, communications, and law. Its most notable alumni and faculty include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Elie Wiesel, and Alexander Graham Bell. King, the civil rights leader, earned his doctorate in systematic theology from BU in 1955. Wiesel, a Nobel laureate, taught philosophy and religion at BU for decades. Bell did pioneering work on the telephone while affiliated with the university.
About Boston University
Boston University (BU), in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the largest and most prestigious private research universities in the United States. It began in 1839 in Vermont as the Newbury Biblical Institute, founded by Methodist ministers. In 1869 it became a comprehensive university in Boston.
Since then, BU has grown into a significant global academic institution, offering more than 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges. Boston University has a strong tradition of inclusivity. It was among the first American universities to open all its departments to women and to reject racial segregation.
Its urban campus along the Charles River serves more than 35,000 students. Through its history, the university has made significant contributions to academia, public service, and innovation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), it stands out as a top-tier research institution.
BU is known for groundbreaking work in fields such as biomedical engineering, public health, communications, and law. Its most notable alumni and faculty include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Elie Wiesel, and Alexander Graham Bell. King, the civil rights leader, earned his doctorate in systematic theology from BU in 1955. Wiesel, a Nobel laureate, taught philosophy and religion at BU for decades. Bell did pioneering work on the telephone while affiliated with the university.
Boston University faculties and programs
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Art Education with Initial Licensure
Art and Architecture, History of
Chinese/Literary Translation
German/Literary Translation
French Studies/Literary Translation
Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Latin/Literary Translation
Japanese/Literary Translation
Finance
Boston University scholarships and financial aid
Boston University offers scholarship opportunities for students with international status. Keep in mind, however, that scholarship programs have limited funding and spots. Awards are made on the basis of financial need and academic merit, and admission standards are high. If you want to apply to the scholarship programs offered by Boston University, you can reach the relevant programs through the links below.
Boston University Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into Boston University
If you are an international student applying to undergraduate programs offered by Boston University, you must meet the admission requirements listed below.
- Completion of 12 Years of Primary and Secondary Education
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- Strong Academic Record
- Official transcripts showing the courses you took and the grades you earned throughout high school
- SAT or ACT Score
- English Language Proficiency Certificate
- A proficiency certificate from a test such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Personal Statement & Essay
Qualifications from programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Placement are not sufficient for direct admission. If you study in one of these programs, you may request course credit for the subjects you have taken.
If you are applying to postgraduate programs offered by Boston University, you must meet the admission requirements listed below.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Strong Academic Record
- Official transcripts showing the courses you took and the grades you earned during undergraduate study
- Relevant Work Experience
- English Language Proficiency Certificate
- A proficiency certificate from a test such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- A GRE/GMAT score may be required, depending on the specific admission requirements of the program you apply to.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Boston University application process.
Take a closer look at Boston University
Boston University's main campus runs along the natural banks of the Charles River, in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. Often called the Charles River Campus, it sits in the Fenway-Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods and mixes historic and modern architecture.
The campus holds major academic buildings, student residence halls, athletic facilities, and the iconic Marsh Chapel. Landmarks include BU Castle, the George Sherman Union (the central student center), and the Center for Computing and Data Sciences. That striking sustainable skyscraper symbolizes BU's commitment to innovation and climate-conscious construction.
The Charles River Campus is home to most of the university's schools and colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Communication, and the Questrom School of Business. Boston University also operates the Medical Campus, in the South End neighborhood of Boston.
There you will find the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the School of Public Health. The Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is based there as well. The Medical Campus is affiliated with Boston Medical Center, a leading teaching hospital. Boston Medical Center is known for its focus on urban health and serving underrepresented communities. The Medical Campus also serves as a center for biomedical research and clinical practice.
BU has more than 450 student organizations and offers opportunities for every interest. They range from academic and professional groups to performing arts ensembles, cultural associations, volunteer organizations, and special interest clubs.
The Student Activities Office helps you get involved through events such as the Splash! involvement fair. Held at the start of each academic year, it showcases all student groups. BU also hosts a vibrant student government, a variety of multicultural and international organizations, and active chapters of national honor societies.
Boston University competes in NCAA Division I athletics. Its teams, known as the Terriers, draw particular recognition for their success in men's ice hockey. The men's hockey team has won multiple national championships and plays its home games at Agganis Arena, the focal point of school spirit.
BU has no football team, but club and intramural sports are popular. The university's state-of-the-art Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) offers a wide variety of athletic options. Traditions such as the “Midnight Breakfast” during finals week, the “BU Global Music Festival,” and Homecoming Weekend bring students together across disciplines and cultures.
Boston University has a large alumni network of notable graduates who have achieved distinction in a variety of fields. Among the university's notable alumni are:
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Alexander Graham Bell
- Faye Dunaway
- Alfre Woodard
- Russell Hornsby
- Jason Alexander
- Ginnifer Goodwin
- Marisa Tomei
- Emily Deschanel
- Marc Maron
- Viola Léger
- Julianne Moore
- Uzo Aduba
- Paul Michael Glaser
- Michael Chiklis
- Sarah Chase
- Geena Davis
among others.
Boston University Frequently Asked Questions
Boston University Location
Boston, United States
Boston University Contact
Boston University
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into Boston University
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why Boston University?
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