Boston University
Boston University overview
Boston University (BU), located in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the largest and most prestigious private research universities in the United States. It was founded in 1839 by Methodist ministers in Vermont as the Newbury Biblical Institute and transformed into a comprehensive university in Boston in 1869.
Since then, BU has grown into a significant global academic institution offering more than 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges. With a strong tradition of inclusivity, Boston University 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. Throughout its history, Boston University has made significant contributions to academia, public service, and innovation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), the university 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. Among its most notable alumni and faculty are civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who earned his doctorate in systematic theology from BU in 1955; Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, who taught philosophy and religion at BU for decades; and Alexander Graham Bell, who conducted pioneering work on the telephone while affiliated with the university.
About Boston University
Boston University (BU), located in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the largest and most prestigious private research universities in the United States. It was founded in 1839 by Methodist ministers in Vermont as the Newbury Biblical Institute and transformed into a comprehensive university in Boston in 1869.
Since then, BU has grown into a significant global academic institution offering more than 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges. With a strong tradition of inclusivity, Boston University 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. Throughout its history, Boston University has made significant contributions to academia, public service, and innovation. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), the university 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. Among its most notable alumni and faculty are civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who earned his doctorate in systematic theology from BU in 1955; Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, who taught philosophy and religion at BU for decades; and Alexander Graham Bell, who conducted 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. It is important to keep in mind, however, that scholarship programs have limited funding and spots, that awards are made on the basis of financial need and academic merit, and that admission standards are high. Students who wish to apply to the scholarship programs offered by Boston University can access 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
Prospective international students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs offered by Boston University 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 documenting the courses taken and grades received throughout high school
- SAT or ACT Score
- English Language Proficiency Certificate
- English proficiency certificate obtained through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Personal Statement & Essay
Academic qualifications obtained through programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Placement are not sufficient for direct admission; however, students enrolled in these programs may request course credit based on the subjects they have taken.
Prospective students wishing to apply to postgraduate programs offered by Boston University must meet the admission requirements listed below.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Strong Academic Record
- Official transcripts documenting the courses taken and grades received during undergraduate study
- Relevant Work Experience
- English Language Proficiency Certificate
- English proficiency certificate obtained through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- A GRE/GMAT score may be required depending on the specific admission requirements of the program being applied 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 stretches along the natural banks of the Charles River in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. Often referred to as the Charles River Campus, this urban campus is situated in the Fenway-Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods and features a mix of historic and modern architecture.
The campus is home to major academic buildings, student residence halls, athletic facilities, and the iconic Marsh Chapel. Notable landmarks include BU Castle, the George Sherman Union (the central student center), and the Center for Computing and Data Sciences — a striking sustainable skyscraper that 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, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Communication, and the Questrom School of Business. In addition to the Charles River Campus, Boston University operates the Medical Campus, located in the South End neighborhood of Boston.
This campus is home to the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, the School of Public Health, and the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. The Medical Campus is affiliated with Boston Medical Center, a leading teaching hospital known for its focus on urban health and serving underrepresented communities, and serves as a center for biomedical research and clinical practice.
With more than 450 student organizations, BU offers opportunities for every interest, from academic and professional groups to performing arts ensembles, cultural associations, volunteer organizations, and special interest clubs.
The Student Activities Office helps students get involved through events such as the Splash! involvement fair at the start of each academic year, which 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, and its teams, known as the Terriers, are particularly recognized for their success in men's ice hockey. BU's men's hockey team has won multiple national championships and plays its home games at Agganis Arena, the focal point of school spirit.
While BU does not have a football team, club and intramural sports are popular, and 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 awards and achievements
- 9 Nobel Prize winners among alumni and faculty
- 23 Pulitzer Prize winners among alumni and faculty
- 10 Rhodes Bursiyeri
- 6 Marshall Bursiyeri
- 14 Academy Award winners among alumni
- 11 Emmy Prize winners among alumni
- 9 Tony Prize winners among alumni
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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