Boston University Trustee Scholarship: A Full-Ride for Future Leaders Across the Globe

If you are a high school senior dreaming of studying at Boston University and are planning to apply there, you need to check out the Boston Trustee Scholarship. Boston University (BU) is ranked among the world’s leading research institutions, and the trustees' scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available.

It covers full tuition and mandatory undergraduate fees for the entire four-year period. 

So, What Exactly Is the Trustee Scholarship?

Each year, around 20 students from the U.S. and around the world are selected to join a vibrant, tight-knit community of just over 70 current scholars.

The scholarship’s core idea is that students should follow their dreams, no matter where they take them. Scholars are not bound by any special academic track or coursework. While some choose to join BU’s Kilachand Honors College, participation is entirely optional.

You will get a chance to live in a beautiful, historic brownstone in the heart of BU’s campus with other scholars, or anywhere else on campus that feels like home.

Key Details at a Glance

• Coverage: Full undergraduate tuition + mandatory student fees (renewable for 4 years)
   
• Eligibility: Domestic & international high school seniors with exceptional academic records
   
• Class Size: ~20 new scholars selected each year
   
• Application Deadline: December 1
   
• Application Method: Common Application + Trustee Scholarship Essay
   
• Scholarship Link: BU Trustee Scholarship
   
• Contact Email: intadmis@bu.edu
   
• Phone: 617-353-2320
   

Who Should Apply?

This scholarship is not just for the academically excellent (though many past scholars had perfect 4.0 GPAs and ranked top of their class).

Chinese language and literature, neurology, acting, television and film writing, biomedical engineering, and linguistics are just a few of the amazing fields in which scholars are employed across the BU campus. Examples of trustee scholars include Actors, activists, and businesspeople. They are leaders on campus, volunteers, and up-and-coming academics. You can accomplish anything at BU with the Trustee Scholarship.

What Makes the Trustee Scholar Experience So Special?

Beyond the financial relief, the Trustee Scholar experience is packed with social, cultural, and intellectual opportunities.

Each semester, scholars attend a faculty reception featuring invited professors, insightful speakers, and a touch of elegance, including hors d’oeuvres and stimulating conversation. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Boston’s rich cultural life with fellow Scholars, including an evening at the theater, symphony, or a curated museum visit, often paired with dinner. These events help Scholars stay connected, inspired, and supported throughout their BU journey.

“Am I Eligible?”

Yes—if you’re a high school senior (from anywhere in the world!) applying to an undergraduate program at BU and meet the following academic prerequisites:

Minimum High School Curriculum:

• 4 years of English
• 3–4 years of Math (Precalculus or Calculus recommended)
• 3–4 years of Lab Science
• 3–4 years of History or Social Science
• 2–4 years of a Foreign Language

Proof of English Proficiency (for non-native speakers):

• TOEFL: 90–100 total, minimum 20 in each section
• IELTS: Overall 7.0+
   

How to Apply

There’s no separate application form. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Submit the Common Application for admission to BU by December 1.
2. Complete the Trustee Scholarship Essay, choosing from the prompts given on their website.

That’s it! If you’re selected, the scholarship will be included in your offer.

TL;DR — Should You Apply?

✅You’re a high-achieving high school senior
✅You’ve got big dreams and a drive to lead, create, or discover
✅You’re applying to BU for undergraduate studies
✅You can meet the December 1 deadline
✅You’re ready to write a thoughtful essay

If that’s a “yes,” then what are you waiting for?