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Boston University

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Boston University Overview

Boston - USA

Forget about Hogwarts. Picture a university where planes fly above you as you walk to class and trains run quietly beneath your feet. This isn't a scene from a movie; it's just a regular day at Boston University (BU).

 

 BU isn't like other colleges; it's where history is combined with groundbreaking innovation. The BU Bridge, a mind-bending structure, gives you a mix of tradition and cutting-edge thinking you'll find at this top-notch university.

 

Founded in 1839, Boston University has become a leading private research university located in the core of Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University offers a stimulating learning environment that prepares students to become future leaders and innovators. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the US and the world (QS World University Rankings: Top 100)


 

BU boasts a vast and diverse academic landscape, with over 300 undergraduate and 250 graduate programs across 17 schools and colleges. The cornerstone of BU's liberal arts education offers a strong foundation in various disciplines. Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is a research powerhouse near Boston Medical Center, one of New England's largest and busiest teaching hospitals.

 

Popular Programs at BU:

 

 

Boston University has three campuses, all located in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

  • The main campus is along the Charles River in Boston's Fenway–Kenmore and Allston neighbourhoods.

 

  • The Boston University Medical Campus is in the city's South End neighbourhood.

 

  • The Fenway campus houses the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, formerly Wheelock College, which merged with BU in 2018.

 

  According to QS World Rankings 2025, Boston University is ranked at #108.

 

Here are some key highlights of the university:

 

Founded In

1839

Total Number of Students

37,557

Total Countries Represented

140

QS World Ranking 

#108

Total Campus

3

Application Fees

UG- USD 80 or INR 6,680

PG- USD 85 or INR 7,097

Accreditation

NECHE, ABA, LCME

 

 

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Scholarships

Deadline

2023-04-01

Awarded

10

Amount

₹13.72L

Deadline

2022-04-28

Awarded

10

Amount

₹7.74L

Deadline

2023-09-01

Awarded

Varies

Amount

₹24.45L

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Boston University
Q. Is Boston University difficult to get into?

Ans. Yes, Boston University (BU) is considered a challenging university to attend. For the class of 2026, BU's acceptance rate was only 14%, which means that out of every 100 applicants, only 14 were admitted. This indicates a highly competitive applicant pool. While BU has no published GPA cut-off, successful applicants typically have strong academic records.


 

Q. Does Boston University have its own campus?

Ans. Boston University is home to three lively campuses in Boston. The main campus, teeming with students and activity, is situated along the Charles River. The separate Medical Campus focuses on health sciences, while the Fenway Campus is where you'll find the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. Each location offers a distinct experience, adding to the vibrant spirit of BU.


 

Q. Does Boston accept IELTS?

Ans. Boston University accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency for international applicants. This means that if English isn't your native language, you can submit your IELTS results to demonstrate your ability to succeed in their English-language-based programs.


 

Q. Is Master in Boston University worth it?

Ans. Boston University has a strong reputation across different fields, which can boost your resume and career opportunities. A Master's program provides advanced knowledge and skills in your area of study, making you a more competitive job candidate. However, it's important to note that Master's programs at BU can be costly, including tuition, living expenses, and other fees.


 

Q. Does Boston University require GRE for MS?

Ans. The GRE requirements for Master's programs at Boston University vary depending on the specific program. Not all programs require the GRE for admission. Some programs may require the GRE or other standardized tests. You can find the admission requirements for each program on the BU website. When researching, look for the specific program you're interested in.


 

Q. Is Boston University free for international students?

Ans. Boston University isn't entirely free for international students, but there are ways to manage costs. While scholarships and financial aid are limited for international students, BU does offer some options. Plus, most applicants have no required standardised tests (SAT/ACT), so application fees might be the only initial expense.


 

Q. How much is the application fee for Boston University?

Ans. The Boston University application fee depends on your program level. Undergraduates pay INR 6K (USD 80), while graduate programs, including IT programs, have a slightly higher fee of INR 7K (USD 85). The fees are non-refundable and should be paid on time. You can find this info and more details on application costs on the BU Admissions website.

Q. How long does Boston University take to send acceptance letters?

Ans. For applicants who applied under Early Decision (typically with a November 1st deadline), decisions are released no later than December 15th. If your program offers Early Decision 2, decisions might be released by February 15th. The BU Admissions website might have a section for applicants to track the status of their application. Check their website for details specific to your application cycle.


 

Q. Is Boston University very expensive?

Ans. Yes, Boston University can be quite expensive. The cost of tuition itself is high over INR 50 L for undergrads. While not entirely free, there are ways to manage costs. Consider scholarships and explore living arrangements outside the city centre, which can be cheaper than being right downtown.


 

Q. Does Boston University give full aid to international students?

Ans. No, Boston University (BU) does not typically offer full financial aid packages to international students. BU offers limited financial aid options for international students. Need-based aid is typically not available, while merit-based scholarships like the Trustee and Presidential Scholarships are highly competitive and require outstanding academic achievements.

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