Boston University (BU) is a large private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of the Association of American Universities. With about 18,000 undergraduates and a large international community — international students make up about 21% of the entering class — it is one of the most popular US destinations for Pakistani students who want a big-city university with strong programmes in business, engineering, communication and the health sciences.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Type | Private research university, founded 1839 |
| Undergraduate tuition 2026-27 | US$73,024 |
| Total cost of attendance 2026-27 | US$98,419 (tuition, housing US$13,170, food US$7,570, fees US$1,570 and other expenses) |
| Admission | Early Decision 2 November 2026; Early Decision 2 and Regular Decision 5 January 2027 |
| Application fee | US$95 (waivers available) |
| Test policy | SAT and ACT optional through fall 2028 |
| Admit rate (fall 2025) | About 12.8% overall; about 16% for international applicants |
Popular programmes
BU's best-known schools are the Questrom School of Business, the College of Engineering (biomedical engineering is a particular strength), the College of Communication, and the College of Arts & Sciences. Computer science, data science, economics, psychology and international relations are among the most popular choices for international students. Most undergraduate degrees run for four years.
Fees and costs
The published 2026-27 cost of attendance is US$98,419: tuition US$73,024, housing US$13,170, food US$7,570, fees US$1,570 and about US$3,085 for books, personal expenses and local transport. Health insurance is mandatory for international students and costs about US$3,538 a year on top of that figure. Fees are revised every year, so confirm the 2027-28 figure on BU's own website before you apply.
Scholarships and financial aid
BU does not offer need-based aid to international students — need-based aid and the BU Promise are for US citizens and permanent residents only. What international students can win is merit aid:
- Trustee Scholarship: full tuition for four years, awarded to the strongest applicants in the admission pool. No separate application.
- Presidential Scholarship: half tuition (about US$36,500 a year at the 2026-27 rate), renewable for four years. Applicants who apply by 1 December are considered.
Even with a Presidential Scholarship, a family must still document liquid funds for the remaining cost — roughly US$62,000 a year — before an F-1 visa is issued.
Admission and English requirements
International applicants apply through the Common or Coalition Application. BU asks for school transcripts, two teacher recommendations, an essay, and proof of English proficiency — typically IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90–100, depending on the programme. A strong SAT score (1500+) is not required but strengthens a merit-scholarship case. Boston University's campus sits along the Charles River in the heart of Boston, with the city's hospitals, technology firms and financial employers all within reach — useful for internships and for the 12-month Optional Practical Training period after graduation.
FAQ
Is Boston University need-blind for international students? No. BU is need-aware for international applicants and offers no need-based aid to them. Your funding route is merit aid or family funds.
What is the deadline for fall 2027? Early Decision closes 2 November 2026; Early Decision 2 and Regular Decision close 5 January 2027.
Can I work while studying? Yes — up to 20 hours a week on campus on an F-1 visa, and full time during holidays. After graduation you get 12 months of OPT, or 36 months for STEM degrees.
Figures checked 2026-11-05: tuition US$73,024 and total US$98,419 for 2026-27; Presidential Scholarship half tuition; Trustee Scholarship full tuition; deadlines 2 November 2026 / 5 January 2027; SAT/ACT optional through fall 2028; admit rate 12.8% overall, 16% international (fall 2025). 2027-28 fees are not yet published — confirm on BU's website.
Related guides on Pakunii
FAFSA 2027-28 Guide · Digital SAT 2027 Guide · Fully Funded Scholarships 2027 · IELTS Academic Guide
Sources and verification: Boston University published 2026-27 cost of attendance; BU admissions pages.