Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, and it is one of the US universities Indian students shortlist most often. The funding rules for international applicants are simple and strict: BU offers merit scholarships to international students, but it does not offer need-based university grant aid to them. International applicants who want to be considered for a merit scholarship must apply for admission by 1 December.
This page summarises exactly what BU’s own Financial Assistance and Admissions offices publish for international applicants, with the official links at the end so you can confirm every line before you pay an application fee.
Boston University scholarships for international students: the quick facts
Quick facts2026-27
| Scholarship from | Boston University (select merit scholarships; no need-based grant aid for international students) |
| Last date to apply | 1 December 2026 for admission with merit scholarship consideration (Fall 2027 entry) |
| Official website | bu.edu/finaid/applying/international |
What BU offers international applicants
BU’s Financial Assistance office states that international applicants are considered for merit scholarships on a competitive basis, based on outstanding academic records. The Admissions office puts it the same way: international students may be eligible for select merit scholarships offered by BU.
Two things follow from that wording, and both matter when you plan your finances. First, the award is decided by the strength of your academic record, not by your family income. Second, there is no separate international scholarship form described on BU’s financial assistance pages – the merit review starts from your admission application, which is why the 1 December deadline is the date that counts.
Why there is no need-based aid for international students
BU is direct about this on both of its financial aid pages. Its international students page says that BU Financial Assistance is unable to offer need-based university scholarship or grant aid to international students, except through select partner organisations. The scholarships page repeats it: need-based financial aid from BU is not currently available to international students.
The contrast with domestic applicants is worth knowing, because it explains the numbers you may see quoted in US guides. BU will meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of admitted first-year and transfer students who are US citizens or permanent residents, and those students apply with the CSS Profile plus the FAFSA. Neither route is open to an Indian applicant who needs a full funding package, so plan on merit aid plus your own or family funds.
Costs BU does not cover even when you win a scholarship
BU’s international page lists three items that a BU scholarship does not pay for, and students regularly miss them while budgeting:
- Visa fees.
- Summer or winter housing costs.
- Any tax liability that arises for an international student who receives a BU scholarship.
Add those to your yearly budget separately. They are small next to tuition, but they arrive as cash payments at fixed times, usually before your first stipend or family transfer lands.
Loans: the co-borrower rule
If you plan to bridge the gap with a credit-based education loan from a US lender, BU explains the catch: most lenders offering credit-based educational loans to international students require a US citizen or eligible non-citizen credit-worthy co-borrower to sign the promissory note with you. Certain lenders do not require a co-borrower, but their interest rates and other terms may be less favourable.
For most Indian families this makes an Indian bank or NBFC education loan the practical route, since a US co-borrower is rarely available. Compare the sanctioned amount, moratorium period and the interest rate before you commit.
How to apply: step by step
- Shortlist the BU programme and check its specific admission requirements on the BU Admissions site.
- Submit the admission application before 1 December 2026 for Fall 2027 entry. This is the deadline BU names for merit scholarship consideration.
- Present the strongest possible academic record: BU says merit awards are competitive and based on outstanding academic records.
- Do not budget for need-based BU grant aid. Treat any award as a discount on tuition, not as full funding.
- Plan the remaining funding with an education loan or sponsor, and keep the visa fee, vacation housing and tax liability in the budget.
Deadline and timeline
BU’s financial assistance page for international students states one hard date: candidates must apply for admission by 1 December. There is no separate scholarship deadline published on that page, and no amount is fixed for international awards – the merit committee decides. Apply well before 1 December so that transcripts, test scores and passport details are in the portal in time.
Documents to keep ready
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets for Classes 9 to 12 and any completed degree.
- English proficiency test score accepted by BU for your programme.
- Passport copy with the name exactly as you will use in the application.
- Statement of purpose or essays, and letters of recommendation, as the programme requires.
- Financial documents for the I-20 stage, showing funds for at least the first year.
Frequently asked questions
No. BU states that it is unable to offer need-based university scholarship or grant aid to international students, except through select partner organisations.
International candidates must apply for admission by 1 December to be considered for BU’s merit scholarships for Fall 2027 entry.
No. BU’s international page says international students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
No. BU meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students who are US citizens or permanent residents. International students are outside that policy.
BU does not pay visa fees, summer or winter housing costs, or any tax liability for international students receiving a BU scholarship.
BU says certain lenders do not require a co-borrower, but their interest rates and other terms may be less favourable. Most lenders do require a US citizen or eligible non-citizen co-borrower.
Official links
- BU Financial Assistance – International Students
- BU Admissions – Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Boston University Admissions
Related reading: USA scholarships
International scholarships
Study abroad scholarships
Related scholarship posts: Dartmouth financial aid for international students, WashU financial aid for international students, Vanderbilt scholarships for international students.