Boston University (BU): what international applicants need

What are Boston University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Boston University has 3 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 2, 2026, Early Decision II on January 5, 2027, and Regular Decision on January 5, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Boston University's acceptance rate?

11.1% for students who started in fall 2024: Boston University admitted 8,749 of its 78,769 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Boston University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Boston University is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 2, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 5, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Boston University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 730–780 in Math and 690–750 in Reading and Writing (33% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 32–34.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Boston University's application fee for international students?

Boston University's application fee is $80 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Boston University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Boston University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Boston University accept?

Boston University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• If your first language isn't English, BU requires the TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. You can ask for a waiver with BU's request form, with a complete application, by the deadline; the Board of Admissions decides. Source · checked September 25, 2026
• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Boston University require?

Boston University requires one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Boston University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Boston University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

How many international students does Boston University have?

3,931 of Boston University's 18,805 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 20.9%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Boston University cost for international students?

Boston University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $68,102, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $19,020. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $90,207 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source