Application Instructions

BU Study Abroad is seeking applications from:

• Students who have completed at least one semester of university study at the time of application, while matriculated in a degree program
• Students in good academic standing
• Students in good judicial standing

Each application undergoes a thorough review with full consideration given to the following admissions criteria: academic record, appropriate course preparation or prerequisites, application questionnaire, work experience (for many internship programs) and for some programs, an academic recommendation.

Please note that most programs follow rolling admissions. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship areas have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline does not guarantee acceptance.

Please also note for some programs, priority for admissions is given to juniors or seniors or a particular major on a rolling basis while other applicants are placed on a hold. Please check the Requirements & Considerations drop-down of the program page of interest to determine if your program has special considerations.

We encourage students as early as their first year to begin planning for study abroad with their academic advisor and study abroad advisor. Through ongoing discussions with an advisor, students can define their objectives and identify study abroad programs which are best suited to their needs, interests and goals.

University policy requires that all students interrupting studies for medical reasons complete a review process through the University Service Center (USC) prior to resuming studies, including participation in a BU Study Abroad Program.

Make sure you visit our Plan section for more information.

Applications have several components:

• Application Questionnaire
• Advisor Form/Academic Agreement
  • Please read the instructions to find the appropriate person to complete this form. Please keep in mind:
    • Non-BU students should start with their Study Abroad Office.
      • When completing the Advisor Form, select “Recommender Not Listed” and enter the appropriate advisor’s contact information
    • If you are a double major within the same school, one advisor form is sufficient.
    • If you are a Dual/Collaborative Degree major, you will need an Advisor Form/Academic Agreement from both colleges.
    • CGS students should start with their CGS advisor.
• Résumé
• Non-refundable $55 Application fee
• Transcript(s)
  • Non-BU students only will upload their transcript through the application system
• Some programs require an Academic Recommendation from a professor, TA or TF that has taught you in a university-level course
• Additional program-specific materials as required.

Students can submit their application at any time once the application has opened for the particular semester. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance.

Once all items have been received and processed by BU Study Abroad, your application will be ready for review. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials have been received by the BU Study Abroad office. Please note, your application will not be considered complete until all materials have been received. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.

For Fall Semester applicants: BU Study Abroad will notify BU Housing of your confirmation of participation. Once BU Housing receives this information they will cancel on-campus housing for students who have submitted a Residence License Agreement, and the Housing Guarantee Payment will be transferred to a tuition deposit for fall semester.

For Spring Semester applicants: BU Study Abroad will notify BU Housing of your program participation and you will be released from your Residence License Agreement. Please refer to the BU Housing website for details.

Students who receive financial assistance should accept their financial aid package. Please refer to Study Abroad and Financial Aid for more information.

Boston University Study Abroad reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Non-Boston University students are expected to verify their eligibility to study abroad with their home institution.

In addition, your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services, including participation in a BU Study Abroad program from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid.