A warm welcome to the College of Communication (COM) at Boston University! We’re thrilled you’re considering COM for your graduate studies. Applying to graduate school from abroad can be both exciting and challenging, and this page is designed to provide you with key information and resources you may need.

At Boston University, we deeply value the perspectives international students bring to our campus, and we’re committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where you can flourish.

Explore the resources below for information tailored for international applicants. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at comgrad@bu.edu with any questions– we’re here to help.

We look forward to receiving your application!

International Student Experience at BU COM

At BU COM, our diverse student body and faculty create a rich and dynamic learning environment. You’ll encounter a variety of perspectives, build a global network of colleagues, and gain the skills you need in today’s interconnected world. Our goal is to provide our students with the resources and support necessary to navigate graduate school and launch successful careers.

International students thrive at BU COM. Here’s why:

  • A Welcoming and Vibrant Community: Connect with our international student community at BU, with numerous student organizations and cultural events that celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our students. Experience a true sense of belonging in a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Dedicated Support: Benefit from comprehensive international student services, including personalized academic advising, visa support, orientation programs, and engaging events. Our ISSO (International Students and Scholars Office) provides a wide range of services for newly admitted and continuing international students.
  • Launch your Career with Confidence: Access specialized career services at COM, as well as resources for international students, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshops to help you navigate the process of gaining valuable work experience in the U.S. Connect with our extensive network of alumni, many of whom are international graduates who have gone on to successful careers in communication and media. Benefit from Boston’s booming media scene, offering a wealth of internship and job opportunities. BU’s strong reputation and industry connections will give you a competitive edge in the job market.
  • Experience Global Boston: Live and study in Boston — a vibrant hub of history, innovation, and international communities. Explore countless opportunities to experience different cultures, cuisines and perspectives

Discover your potential at BU COM!

During your time in grad school, especially one as diverse and inclusive as BU, keep your options open to exploring something that you haven’t tried before in your academic or professional journey. You could end up discovering a completely new field and find yourself loving it!

Shanaya Udeshi, MS Public Relations

Application Requirements for International Students

Applying to the College of Communication at Boston University from abroad involves a few additional steps. This section outlines the requirements and provides helpful resources. For detailed instructions and a full list of application requirements, please refer to our comprehensive Application Instructions page. In addition, Frequently Asked Questions are here.

We encourage you to look at the curriculum/courses for our graduate degrees to find the program that best aligns with your goals. Our graduate degrees are listed at the bottom of this page, and when you visit the webpage for the graduate program(s) you’re interested in, you can find the curriculum/courses on the “degree requirements” tab or in the BU Bulletin.

You may apply to up to two COM graduate programs. Applicants must pay an application fee for each program they apply to. If you apply to more than one program, you must tailor your application materials to each individual program. Explain why you are interested in that specific program and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit. Applications with generic language and/or very similar personal statements for multiple programs will be at a disadvantage. Please let us know if you have questions!

  1. Step-by-Step Guide
    1. Complete the Online Application.
    2. Submit Transcripts: Provide unofficial transcripts from all previously attended universities/colleges. International transcripts must be officially translated into English. We typically do not require a U.S. equivalency evaluation (see our FAQs for more information). While a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is generally expected for successful applicants, we review all applications holistically and do not have minimum GPA requirements.
    3. English Language Proficiency: Submit scores from a recognized English proficiency test (see details below).
    4. GRE Scores (if required): Submit official scores ONLY if you are applying to our PhD in Emerging Media Studies. Our Master’s programs do not require GRE scores.
    5. Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. More information is available here.
    6. Personal Statement/Essays: Write a compelling personal statement addressing the prompts provided.
    7. Kira Talent assessment: This platform helps us get a sense of your verbal and written English communication skills. More information is below.
    8. Resume/CV: Your most up-to-date resume or CV (we have no preference which format you use) helps us to learn more about you, beyond what might be in other parts of the application. More information on creating a resume can be found on COM’s Career Services website, and information on a CV is on BU’s Center for Career Development website.
    9. Pay the application fee.
    10. Financial Documentation (if applying for a visa): After admission, provide documentation demonstrating your ability to fund your studies at BU if you decide to matriculate at BU.

2. English Proficiency Requirement

Applicants whose native language is not English and/or who received their undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking institution must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from one of the following tests:

1. Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)

Minimum score: 100. We must receive an official TOEFL score by our deadline; we recommend taking your TOEFL at least 20 days prior to our deadline to ensure that we receive the score. This year, we will accept scores from the TOEFL MyBest Score feature to meet the total score of 100 or above.

2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Required band score: 7.0.  IELTS scores can be sent electronically to our E-Delivery account, “Boston University Graduate Programs.”  We recommend taking the IELTS at least 20 days prior to our deadline.

3. Duolingo

An alternative option to the TOEFL and IELTS exams for this application cycle is the Duolingo English Test, a test that can be taken online, on-demand from your home computer. We require a minimum Duolingo score of 130.

  • After taking the exam, select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient. You will then need to email our admissions office at comgrad@bu.edu with a screenshot of your results and the exact date you have taken the Duolingo test.
  • The cost of the Duolingo Exam is $49 USD.
  • Most questions about the exam can be found on the Duolingo FAQ page.

Exemptions are granted for applicants who are native English speakers, and are usually granted for applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

3. Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations should ideally come from professors or supervisors who can speak to your academic abilities, research potential, and/or professional skills. More information is available here.

4. Personal Statement/Essays

You can find the specific prompts for the personal statement and any required essays here. If the prompts do not allow you to discuss your academic background, research interests, career goals, and/or reasons for choosing your specific program at BU COM, please feel free to reach out to us about submitting an additional statement. Highlight any experiences that have shaped your interest in your chosen field of study, including any challenges you have overcome. International students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives and experiences.

5. Kira Talent Assessment

It’s important to know that we’re looking for your authentic communication style, so please complete the assessment without the use of scripts, AI tools, or any outside assistance. We want to see how you naturally express yourself, as strong communication skills are essential in COM. While it’s natural to feel a little nervous, try to relax and be yourself. Kira Talent offers practice questions, and we encourage you to take advantage of them. Some practice questions may be easier or harder than the actual assessment questions, but they’ll all help you become familiar with the format. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers; we’re interested in how you think and communicate!

6. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Visit COM’s financial aid and scholarships page for more information. International students are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Over 80% of matriculating students receive a scholarship, ranging from $2,000 to $38,000+. Please note that students are responsible for securing funding for their studies, including tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. More information is available on ISSO’s website.

7. Visa Information

International students who are admitted to BU typically need to obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa. A general overview of the visa process is available on BU ISSO’s website. Please note that we cannot provide legal advice regarding visa applications.

8. Application Deadlines

Our priority application deadline for Master’s programs is February 1. Master’s applications are rolling until our final deadline, May 1.

Our PhD in Emerging Media Studies deadline is January 15.

Please ensure that all documents, including transcripts and test scores (if required), are received by these dates. We recommend submitting your application well in advance of the deadline to allow ample time for processing.

Pre-Arrival Information

  • Visa Process: Please see the “Documents and Procedures” here and the details on “how to apply for a visa” on BU ISSO’s website here.
  • Housing: Visit this site for more information about on-campus and off-campus housing options, as well as information on Boston’s various neighborhoods.
  • Health Insurance: Visit the Student Health Services website for health insurance information and requirements.
  • Arrival Information: In addition to ISSO orientation, BU COM has its own orientation activities. Admitted students will receive more information after submitting their deposit. Additional resources that may be helpful as you prepare to come to Boston are here.
  • Student-authored International Graduate Student Guide: This incredibly helpful guide is meant to be a one-stop place for students to find a wide range of information, from pre-arrival, settling down, your BU journey, and much more! It’s also a great example of the peer support and strong international student community you’ll find at BU!
  • Cost of Living: An estimated breakdown of living expenses in the area (housing, food, transportation, etc.) is here. Remember, all international students at BU COM are considered for merit scholarships, up to $38,000+ per academic year.

Contact Us

You can reach BU COM’s Graduate Affairs office at comgrad@bu.edu.