International Students

Merit-Based Scholarships

International applicants are considered for the Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. Both are offered on a competitive basis to those with outstanding academic records. Both require that candidates apply for admission by December 1. Visit the BU Admissions website for more information. 

Need-Based Aid

International students are not eligible for need-based financial aid from Boston University, the state, or the federal government. Need-based financial aid is available only to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.

Credit-Based Loans

Most lenders offering credit-based educational loans to international students require that a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen credit-worthy co-borrowerThe person who applies for a loan with and signs a promissory note agreeing to be responsible for repayment if the borrower fails to meet the terms of repayment. This person’s creditworthiness may make the borrower eligible for a lower interest rate, lower fees, and/or other more favorable terms. apply for the loan along with the primary borrowerThe borrower is the person legally responsible for repayment of a loan and who has signed the promissory note.. Certain lenders do not require a co-borrowerThe person who applies for a loan with and signs a promissory note agreeing to be responsible for repayment if the borrower fails to meet the terms of repayment. This person’s creditworthiness may make the borrower eligible for a lower interest rate, lower fees, and/or other more favorable terms.. However, their interest ratesA loan expense charged a borrower for the use of borrowed money. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the principal of the loan, which includes the original amount borrowed and any capitalized interest. and other terms may be less favorable.