High School Honors: Information for International Students
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study at a world-renowned university in the United States with students from around the globe? Do you want to engage in new academic challenges, and experience American culture in one of the most historic, exciting cities in the nation? Then come join us at Boston University!
As an international student, you must submit an International Student Data Form and copy of your passport with your application.
We strongly encourage international students to bring a mobile phone that operates in the United States.
English proficiency
English is the language of instruction at Boston University, and a high degree of competency is assumed. International students need to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). English proficiency exam scores are required for all international students unless English is the sole language of instruction at your high school. You need to have a minimum English proficiency level equivalent to:
- 90–100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum of 20 in each section
- 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- 125 on the Duolingo English Test (DET)
If you do not meet these requirements, you may want to consider the Gateway to the American University program, held at BU’s Center for English Language & Orientation Programs (CELOP) with a two or three week long option. The program is designed for international students interested in applying to an American college or university. Find out more information on CELOP’s website.
Visa information for High School Honors students
The High School Honors program is a full-time academic summer program. International students (i.e., students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States) who are coming to the United States for the purpose of participating in the High School Honors program must have an F-1 student visa.
To receive a student visa, you must apply for an I-20 from BU, which requires international students to take eight in person credits (two courses). Please follow the instructions below in order to apply for your I-20 and F-1 student visa. We encourage international High School Honors students to apply early to ensure timely processing of the visa documents.
Applying for your I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status
Applying for the I-20 is the first step to receiving an F-1 student visa. International students must be registered full-time (a minimum of eight credits in one summer session or 12 credits over both sessions) for summer study at BU in order to be issued an I-20.
If you are not currently in the United States or are in the United States on an immigration status other than F-1, please submit the following documents:
- International Student Data Form
- A bank statement or letter in English from your financial institution stating that you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds to cover your summer expenses; please visit the Estimated Expenses page for the total estimated cost of attending High School Honors this summer. For information security purposes, when uploading your bank statement, be sure to black out your account number.
- Financial Sponsorship Certification (needs to accompany all other financial documents if you will be sponsored by a family member or other individual)
- Copy of valid passport (including copy of data page and passport expiration date)
- Copy of your most recent I-94 record of admission
- Copy of your most recent US visa and US Port of Entry stamp in your passport and any other relevant immigration documents (only required if you are currently in the US).
If you are currently on an F-1 visa from a US high school, please submit the following documents:
- International Student Data Form
- Copy of valid passport (including copy of data page and passport expiration date)
- Copy of the most recent US Port of Entry stamp in your passport and other relevant immigration documents (only required if you are currently in the US)
- Copy of your F-1 student visa
- Copy of your most recent I-94 record of admission
- Copies of ALL of your I-20s
Note: All of the above documents need to be sent with your completed application. International students are not eligible for financial aid.
All international materials and forms must be submitted to our office for us to process an I-20. For admitted international students who will be sponsored by BU, an I-20 will be sent to you electronically to your BU email account with further instructions on the visa application process approximately three weeks after you inform us that you will be attending the High School Honors program. Once you have received the I-20, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee and should immediately schedule a visa interview at the closest US Embassy or Consulate to apply for the F-1 visa.
To ensure you receive your student visa well in advance of the start date of the High School Honors program, you should leave yourself plenty of time when applying to the program.
Applying for the F-1 student visa
Please read instructions from the BU International Students & Scholars Office for details on how to obtain the F-1 student visa once you have received your I-20.
Immunizations
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all full-time or part-time international students who will be attending classes in person to submit proof of immunization against the following communicable diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); tetanus (must be Tdap vaccine); hepatitis B; (bacterial) meningitis; varicella; and tuberculosis, depending on country of origin. International students accepted into the program must submit their immunization record as part of the online Participation Agreement. Your doctor or healthcare provider must complete the Immunization Requirements Form or provide equivalent signed documentation of your immunization record to show proof of these immunizations and TB screening or TB test history. International students cannot be registered for the program without a valid MMR vaccination record consisting of two doses given at least 28 days apart and after 12 months of age.
In alignment with Boston University COVID-19 guidelines, we strongly recommend that all Summer Term pre-college students remain up to date with all CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. All students must abide by University-wide health and safety policies.
If you are not in compliance with all BU health immunization requirements when you arrive on the BU campus, you have 7 days to obtain the necessary vaccination(s) or you will be considered not compliant. You may obtain vaccinations (by scheduling an appointment in advance) at:
Student Health Services
881 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-3575
Medical/health insurance
All residential students enrolled in the High School Honors program are required to have medical/health insurance. Since many US doctors and hospitals do not recognize out-of-country coverage, it is strongly recommended that international students participate in the Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
You are not automatically enrolled in SHIP upon registration and must enroll on your own. You may contact Student Accounting Services at 617-353-2870 or email insmed@bu.edu in advance of your arrival for information on how to enroll in SHIP.
It is recommended that students seeking to enroll in SHIP send their request for SHIP coverage at least 3 weeks prior to their arrival.
To compare plan coverage, visit aetnastudenthealth.com/bu, select View your insurance plan details, then scroll down and review the 2024–2025 Plan Documents and Benefits. Summer 2025 is part of the 2024–25 Plan Year, which ends on August 14, 2025. (Students do NOT enroll themselves in SHIP at the Aetna student health’s website.)
Contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions about the process for obtaining the I-20 or student visa.
