Overview
Boston University is need-aware for international undergraduate admissions but does offer both merit-based scholarships (including the competitive Trustee Scholarship) and limited need-based aid to admitted international students, making it a more accessible major private university for partially funded study than fully need-blind Ivy-level schools.
Eligibility
Merit scholarships like the Trustee Scholarship are awarded to top applicants based on the strength of the full application (academics, essays, activities) and generally require no separate application beyond standard admission. Need-based aid eligibility is assessed for those who apply for it, subject to BU's need-aware policy for non-citizens.
How to Apply
Apply through the Common Application; merit scholarship consideration is typically automatic for all admitted applicants. For need-based aid, submit the CSS Profile and required financial documents alongside your admissions application — applying for aid can be a factor in a need-aware admission decision, so weigh timing and completeness carefully.
Tips
- Apply early in the cycle — need-aware policies typically mean more aid budget is available earlier in the admissions cycle.
- A strong, distinctive essay matters more for merit scholarships like Trustee than GPA alone once you clear the academic threshold.
- Model your net price with BU's net price calculator before assuming a specific aid outcome.
Always confirm current deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility directly on the official program or university website (bu.edu/finaid) before applying — these details change from year to year.