Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2026/27: Merit Funding for International Undergraduates in the USA
- Country
- USA
- Level
- Undergraduate
If you're a high-achieving student hoping to study in the United States, the Boston University Presidential Scholarship is one of the more attainable merit awards to aim for, largely because you don't apply for it separately. Boston University (BU), a large private research university in Massachusetts founded in 1839, automatically considers strong first-year applicants for this scholarship when they apply for admission.
Here is a clear guide to what the scholarship is worth, who qualifies, the deadline to plan around, and how the process works. One thing to be clear about up front, since some listings blur it: this is a generous partial scholarship, not a full ride, and knowing that helps you plan your finances and visa documents properly.
At a glance
- University: Boston University (BU), Massachusetts, USA
- Level: Undergraduate (incoming first-year students)
- Award: Around $25,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years
- Open to: Domestic and international first-year applicants
- Application: Automatic, based on your admission application plus SAT or ACT
- Deadline: Admission application by around 1 December
What the scholarship actually covers
Let us be clear about the money. The Presidential Scholarship provides roughly $25,000 per academic year toward tuition, and it is renewable for up to four years as long as you maintain the required academic standard. That adds up to substantial support across a full degree, but BU's annual tuition is considerably higher than $25,000, so the award reduces your costs rather than removing them.
Treat it as a strong discount, not a fully funded package. It is competitive, with only a small share of first-year students awarded each year. For your student visa, you will still need to show funds to cover the remaining tuition and living costs. If you are aiming for full tuition, BU's separate Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition but is awarded to only around twenty exceptional students a year, so it is considerably harder to win.
Why study at Boston University
Beyond the scholarship, BU is a highly regarded choice. It is a member of the Association of American Universities, offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes across strong colleges in arts and sciences, engineering, business, and communication, and sits in the heart of Boston, one of the world's great student cities. Its size and global student body make it a welcoming place for international students.
Who can apply
- Incoming first-year undergraduate applicants from any country
- Students with exceptional academic achievement, typically near the top of their class
- Applicants who submit official SAT or ACT scores (required to be considered)
- Students who show leadership and strong extracurricular involvement
- International applicants who can provide the required admission and financial documents
Because consideration is automatic, your admission application is effectively your scholarship application, so its strength is what counts.
How to apply
- Apply for admission to Boston University through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
- Submit your supporting credentials, including high school transcripts, senior-year grades, and English proficiency results such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Include official SAT or ACT scores. These are required specifically to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship.
- Add your financial documentation as required for international applicants.
- Submit everything by the deadline. There is no separate scholarship form, and you are automatically assessed.
Deadlines
The key date is your admission application deadline, around 1 December, for the relevant entry cycle. Selection happens after your admission is confirmed, and only a small percentage of first-year students receive the award. These dates can change year to year, so confirm the current deadline on BU's official admissions pages before you apply.
Apply and confirm the details
Verify the current award amount, eligibility, and deadlines on Boston University's official admissions and financial aid pages before applying: Boston University Admissions.
Keep exploring: see all our scholarships, get ready with our free IELTS and English prep, or read how we verify every listing.
Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Boston University. Details change each cycle, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Boston University Presidential Scholarship fully funded?
No. It is a merit-based award of around $25,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years. Since BU's tuition is much higher than that, the scholarship is a significant reduction rather than a full ride. Students who want full tuition should look at BU's separate, far more competitive Trustee Scholarship.
Who is eligible?
Incoming first-year undergraduate students from any country, including international applicants, who show exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Awardees typically rank near the top of their class, and you must submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered.
Do I need a separate application?
No. You apply for admission through the Common Application or Coalition Application. There are no extra essays or forms, but you must submit official SAT or ACT results to be considered for the scholarship.
What is the deadline?
You generally need to submit your admission application and supporting documents by around 1 December for the relevant cycle. Confirm the current date on Boston University's official admissions pages.