Presidential Scholarship 2027 | Study in United States — Boston University
Boston University runs two distinct merit tiers worth knowing apart: a full-tuition Trustee Scholarship at the very top, and the Presidential Scholarship just below it, still worth a genuinely significant $25,000 a year.
About the Scholarship
Boston University automatically considers international first-year applicants for its Presidential Scholarship, worth $25,000 per year, alongside its top-tier Trustee Scholarship, which covers full undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. Both are considered through the same admission review, with no separate scholarship application required.
As one of the larger private research universities in the Northeast, BU draws a genuinely international applicant pool each year, and its two-tier merit structure reflects an effort to recognize strong achievement broadly rather than concentrating all meaningful funding at a single, extremely narrow top tier.
Boston’s location itself, within a dense cluster of major universities and a strong regional economy, is also part of what makes BU a consistently popular choice among international applicants comparing private university options in the Northeast.
Scholarship Benefits
- $25,000 per year for Presidential Scholarship recipients
- Automatic consideration for the full-tuition Trustee Scholarship tier as well
- No separate scholarship application beyond standard admission
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international first-year undergraduate applicant
- You must apply for admission to Boston University by the stated deadline
- You must meet BU’s academic standards for merit consideration
- You must maintain satisfactory academic standing to keep annual renewal
Fields of Study Covered
Open to incoming international undergraduates across Boston University’s colleges and majors, with no restriction by field of study.
Required Documents
- A completed Boston University undergraduate admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores, where submitted
- English proficiency documentation, as required for international applicants
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for undergraduate admission to Boston University as an international applicant
- Submit your complete application by Early Decision (December 1) or Regular Decision (January 5)
- Submit transcripts and any required test scores
- Scholarship consideration happens automatically alongside your admission review
Selection Process
Boston University’s admissions committee reviews each international applicant’s full academic record to determine both admission and scholarship tier, with the strongest applicants considered for the full-tuition Trustee Scholarship and the next tier receiving the Presidential Scholarship.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit the strongest possible academic transcript, since tier placement is directly tied to your academic profile
- Apply under Early Decision if BU is genuinely your top choice, since this is reviewed against an earlier applicant pool
- Treat your full admission application as your scholarship case, since there’s no separate essay
- Compare this against other tiered merit scholarships like the Case Western Reserve University Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No, international applicants are automatically considered through the regular admission process.
What is the difference between the Presidential and Trustee Scholarships?
The Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition and mandatory fees, while the Presidential Scholarship is a fixed $25,000 per year award for the next tier of strong applicants.
Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Yes, provided you maintain BU’s standard academic standing requirements.
Does BU offer funding for graduate international students too?
Yes, BU offers separate graduate merit scholarships and guarantees PhD students five years of funding including tuition, stipend, and health insurance; this profile covers the undergraduate award specifically.
What is the application deadline?
December 1 for Early Decision, January 5 for Regular Decision.
Does my intended major affect my scholarship tier?
No, scholarship consideration applies broadly across BU’s colleges and majors rather than favoring specific fields of study.
Can I combine this scholarship with need-based financial aid?
Check BU’s current financial aid policy on combining merit scholarships with any available need-based support for international students.
Is there a separate scholarship essay required?
No, your regular admission essays are what the merit review considers; no separate scholarship-specific essay is required.
Can transfer students receive this scholarship?
This scholarship profile covers first-year applicants; transfer students should check BU’s separate transfer scholarship policies.
Does housing or meal plan cost factor into the award amount?
Confirm BU’s current scholarship terms directly, since coverage typically applies to tuition rather than housing or meal costs unless otherwise stated.