How do I get admission in Boston University from India for undergraduate or graduate programs?
Apply through the Common App for undergraduate or the specific BU school portal for graduate programs. Undergrad is test-optional through 2028 with a 13 percent acceptance rate; submit transcripts, essays and IELTS 7.0. Graduate admissions vary by school, needing an SOP, LORs and IELTS 6.5.
To get into Boston University from India, you apply online through the Common Application for undergraduate programs or the specific BU school portal for graduate degrees, while meeting strict English proficiency requirements. Undergraduate entry is highly selective at around a 13 percent acceptance rate and is judged holistically, so your grades, essays and activities all count together.
Undergraduate Admissions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application portal | Apply via the Common Application for Fall entry only. |
| Academics | Transcripts for Classes 9 to 12 with a high GPA, ideally near a US 3.8 to 3.9. |
| Tests | Test-optional through Fall 2028; competitive SAT is 1350 to 1500 or ACT 31 to 34 if you submit. |
| English and documents | TOEFL 90 to 100, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 120 to 130, plus a counselor and teacher recommendation, a personal statement and passport. |
Graduate Admissions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Portal | Apply directly through each graduate school, such as Questrom, Engineering or GRS. |
| Degree eligibility | 4-year degrees are widely accepted; 3-year degrees only at specific schools if First Division from a NAAC A-grade institution. |
| Tests | GRE or GMAT is optional in many programs, so check your department's exact checklist. |
| English and documents | TOEFL 84 to 90 plus, IELTS 6.5, plus an SOP, resume, 2 to 3 LORs and possibly a Kira Talent video. |
My Advice
Know before you apply that international undergraduates are not eligible for need-based financial aid at BU, so you must prove you can cover the full cost of attendance through a confidential financial statement. Being test-optional does not mean test-blind - if your SAT is near 1450 plus, submitting it only helps a selective file. For graduate applicants, check your specific department's checklist for GRE and video-interview requirements early, since these vary widely from one BU school to another.
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