Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2027

The Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2027 is a renewable half-tuition award for exceptional first-year students from the United States and around the world. International applicants are eligible. There is no separate scholarship application: applicants must submit the Common Application and all required supporting credentials to Boston University by 1 December 2026. BU does not publish a cutoff time or time zone on the scholarship page, so early submission is strongly recommended.

Host
Boston University

Study level
Undergraduate

Award
Half tuition for up to four years

Deadline
1 December 2026

Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2027 covering half tuition for four years — Original ScholarshipHubNow editorial illustration for the Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2027; not an actual campus photograph.

What does the BU Presidential Scholarship cover?

The Presidential Scholarship covers half of Boston University tuition and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. BU states that the half-tuition value applies to students entering from fall 2026 onward.

This is a substantial merit award, but it is not a full-cost scholarship. The official page does not list housing, meals, health insurance, travel, books, personal expenses or other charges as covered. International applicants should prepare a realistic funding plan for the remaining tuition and living costs.

Who can apply?

The award is for incoming first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, excellence beyond the classroom, and leadership in their schools and communities. Both domestic and international students are eligible for consideration.

BU does not publish a minimum GPA, class rank or SAT/ACT score specifically for this scholarship. Selection is highly competitive and based on the strength of the complete admission application rather than a single numerical threshold.

International applicant requirements

International first-year applicants apply through the Common Application and must provide secondary-school records, current senior-year grades, a counselor recommendation and school report, a teacher evaluation, English-proficiency evidence, financial-support documents and a copy of the passport data page.

Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by a notarized English translation, while the original-language document must also be submitted. Applicants to certain BU schools may face additional academic requirements, including mathematics prerequisites.

English-language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, BU generally requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic or Duolingo English Test results. The university says its most competitive candidates commonly present:

TOEFL iBT: 90–100 overall, with at least 20 in each section; or 5.0 overall under the revised scoring introduced in January 2026
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall
Duolingo English Test: generally 125–135

These figures describe competitive or satisfying results rather than a separate scholarship cutoff. BU allows applicants to request an English-proficiency waiver, but the request must accompany a complete application and approval is discretionary.

Are SAT or ACT scores required?

No. Boston University is test optional for first-year admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029, and the policy applies to scholarship candidates. Applicants may still submit SAT or ACT results if they believe those scores strengthen their file. English-proficiency testing remains a separate requirement for many international students.

Required documents

Common Application for Boston University
Official secondary-school records
Senior-year grades or predicted examination results, as applicable
School report and counselor recommendation
Teacher evaluation
English-proficiency test results or an approved waiver request
Financial-support documentation for students requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa
Copy of the valid passport data page
Optional SAT or ACT scores
Any program-specific materials, especially for College of Fine Arts applicants

How to apply for the Presidential Scholarship

Review BU’s first-year and international admission requirements for the intended college or major.
Create a Common Application account and add Boston University.
Complete all BU questions and the required Common Application materials.
Ask the school counselor and teacher to submit their required forms early.
Submit English-proficiency, academic and international financial documents when applicable.
Submit the complete application and supporting credentials by 1 December 2026.
Monitor the MyBU Applicant Portal for missing items and status updates.

Apply Now / Official Scholarship Page

Selection and notification

No extra scholarship essay or application form is required. BU evaluates eligible applicants through the admission file. The university’s admissions FAQ states that merit-scholarship recipients are notified by early April.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Boston University Presidential Scholarship fully funded?

No. It covers half tuition for up to four years. It does not represent full tuition or the complete cost of attendance.

Can international students receive the award?

Yes. BU explicitly lists international first-year students as eligible for merit-scholarship consideration.

Is a separate scholarship application required?

No. Submit the Boston University admission application and all supporting credentials by the scholarship deadline.

Does the award require SAT or ACT scores?

No. BU’s test-optional policy applies to its undergraduate scholarship programs. English-proficiency evidence may still be required.

What is the application fee?

The scholarship page does not specify a separate scholarship fee because there is no separate application. Applicants should check the current Common Application and BU admission instructions for any admission fee or available fee-waiver options.