Applying as an International Student
Boston College, a university located in the Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill, is home to聽around 640 international undergradutes. Boston College's 9,575 undergraduates come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, leading to a vibrant and enriching campus atmosphere.
A student is considered an international applicant if he or she is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. With the few exceptions listed below, international students must submit the same application credentials as other first-year or transfer 蝉迟耻诲别苍迟蝉.听
Boston College has adopted a test-optional policy for first-year applicants. This policy does not include English proficiency examinations. Learn more here.
Boston College requires that non-U.S. citizens submit TOEFL (CEEB Code: 3083), IELTS, or examination scores.
TOEFL ITP Plus, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials, and IELTS Indicator will not be accepted. If you do not have access to a testing center, please register for the Duolingo English Test.
Please note that Boston College does not superscore English proficiency exams and TOEFL MyBest Score reports are not considered in the evaluation process.聽
The English proficiency requirement can be waived if an applicant meets at least one of the following three options:
- English is your native language;
- You have attended a U.S. high school or another majority native English speaking country for at least three years, and you are enrolled in a traditional academic curriculum without ESOL coursework; or
- You score 650 or above on the SAT EBRW or 29 or better on the ACT English section.
Testing Recommendations
Minimum scores of 100 on the iBT, 7.5 on the IELTS, or 130 on the Duolingo English Test are recommended.
Students attending a national school in China are encouraged to schedule an interview with聽. While not required, a video interview allows candidates the opportunity to demonstrate English proficiency and communication skills to the Admission Committee.
Applicants should submit InitialView results by聽November 15聽for Early Decision I and聽January 15聽for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.
Boston College is unable to provide need-based financial aid to students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. Therefore, international students should be prepared to finance the full cost of their Boston College education.聽
Once admitted, international students will receive a link to the Boston College Certification of Finances form. This form will outline the costs of attending Boston College for the upcoming year. I-20 forms will not be mailed to admitted students until they have verified that they can fully meet the financial obligations outlined in the Certification of Finances.聽Boston College only accepts the Certification of Finances form for admitted international students. Therefore, applicants who have not yet received an admission decision should not send this form.
All international students who聽do聽hold U.S. citizenship or a Green Card are fully eligible to receive financial aid.
Breakdown of expenses for the 2024-2025 academic year
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $69,400 |
| Mandatory Fees for Resident Student (Campus Health Infirmary & Student Activity Fees) | $2,018 |
| Room and Board | $17,930 |
| Total Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board* | $89,348 |
*Please note that freshmen pay a one-time required charge of $666 for First Year Orientation and a $50 student ID charge.
**Estimated cost for books and incidental items is聽$3,250
79
Countries our students call home
7%
Undergraduate international students
300
International faculty and research scholars
Financial Aid
Boston College is unable to provide need-based financial aid to international citizens. Therefore, non-U.S. citizens should be prepared to finance the full cost of their Boston College education. Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for international students to learn more about financing a Boston College education.