Boston University Presidential Scholarship Acceptance Rate in the United States | How to Apply

New first-year students who excel academically are given the Boston University Presidential Scholarship, which allows them to study in the United States.

Up to four years of undergraduate study at BU are eligible for the renewal of the $25,000 Boston University Scholarship. Presidential Scholars are not only among our most gifted students academically, but they also achieve outside of the classroom and hold leadership positions in their communities and schools.

If you read this page through to the conclusion, you will find the scholarship’s information, eligibility requirements, benefits, duration, deadline, and application process.

When is the deadline for applications?

🗓️ December 1, 2025

Describe the award to me:

The Boston University Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award granted to first-year undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities. The award is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study at Boston University in the United States.

Read Also:

How to Apply for the University of Notre Dame Scholarships in the United States (Undergraduate)

The Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship in the United States for International Students

Masters Scholarship for International Students at the University of Malta (100% tuition waiver)

Which fields qualify?

📚 All undergraduate fields of study offered at Boston University.

The type:

🎓 Partially funded scholarship (covers part of tuition).

Who is eligible to apply?

✅ You must:

• Be an incoming first-year undergraduate student (freshman).
• Be an international student, U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.
• Rank in the top 5% of your high school class.
• Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular excellence.
• Meet the university’s admission requirements.
• Submit all required documents by the deadline.

Note: SAT/ACT scores are optional, but those who submit typically have SAT scores above 1500 or ACT scores above 33.

How Do They Choose Applicants?

🏆 Selection is based on:

• Exceptional academic performance
• Leadership qualities
• Community engagement
• Extracurricular activities
• Overall strength of the undergraduate admission application

No separate scholarship application is required—just apply for admission to be considered.

Which nations are qualified?

🌍 All countries — the scholarship is open to both international and domestic applicants.

Where will the prize be accepted?

📍 Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

How Many Honors?

🔢 Not specified — awarded to a select number of top applicants each year.

What Advantage Does the Award Offer?

💰 $25,000 per year toward tuition (approximately half tuition)
🔁 Renewable for up to four years (totaling up to $100,000)

What’s the Duration of the Award?

📆 4 years (as long as academic standards are maintained)

How do I Apply?

📝 Simply apply for an undergraduate degree at Boston University by the December 1, 2025, deadline. All applicants are automatically considered for the Presidential Scholarship — no separate application or essay is required.

Required Documents:

• Common Application
• Secondary school records
• Senior year grades
• Counselor recommendation and school report
• Teacher evaluation
• English proficiency test results (for non-native speakers)
• Copy of passport data page
• Financial support documents
• Optional: SAT/ACT scores

Visit the Award Webpage for Details

🔗 Boston University Presidential Scholarship Official Page

🎓 Boston University Presidential Scholarship – FAQs

❓ What is the BU Presidential Scholarship?

The Boston University Presidential Scholarship is a $25,000 annual tuition scholarship awarded to incoming first-year students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years.

❓ How many students get a Presidential Scholarship at BU?

Approximately 3% of admitted first-year students receive the BU Presidential Scholarship each year.

❓ What is the acceptance rate for the BU Presidential Scholarship?

While BU’s overall acceptance rate is around 10–14%, the Presidential Scholarship is even more competitive, with only a small percentage of top applicants receiving it.

❓ Is the BU Presidential Scholarship open to international students?

✅ Yes! International students are eligible for the Presidential Scholarship and other merit awards at Boston University.

❓ What are the BU Presidential Scholarship requirements?

There is no separate application. All students who apply for admission to BU by the Regular Decision or Early Decision deadline are automatically considered.

Typical qualifications include:

• Exceptional high school GPA (usually top 5–10% of class)
• High SAT (1450+) or ACT (32+) scores (if submitted)
• Demonstrated leadership, community service, and impactful extracurriculars

❓ Do I need to write an extra essay for the BU Presidential Scholarship?

❌ No separate essay is required. However, your Common App essay and BU-specific short responses are crucial in showcasing your strengths.

❓ What is the difference between the Presidential and Trustee Scholarships at BU?

• Presidential: $25,000/year, ~3% of admits, automatic consideration
• Trustee: Full tuition, awarded to 20 students annually, requires a separate essay and early application

❓ Where can I find BU Trustee Scholarship essay examples?

Reddit and student blogs often share sample essays. Search:
“BU Trustee Scholarship essay examples site:reddit.com”

❓ How hard is it to get the BU Presidential Scholarship?

📈 Very competitive. You’ll need:

• Excellent academics
• Strong leadership or service record
• Exceptional personal essays
  Only the top segment of the applicant pool is selected.

❓ Does Boston University offer full scholarships to international students?

Yes, BU offers the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full undergraduate tuition and is open to both U.S. and international students. Other merit awards like Presidential are partial.

❓ Does UC Davis give scholarships to international students?

Yes, UC Davis offers some scholarships to international students, but most are need-based and reserved for California residents.

❓ How much is the USC Presidential Scholarship?

🎓 The USC Presidential Scholarship covers half tuition (~$30,000–$35,000 per year) and is one of the top merit awards at USC.

❓ How hard is it to get a scholarship to NYU?

🎯 Very competitive. NYU offers limited merit scholarships, with priority given to students with:

• GPA: 3.8+
• SAT: 1450+ or ACT: 32+
• Impressive leadership and extracurriculars

NYU is more generous with need-based aid than merit aid.

❓ What SAT score is needed for a Presidential Scholarship?

Typically:

• BU: 1450+
• USC: 1450–1500
• General Rule: Aim for top 5–10% of SAT scorers for strong consideration