Boston University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

BU is among the leading private research universities in Boston, USA. Boston University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate courses through 17 schools and colleges. When it comes to the Boston University rankings, the university ranked #42 in National Universities, #26 in Best Value Schools, and #88 in QS World University Ranking 2026.

With almost 300 academic programs available, one can select any undergraduate major. At the graduate level, there are about 400 graduate and professional programs offered. 

Boston University Acceptance Rate 2025

For the Fall 2025 Boston University admissions, the no. of applications received has decreased by -2.5% compared to last year, whereas the no. of students admitted has increased by 12.5%. As a result, the Boston University acceptance rate currently stands at 12.8%, pointing to extremely strict admission criteria. This is a 15.4% increase from the acceptance rate of 2024.

Boston University Acceptance Rate for International Students

The Class of 2029 at Boston University represents all 47 states and hails from 111 countries around the world. In total, the overall international student body enrolled on the Boston University campus makes up about 12,845 of the student strength as per the latest available data, crossing 140+ countries of origin. The top countries of origin include China, India, Norway, Canada, and Italy. Students can refer to the table below for the geographical division of Boston University for Fall 2025: 

Read more about Boston University courses.

Boston University Acceptance Rate Trends

In the last six years, the no. of applications received by Boston University has increased by 25.86%, whereas the no. of students admitted has seen a decrease of -19.6%. As a result, the University of Boston acceptance rate has witnessed a decrease of -36% since Fall 2020.

Boston University Early Decision VS Regular Decision 

Early Decision and Early Decision 2 are application alternatives at Boston University that allow students to apply and receive an admission decision early, and if admitted, commit to attending BU by withdrawing applications to other institutions. For the Class of 2029, 59% of the students applied via the Early Decision plan. Ultimately, there were 6,909 early decision applicants and 69,867 regular decision applicants. The deadlines for various decision plans for Boston University are given below:

Also read Boston University Placements

Boston University Requirements for International Students

To secure a seat at BU, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirements listed below

Boston University Eligibility For Indian Students

• Secondary School Records: Higher Secondary Certificate / ISC (State Board exams may also be examined for admission). Also, submit copies of all qualifying exams that have been taken throughout the secondary school
• English language proficiency test results
• Financial support documentation
• Passport data page
• SAT / ACT test score (if applicable)
• Any other additional documents

To gain admission to the graduate courses at BU, meet the entry requirements given below:

• A three-year bachelor’s degree is required
• GPA requirement: There is no minimum GPA requirement; however, Boston University recommends that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (Based on a 4.0 scale)
• GRE score
• IELTS / TOEFL score
• Academic Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation

Boston University English Language Requirements 

The minimum score requirements for the English language at Boston University are listed below:

Boston University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores 

At Boston University, admissions officials place a high value on a student's GPA and overall academic profile. The average GPA, SAT and ACT scores submitted by the students for Fall 2025 can be checked from the table below:

Also check Boston University Costs and Fees

Tips to get selected at Boston University

Students can follow the following suggestions so as to boost their acceptance at Boston University:

• Maintain a strong academic profile by maintaining a decent GPA  throughout high school, as meeting the academic criteria is one of the most important factors the university looks for 
• You can enhance and solidify your profile by submitting test scores like the ACT or SAT
• Highlight extracurricular activities and participations as the university highly favors a holistic way of accepting students, beyond bookish knowledge
• You must also obtain strong LORs from teachers or professional workplaces to show credibility and gain the confidence of evaluators

Also read Boston University Scholarships

Boston University Acceptance Rate v/s Harvard University Acceptance Rate 

Particularly, when it comes to the acceptance rate, it is difficult to gain admission to Harvard University. The acceptance rate of Harvard University is 3.6% which makes it extremely selective, whereas the BU acceptance rate is 12.8%. If we consider the rank of both these universities, then Harvard also ranks better globally.