Applying as an International Student
Boston College, a university located in the Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill, is home to 1,725 international students. Boston College's 9,445 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 students.
Boston College has adopted a test-optional policy for first-year applicants to the Classes of 2027. This policy does not include English proficiency examinations. Learn more here.
In addition to submitting ACT or SAT scores, Boston College requires that non-U.S. citizens submit TOEFL (CEEB Code: 3083), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test 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.
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.
55
Countries our students call home
845
Undergraduate international students
219
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.