Boston University Merit Scholarships offers an exciting range of merit scholarships for first-year students that reward exceptional academic performance, leadership, and talent. These prestigious awards recognize students who consistently rank at the top of their class and excel in extracurricular and community engagement.
What makes these scholarships even more appealing is that they are merit-based—meaning they don’t require a separate financial aid application and do not have to be repaid. Among them, the Trustee and Presidential Scholarships are BU’s most competitive and sought-after awards, available to both U.S. and international students.
Scholarship Benefits
Boston University Merit Scholarships offer varying levels of financial support depending on the award:
- Trustee Scholarship – Full tuition and mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years.
- Presidential Scholarship – Half tuition per academic year (effective Fall 2025).
- Other Merit Awards – Additional scholarships for high-achieving students, athletes, artists, and performers.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for Boston University Merit Scholarships depends on the type of award:
- General Requirements (all awards):
- Applicants typically rank in the top 5% of their high school class.
- Strong extracurricular involvement and leadership in school or community.
- While test scores are optional, successful candidates usually present:
- SAT scores above 1500 OR
- ACT scores above 33 (must include the Science subsection).
- Nationality Requirements:
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens are considered for all BU merit awards.
- International students are considered for the Trustee and Presidential Scholarships only.
Eligible Programs
Boston University Merit Scholarships are open to students enrolling in any undergraduate program offered at the university. Whether pursuing studies in the sciences, business, humanities, engineering, or the arts, all first-year applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships. There are no restrictions based on major, ensuring that talented students from every academic field have the opportunity to benefit from this prestigious award.
Application Process
Applying for Boston University Merit Scholarships is integrated with the undergraduate admissions process.
- Apply to Boston University through the Common Application by the relevant admissions deadline.
- Trustee Scholarship applicants must also submit one additional essay as part of the Common Application.
- Standardized test scores are optional but recommended for competitive consideration.
- No separate application is required for the Presidential Scholarship or other merit awards.
From Our Channel
Required Documents
To be considered for Boston University Merit Scholarships, applicants must provide:
- Completed Common Application with essay.
- Official high school transcripts (grades 9–12).
- One teacher recommendation letter (a counselor or principal’s letter is also recommended).
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
- Optional standardized test scores (SAT/ACT).
- Additional essay (required for Trustee Scholarship applicants).
Selection Process
The selection process for Boston University Merit Scholarships is highly competitive:
- Academic Review: Only students with exceptional academic records are shortlisted.
- Holistic Evaluation: Leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service are key factors.
- Trustee Scholarship Essay: Essays are evaluated for intellectual strength, creativity, and engagement.
- Final Selection: Approximately 20 students are awarded the Trustee Scholarship, while many more may be awarded Presidential and other merit scholarships.
Scholarship Duration
Boston University Merit Scholarships are designed to support students throughout their undergraduate journey at BU:
- Trustee Scholarship: Covers full tuition and mandatory undergraduate fees for up to four years of continuous undergraduate study.
- Presidential Scholarship: Provides half tuition per year, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
- Other Merit Scholarships: Award duration varies depending on the scholarship type but generally applies for the standard length of an undergraduate degree.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for Boston University Merit Scholarships for the 2026 entry is December 1, 2025 – Trustee and Presidential Scholarships.
