If you are hoping to study in Boston but worried about the cost,then you are not alone. Boston is full of world-class universities, but tuition and living expenses can feel overwhelming for international students. Scholarships can make a real difference, especially when you are also planning for rent, food, and student housing Boston. We have broken down three major Boston universities that offer scholarships for international students, with details you need to know.
UMass Boston – Merit Scholarships for International Students
UMass Boston is one of the few public universities in Boston that automatically considers international applicants for merit aid. You don’t need a separate scholarship form. Your grades do the talking.
Scholarship Options:
- UMass Boston Merit Award (for international undergraduates)
What They Look For:
- High school GPA around 3.3 or above
- Strong academic transcripts (no essay required)
Typical Value:
- Up to $5,000 per year (renewable)
Why It’s Popular Among International Students:
- No extra application, less stress
- Works well when combined with affordable Student Apartments Boston off-campus
- Good choice if you want city access without private university pricing
Tip from experience: UMass Boston deadlines creep up quicker than expected. Apply early if you want automatic merit consideration.
Boston University (BU) – Trustee & Presidential Scholarships
Boston University is known for high competition, but it also offers some of the most generous scholarships for international students. Especially the Trustee Scholarship, which can cover full tuition.
Key Scholarship Programs:
- Trustee Scholarship (full tuition + fees)
- Presidential Scholarship (partial tuition; no essay required)
Eligibility Factors:
- Exceptional grades and personal achievements
- Trustee Scholarship requires an extra essay
- Only around 20 Trustee recipients are selected worldwide
Why Students Aim for BU:
- High-value awards (can save $50,000+ per year)
- No separate financial form for Presidential Scholarship
- BU’s location makes it easier to find Student Accommodation Boston near campus
Advice: If aiming for the Trustee Scholarship, don’t write a “perfect” essay, write an honest one. They reward perspective, not poetry.
Northeastern University – Merit Awards (No Separate Application)
Northeastern is big on experiential learning and co-ops, and while they don’t offer need-based aid to international students, their merit scholarships are substantial.
Scholarship Type:
- Merit-Based International Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Strong academics (usually top 10–15% in class)
- No scholarship essay or form required
Estimated Award:
- Up to $28,000 per year
What Makes Northeastern Appealing:
- Automatic scholarship consideration
- Strong internship and co-op support
- Campus location makes access to Student Accommodation practical
Important Note: Northeastern focuses on consistency. Strong grades maintained = higher chance of renewal.
Scholarship Comparison Table
| University | Main Scholarship | Eligibility | Approx. Value |
| UMass Boston | Merit Scholarship | GPA ≥ 3.3 | Up to $5,000/year |
| Boston University (BU) | Trustee & Presidential | Trustee essay + strong record | Full tuition (Trustee) or partial |
| Northeastern University | Merit-Based Awards | Strong academics | Up to $28,000/year |
Real Talk: Scholarship Strategy for Boston
Here’s what most scholarship guides don’t tell you:
- Deadlines = Everything
Scholarships aren’t afterthoughts. They follow early admission deadlines.
- Full Rides Are Rare, Partial Scholarships Matter
Even $5,000/year can cover books, or part of your rent.
- Housing Planning Is Part of Scholarship Planning
Budget ahead for off-campus costs and look into verified Student Housing Boston providers to avoid last-minute panic.
Finding Housing While Studying in Boston
Once scholarships reduce your tuition burden, housing becomes the next biggest cost. Most international students start in university dorms and then move to private student apartments in Boston in areas like Allston, Fenway, or Mission Hill.
Tip: Never wait until July to start housing searches. By then, students are already signing leases.
Final Advice
Scholarships in Boston are competitive but absolutely within reach if you plan early and stay organised. Don’t rush applications, build your academic profile, gather strong recommendations, and apply with intention, not panic.
Also Read : https://blogs.arzuka.com/
