Boston is probably the most academically renowned city in America due to the presence of Harvard University. Considered to be one of the more 鈥淓nglish鈥� cities in the USA, Boston has plenty of historically significant buildings, beautiful architecture, and suburbs with quaint names and narrow streets, all which give it a more 鈥渙ld world鈥� feel than other parts of the USA. If you're considering studying in Boston, we've collected some must-know information below.
What is it like to study in Boston?
Boston is one of the biggest cities in the United States. Although the city itself can seem compact and walkable, when you take into the Greater Boston area, there are almost five million residents. Boston is also home to more than 35 universities, including , (MIT), Boston University, Northeastern, and Boston College. Boston's student population remains one of the largest in the US, with over 150,000 college students across the metro area. Unsurprisingly, Bean Town continually scores well in top spots when it comes to being the best city for students. There are a number of factors contributing to this.
Boston's academic environment also brings in top employers and the city has very good scores when it comes to employer activity. This gives new graduates better chances of employment and internships 鈥� as well as the incentive to stay in the city after they've completed their studies. The Boston area is also well known for its contemporary arts and culture scene. Plus, there is a lot to do for entertainment: the city boasts an exciting restaurant scene and is home to lots of bars and pubs.
Where to study in Boston?
As we've mentioned above, Boston is home to some of the best educational establishments in the US, as well as lots that are solidly well-respected (if a little less competitive!). If you plan to apply to universities like Harvard or MIT, you will need to have exceptional grades.
Here are some of the top universities in Boston 鈥� although Boston has the fourth most colleges in the USA, so there are definitely a number of universities that have not made it onto our list!
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, located in Cambridge (a township in the Greater Boston Area) is currently ranked #1 in the world in the and consistently ranks in the global top 3 overall universities. Needless to say, this is an incredibly competitive and prestigious school, which has cutting-edge programs, especially in science and engineering.
Enrollment for the most recent year was approximately 12,000 students, comprising around 40% undergraduates and 60% postgraduates. International students make up 12% of the undergraduate population and 40% of graduate students. Although that might sound like a lot, MIT remains one of the most selective universities in the US, with an acceptance rate of around 4.5%.
MIT is especially renowned for engineering, computer science, economics, management, architecture, and the sciences. and the enroll the largest numbers of undergraduates.
Notable MIT alumni include astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, Benjamin Netannayu, Ilene S. Gordon (business leader), and Jonah Peretti (founder of BuzzFeed).
Harvard University
Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, is the oldest and arguably the most famous higher education institution in the US. Ranked fourth in the QS Top Universities 2025, it is part of the Ivy League along with seven other prestigious US universities. World-renowned for its excellence in higher education, Harvard University offers nearly 4,000 courses in over 40 different fields, with the most popular being law, business, and medicine. Notable Harvard alumni include Mark Zuckerberg, Michelle Obama, and Bill Gates.
The number of international students has significantly increased over the past two decades. In the 2024鈥�2025 academic year, Harvard enrolled almost 7,000 international students from 147 countries, comprising about 27% of its total student body.
Nonetheless, though it has a decent international student body, Harvard is still one of the most selective universities in the country. The highest acceptance rate stood at 3.2%.
Boston University
is an independent private university that was founded in 1839. It provides 17 general courses and specializes in law, management, medicine, engineering, and education. Boston University is ranked #108 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The main university campus is alongside the Charles River in the Fenway-Kenmore area, while the medical campus is located in the south of Boston. The university reports that its international student population is approximately 29%. Boston University is well known and often honored for its quality research work, which is even government-subsidized. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the famous names to have attended Boston University.
Tufts University
, located in Medford, Massachusetts, is a prestigious private research university known for its strong emphasis on civic engagement and internationalism. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Tufts' students are encouraged to explore their interests and engage in experiential learning. The university's commitment to social responsibility is evident through its various community outreach initiatives. Tufts University is ranked #344 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 . International students make up 15% of the undergraduate population, with graduate students representing over 90 countries. Famous alumni include singer Tracy Chapman and politician Michael Bloomberg.
Emerson College
Situated in the heart of Boston's downtown Theater District, the Boston Common, is renowned for its excellence in communication, arts, and liberal arts education. Ranked #19 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Universities North, Emerson offers a vibrant and creative atmosphere, nurturing aspiring theater-makers, filmmakers, writers, actors, journalists, directors, and artists. International students make up about 16% of the student body. Students at Emerson benefit from hands-on learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborations with industry professionals. Famous Emerson alumni include Jennifer Coolidge, Jay Leno, and Bill Burr.
Student scholarships in Boston
Studying in the US can be very costly, but different scholarships are also available. It is possible to apply for a scholarship for all or part of your studies in Boston. International students are also eligible for merit scholarships at most universities, but need-based financial aid is generally only available at a few institutions.
Once you have decided which Boston-based university is for you, you should check whether you are entitled to financial assistance. In general, scholarships are granted on a quota basis, except in the case of some universities where the need-blind admission system applies. Every year, about 60% of MIT and 55% of Harvard undergraduates receive need-based financial aid.
It's worth noting that Harvard and MIT are among the top seven US universities and the only ones in Boston where the need-blind admission system applies. In other words, they do not take into account the students' financial situation, not even that of international students. Students are therefore selected according to the merit of their applications, and once admitted, they may be offered partial or full scholarships. At MIT, families earning under USD 100,000 pay nothing, and those earning up to USD 200,000 pay a reduced amount; at Harvard, tuition is now free for students from families earning up to USD 200,000, with all expenses covered for those under USD 100,000. However, it is important to bear in mind that while a student may be admitted via the need-blind system, the university may not cover all the necessary financial needs that the student requires to attend. At other Boston universities, international students can apply for merit scholarships, such as Boston University's Trustee Scholarship (full tuition and fees for four years) and Presidential Scholarship (USD 25,000 per year), but need-based aid is rare.
How and when to enroll in a Boston university?
It is best to enroll in a university immediately after high school to avoid wasting one or more years studying elsewhere, as there may be no equivalence between American and some foreign degrees. Moreover, scholarships are generally awarded to undergraduate students who want to study in Boston. Enrollment procedures can be quite long and tedious, so it might be wise to start well before completing high school. Most American universities require international students to pass the test and the . Be aware that many universities, including top schools in Boston, have now made the SAT/ACT optional or test-optional; check each university's requirements to know what they require. All this can take a couple of months, taking into account that the documents required can vary from one university to another. Recommendation letters, application forms and a letter of interest may also be needed by some. Applications should be sent on or before January 1st at the latest for the September intake. You should receive a confirmation letter by late March or early April, should you have been selected.
Courses at US universities
Like in many countries, courses are taught in small groups in an amphitheater, depending on the chosen field. You can do your homework on campus or at home, while the classroom is mainly animated by lively debates and discussions. Marks are first assigned in percentages and then converted into letters from A to F according to the Grade Point Average system. Most US universities use a 4.0 GPA scale, with letter grades corresponding to specific percentage ranges (for example, an A is typically 94鈥�100%, B is 83鈥�86.99%, and F is below 60%)
In the United States, the education system is structured into various degree levels, each serving a specific stage of academic advancement. Here are the main types of degrees in the USA:
- Associate's Degree: An undergraduate degree typically earned at community colleges or junior colleges. It generally takes two years of full-time study to complete and provides a foundation in a particular field;
- Bachelor's Degree: An undergraduate degree earned at colleges and universities. It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete and is awarded in various fields of study, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS);
- Master's Degree: A postgraduate degree earned after completing a bachelor's degree. It typically requires one to two years of additional study and offers specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Examples include Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS);
- Doctoral Degree: The highest level of academic degree. Doctoral programs, also known as Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) programs, usually involve several years of advanced research and the completion of a dissertation. It signifies a high level of expertise in a specific area of study.
How to apply for a US student visa?
It can be quite a lengthy process to obtain a US student visa. You can apply only after you have enrolled in a Boston university and have accepted an offer of study. International students are generally entitled to the F1 visa, while those enrolling for technical or vocational courses are likely eligible for the M1 visa. The US student visa process is now fully digital, and students need to upload all required documents online at least 72 hours before their visa interview. Visa processing times are longer at the moment, so it's important to begin the process as soon as you receive your admission letter. Proof of sufficient funds and strong home country ties are strictly enforced so be prepared.
A student visa usually allows you to work on campus with the approval of your university and employer. Unless you have this agreement, the US government will not assign you a social security number, which is essential for working in the country. Additionally, all students must have health insurance, and most universities will provide access to their own plans or approved providers. Feel free to seek information from your university which might have its own affiliation.
Student accommodation in Boston
Undergraduate students in Boston generally prefer to stay on the university campus 鈥� 61% of undergrads live on campus, while only 11% of postgraduate students do. Overall, just over 30% of all students in the wider Boston area are actually on campus, partly due to limited dorms. It's advisable for international students to contact their respective university's housing office or international student services for specific information and assistance regarding dorm availability.
Because of the limited number of dorms, a lot of students seek out independent accommodation. Note, however, that Boston is the second most expensive city for renters in the US, and students are advised to start searching early and consider neighborhoods like Allston, Fenway鈥揔enmore, Mission Hill, and Jamaica Plain, where student populations are higher and shared apartments are more common.
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