Deferrals
Please click on the following link for more information regarding the option to defer your upcoming admissions start date: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/frequently-asked-questions/deferrals/
If you are considering deferment of your admissions offer, please note that the deadline to submit your request form is August 15.
Financial aid
Q: How do I apply for a scholarship or financial aid?
A: All newly admitted PhD students will receive a 5-year fellowship offer, which may be a combination of a non-service fellowship, teaching fellowship or doctoral research assistant.
Deadlines
Q: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
A:
Doctoral (Ph.D) Program Deadlines
Fall semester admission: December 15th
There is no Spring Ph.D admission.
An application is complete only if all required materials are received. For a list of required materials, please refer to the application instructions included with the Graduate Application for Admission. Please also note that the application fee must be paid for an application to be processed.
Q: Will my application be considered if any of the required materials are missing?
A: No.
Q: How can I find out if my application is incomplete?
A: First make sure that you have received an acknowledgment of receipt of your application mailed to you from the graduate school. If you have not, email grs@bu.edu. If you have received an acknowledgment of receipt, then you can send email to gradapp@cs.bu.edu. Due to the volume of applications received, we request that applicants do not telephone the department regarding their application.
Required Tests
Q: Is the GRE required?
A: The GRE is not required for the fall 2024 application cycle.
Q: Is the TOEFL required for all international applicants?
A: Proof of English proficiency is required of all applicants, with the exception of students who have completed a degree program in certain English-speaking countries (exemption details here). Applicants may take the TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications, or Duolingo tests and meet the minimum score.
Q: Is it acceptable to send a photocopy of my test scores with my application?
A: No. Applicants must arrange to have official test scores sent directly from the testing service to the Graduate School. Photocopies cannot be used as a substitute.
Admission Decision and Notification
Q: When are admissions decisions made?
A: Admissions decisions are typically completed by April 15 for fall admission. Due to the volume of applications received, we request that applicants do not inquire about their applications before these dates.
Financial Aid Decision and Notification
Q: I got an acceptance letter, but it says that a financial aid decision is pending. What does this mean?
A: Scholarship and financial aid decisions are made separately (after the admissions decision). All admitted applicants compete for scholarships, based on the merit of their application. Generally, decisions are mailed near the end of the admissions cycle. This means that if you are selected for a scholarship award, then the notification letter should arrive by April 15 for fall admission.