Boston University’s College of Engineering offers graduate application fee waivers alongside strong funding packages. If you are applying for a Master’s or PhD program and are an international (or domestic) student, here’s what you need to know to take full advantage.
Application Fee Waiver Details
- The fee waiver request form opens September 1, 2025 for Fall 2026 and Spring 2026 entry.
- You must create your application account at BU Engineering before submitting the application. The waiver request must be submitted before application submission. No refunds if you apply the waiver after applying.
- Deadlines for fee waiver requests by applicant type:
• Fall 2026 Early Consideration (BU ENG students only): October 8, 2025
• Spring 2026 Master’s: October 24, 2025
• Fall 2026 PhD: December 8, 2025
• Fall 2026 Master’s (Priority Scholarship deadline): January 8, 2026
• Fall 2026 Master’s regular: March 5, 2026 - One waiver code = good for one program application. If applying to multiple programs, request a separate code for each.
For more about the application fee waiver process, visit BU ENG’s Application Fee Waiver Request page.
Funding & Support for International Students
Boston University offers substantial financial support to PhD students in engineering. Key elements include:
- PhD programs on the Charles River Campus follow a full-funding model:
• 5 years of stipend support,
• 100% tuition scholarship,
• health insurance credit. - For the College of Engineering PhD students:
• Distinguished Departmental or Dean’s Fellowships cover tuition, student services fees, health insurance, and a stipend (for example, ~$41,373/year in 2024-25 academic year) • Research Assistantships and Teaching Fellowships are common ways support is continued beyond fellowship years. - Master’s students may have merit-based tuition scholarships and alumni scholarships. International applicants should check eligibility for those.
Why This Is Important
- Fee waivers reduce upfront cost barriers—useful especially if paying from outside the U.S.
- Guaranteed funding for PhD students means tuition + health insurance + stipend is already covered, allowing you to focus on research rather than financial worry.
- Understanding deadlines & rules (e.g. applying for the waiver before submission, using separate codes per program) helps avoid missed opportunities.