Boston University Summer School

Boston University Summer School open the doors of a world-class research university to students from across the globe.

Each summer, more than 7,000 motivated learners from over 145 countries choose BU to accelerate their academics, explore new interests, and experience Boston at its most vibrant.

Open to BU students, visiting students, professionals, and international learners, the program combines academic rigour with flexibility, making it ideal for credit completion, enrichment and career development.

The Summer Term is structured around two intensive six-week sessions:

Session 1- May

Session 2- June

Students may enrol in one or both sessions, on campus or online, allowing them to design a summer experience that fits their academic goals and personal schedule.

Program Overview

Boston University Summer School are designed to provide the same academic quality as the regular academic year in a focused, immersive format.

Courses are taught by BU faculty and industry experts, ensuring consistency in teaching standards, assessment and learning outcomes.

Summer courses also count fully toward BU’s Hub general education requirements, making the program academically equivalent to fall and spring study.

Students often choose the Summer Term to catch up on credits, complete prerequisites, lighten future course loads or make progress toward early graduation.

Others enrol to explore a new subject, sharpen professional skills or study alongside a diverse, global cohort in smaller, discussion-driven classes.

Academic Structure & Subjects Offered

Boston University offers more than 600 summer courses across 12 schools and colleges, providing one of the most comprehensive summer academic portfolios among U.S. universities.

Courses span undergraduate and graduate levels and are offered in flexible formats, including in-person, hybrid and fully online options.

The academic structure emphasises depth and focus. Students typically take one or two courses per session, allowing for concentrated learning and stronger engagement with faculty.

Smaller class sizes encourage discussion, collaboration, and direct mentorship, a key advantage of summer study at BU.

Subjects offered

Students can align their summer coursework with academic majors, professional aspirations, or personal interests.

Program Features & Learning Outcomes

Boston University Summer School emphasises academic excellence, flexibility and real-world relevance. Courses are designed to strengthen subject mastery while building transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, data analysis, research, and problem-solving.
Many programs focus on career-oriented learning, with offerings in analytics, project management, information technology, business communication, journalism, and writing. These courses help students enhance their resumes, prepare for internships or transition into advanced academic or professional pathways.
By the end of the program, students typically gain deeper academic confidence, improved time-management skills and meaningful faculty connections. The intensive nature of the sessions mirrors professional environments, helping students adapt to fast-paced, results-driven learning settings.

Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Immersion

Studying at Boston University in the summer means experiencing Boston at its best. The city comes alive with festivals, concerts, outdoor events and cultural programming and BU students are perfectly positioned to explore it all.
With a valid BU student ID, summer students enjoy free admission to major cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, and the Harvard Art Museums. These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom and deepen cultural engagement.
Boston University’s urban campus stretches along the Charles River and historic Commonwealth Avenue, placing students within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as Fenway Park, diverse neighbourhoods, global cuisine and public transit that connects easily to downtown Boston and nearby Cambridge

Campus Resources & Student Life

Summer students have full access to Boston University’s extensive academic and student-life resources.
BU’s 13 libraries provide access to millions of scholarly articles, books, databases and digital tools that support research and coursework throughout the summer.
The 270,000-square-foot Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec) offers a wide range of summer activities, including fitness classes, aquatics, climbing, yoga, sailing, dance and personal training.
Recreational programs support physical well-being and balance during intensive academic study.
The George Sherman Union (GSU) serves as a central hub for student engagement, hosting lectures, exhibitions, study lounges, collaborative workspaces and campus events.
The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground fosters dialogue, reflection and community building among students from diverse backgrounds.
Students who bike to campus can register with the BU Cycle Kitchen (BUCK), gaining access to secure bike rooms and maintenance support across the Charles River and Fenway campuses.

Specialised Summer Programs

In addition to academic courses, Boston University offers a wide range of specialised summer programs. These include professional certificate programs through:
The Centre for Professional Education
Intensive English and academic preparation through CELOP
Public health courses through the School of Public Health
Youth and pre-college programs
Lifelong learning through the Evergreen Program
Enrichment opportunities in food, wine, arts and recreation.
BU also offers internship-based programs in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

English Proficiency Requirements

Visiting international students are required to demonstrate English proficiency through standardised tests such as TOEFL (Minimum 4.5 Overall), IELTS (Minimum 7 Overall), or the Duolingo English Test (Minimum 115 Overall) to ensure that students are academically prepared to participate fully in coursework and classroom discussions.
Exceptions may apply to students who can submit documentation showing that their prior education was conducted entirely in English.

Visa Requirements

International students enrolling in Boston University Summer Sessions must comply with U.S. immigration regulations based on their visa status.

Enrollment options are determined by visa type and duration of stay.

Students applying to Sumer Sessions and enrolling in multiple courses will be required to obtain an I-20 from Boston University and an F-1 visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Students in B-1/B-2 or WT/WB visitor status are limited to enrolling in a maximum of one course per summer session.

Tuition Fees

Summer tuition at Boston University is calculated based on three key factors: the total number of credits assigned to the course, whether it is offered at the undergraduate or graduate level, and the specific Boston University school or college that administers the course.
Undergraduate Courses Per Credit $845
Graduate Courses Per Credit $2,183

Exceptions

School Of Social Work Courses , Per Credit $1,261
School of Theology Non DMin master’s Program Summer Courses Per Credit $1,027
Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, per credit $845

This transparent, per-credit model allows students to plan costs effectively while choosing

Housing

Summer Term students enrolled in at least one six-week session are eligible for on-campus housing, which fosters a strong sense of community and convenience.
Housing options include traditional residence halls and apartment-style accommodations.
Students in traditional housing select from designated summer dining plans, while those in apartment-style residences or living off campus may choose optional dining or convenience point plans.
On-campus living places students close to classrooms, libraries, dining halls, and social spaces, enhancing both academic focus and social connection.

Summer Sessions at Boston University, one of America’s leading urban universities, offer far more than academic courses. They deliver a transformative academic and cultural experience that combines flexibility, rigour and global exposure in the heart of Boston. Book a Free Consultation with ScholarshipKart today to explore the top Summer Schools in the USA. Get expert support at every step—from course selection and applications to scholarships and visa assistance.

Start your global academic journey with confidence and let us help you secure the right programme, funding options, and a smooth transition to studying in the USA.

Boston University Summer School