Boise State welcomes students from around the world and values the diversity that international students bring to campus. A vibrant international student population translates to a stronger multicultural experience for all students.
Boise State University is located in the state capital of Idaho, a dynamic western city of over 200,000 in a metropolitan area of 587,000. Boise has all the advantages of a big city such as good medical services, entertainment and transportation, without the big-city worries of high crime and pollution. English is the predominant language spoken and the cultural experience is truly American.
There are over 200 programs of study at Boise State University, with both undergraduate and graduate options for international students.
Check out this video about being an International Student at Boise State University.
Who are International Applicants?
A Foreign national who holds, or intends to hold temporary, non-immigrant visa/status in the USA, such as F-1, H-4, L-2, etc. or is a ‘pending’ permanent resident (application for permanent resident status to BCIS is submitted but not yet adjudicated) in the USA is considered International for admissions purposes.
US citizens, US permanent residents, political asylees or refugees are considered domestic applicants for “admission” purposes. Persons who hold dual citizenship with the US and another country should submit a domestic student application.
Application Priority Dates (all materials must be received by the priority date):
The international admissions priority date for the Fall 2013 semester was May 15. Applications completed after the priority date are considered on a space-available basis. We recommend that you complete your application by submitting all required application materials as soon as possible.
- Spring 2014 semester (January start): October 15
- Fall 2014 semester (August start): May 15
Boise State has established priority dates for receipt of your admission application materials to allow sufficient time to process immigration paperwork and apply for your visa. To guarantee you will be considered for admission, the International Admissions Office must receive your application and all supporting materials by the priority date. After the priority date, applications will be considered on a space available basis.
How to Apply for Admission
- Online International Undergraduate Application or Printable International Undergraduate Application
- 85 USD Nonrefundable application fee
- TOEFL or IELTS Score Results (Our school code is 4018) View all score requirements
- Official Transcripts or Marksheets
- Financial Form and Bank Verification. (Necessary for immigration paperwork to be completed; can be submitted after you have received your admission decision.)
- Photocopy of the page in your passport that shows your full name
(Students currently in the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa)
Please submit all undergraduate or graduate admission requirements plus the following documents:
- Copy of your current I-20, visa, and I-94
- Transfer Form filled out by your current school’s International Student Advisor
- Online International Graduate Application or Printable International Graduate Application
- 85 USD Nonrefundable application fee
- TOEFL or IELTS Score Results (Our school code is 4018.) View all score requirements
- Official Transcripts or Marksheets and Official Proof of Degree
- Financial Form and Bank Verification (Necessary for immigration paperwork to be completed; can be submitted after you have received your admission decision.)
- GRE/GMAT Score Results (Our school code is 4018)
- View Graduate College programs
Financial Information and Scholarships
In order to obtain a student visa, you must provide proof that you, your family, or a sponsor will have the financial resources to support you while you are a student at Boise State University.
Boise State University offers many scholarships for outstanding freshmen and transfer students as they pursue academic excellence. Please visit the Boise State University Financial Aid and Scholarships Office web site for more scholarship information.
Graduate students can find details on scholarships, graduate assistantships and tuition waivers here.
The following costs are for the 2012/2013 academic year, which is in session from mid-August to mid-May. The costs usually increase between 3-10 percent per academic year. The estimated costs are for the full academic year and are subject to change at any time.
| International Undergraduate (full time) | International Graduate (full time) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Semester | Full Year | One Semester | Full Year | |
| Tuition & Fees | $8,662.00 | $17,324.00 | $9,206.00 | $18,412.00 |
| Health Insurance | $1,060.00 | $2,120.00 | $1,060.00 | $2,120.00 |
| Books & Supplies | $621.00 | $1,242.00 | $621.00 | $1,242.00 |
| Housing & Food | $3,719.00 | $7,438.00 | $3,719.00 | $7,438.00 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,512.00 | $3,024.00 | $1,512.00 | $3,024.00 |
| Transportation | $1,315.00 | $2,630.00 | $1,315.00 | $2,630.00 |
| TOTAL | $16,889.00 | $33,778.00 | $17,433.00 | $34,866.00 |
More information on scholarships is here.
Testing Information
You can get more information and register for the SAT tests online at www.collegeboard.org, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) at www.ets.org/toefl, and the ACT at www.act.org.
Boise State University requires international students to demonstrate English language proficiency for admission.
The following options are available for demonstrating Engish language proficiency, as long as completed within the last two years*:
| Undergraduate | Graduate | Graduate (College of Engineering, College of Business & Economics, Departments of Special Education & Childhood Studies) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (paper-based) | 500 | 550 | 587 |
| TOEFL (internet-based) | 61 | 80 | 95 |
| IELTS | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| SAT (Critical Reading section) | 450 | not applicable | not applicable |
| ACT (English section) | 18 | not applicable | not applicable |
| English 101 Introduction to College Writing equivalent from a regionally-accredited US institution | grade of C- | not applicable | not applicable |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a regionally-accredited US institution | Successful completion | Successful completion | Successful completion |
* You may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement if you are a native English speaker or if English is your first language. Examples of countries where students may be from include (but are not limited to): Australia, the British Caribbean, Canada (English-speaking provinces only), Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Please contact the International Student Admissions Office for further information.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PO Box 6154
Princeton, NJ 08541-6154 USA
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
100 East Corson Street Suite 200
Pasadena, CA 91103 USA
ACT
PO Box 451
Iowa City, IA 52243 USA
SAT
PO Box 025505
Miami, FL 33102 USA
Note: If you have a TOEFL score of at least 450/46, or an IELTS score of 4.5, you can be granted admission as a language bridge student to Boise State University, but must first enroll in the Intensive English Program.
Intensive English Program
Boise State University has an excellent Intensive English Program designed to help students improve their English skills and succeed in higher education. For more information about this program, please visit the Intensive English Program.
Additional Resources
Use these additional resources during your transition to Boise State University.
EducationUSA
EducationUSA centers are the U.S. State Department‘s network of over 400 advising centers in 170 countries designed to assist local students find the appropriate college or university in the United States. Click on the link below to find your center!
Study in the States
Study in the States is a website run by the Department of Homeland Security with helpful tips on how to apply for your student visa and plan for your arrival in the United States.
International Student Services
International Student Services (ISS) provides comprehensive support services to international students in the area of immigration, academics, cross-cultural challenges, and adjusting to life at Boise State University.
Phone: 208-426-1757
Mailing Address:
International Admissions Office
1910 University Drive
Boise ID 83725-1320 USA