Study in Boston, Massachusetts

Explore universities and programs in Boston, Massachusetts for international students.

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A cityscape of Boston, Massachusetts in the USA featuring iconic elements of Boston, Massachusetts's architectural landmarks.

Key facts

  • Summer/winter temperature
    73/29°F
  • Population
    685,000
  • Country
    US
  • Universities
    35

Why study in Boston, Massachusetts?

Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the US. It’s located close to some of the best, and most prestigious universities in the world, and is a renowned hub for academia.

Boston is steeped in American history, and is a city of contrasts – from the Boston National Historical Park and the Freedom Trail to the Institute of Contemporary Art and a thriving punk rock scene, there is something in Boston to suite the most eclectic of tastes.

Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from the USA, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Universities in Boston, Massachusetts

The city of Boston is home to more than 30 colleges and universities, and is within minutes of Cambridge where you’ll find Harvard University and MIT. As a result, Boston has a vibrant student population, with plenty of great social and sporting attractions for international students.

What to study in Boston, Massachusetts

Being at the heart of one the biggest education centers in the US, there’s a vast range of programs and subjects you can choose to study in Boston.

The institutions in the Boston area lead the world in terms of research and scientific discovery. There are particularly strong programs in technology and science, as well as having highly ranked liberal arts universities. Whatever your area of study, you’ll find a program and university to suit you in Boston.

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What is the cost of study in Boston, Massachusetts?

Tuition fees in Boston and the wider state of Massachusetts are higher than the average in the US, and can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per year depending on the university.

Living costs in Boston are also considered high, but are cheaper than other cities like New York. How much you spend on accommodation will depend on whether you live in halls or rent privately, and the area you live in. Living in university accommodation is usually much cheaper.

Illustration representing studying costs, featuring symbols like a calculator, stacks of money, and hands exchanging cash, all surrounded by a building resembling a university, books and a diploma scroll.

What is the cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$3,416Range: $3,000 to $4,000
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$2,600Range: $2,000 to $3,005
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$235Range: $133 to $366
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$84Range: $55 to $135
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$58Range: $30 to $100
Monthly public transport pass$90Range: $85 to $90
Monthly grocery basket$247Range: $123 to $439
Coffee shop drink$5Range: $4 to $7
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15Range: $13 to $20
Gym membership$84Range: $39 to $190

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

How to study in Boston, Massachusetts

To study in Boston, you’ll need to apply to each university you’d like to attend, and meet their entry requirements. As a general rule, you’ll need to have at least completed secondary education in your home country, but each university will have their own admission requirements and accepted grades.

You’ll need to complete an application form for the university, and submit this with any paperwork requested together with a personal statement and references if applicable.

Student reviews for Boston, Massachusetts

My Nguyen
vn flag
Studied Pharmaceutical Sciences at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    2
Tell us about Boston, Massachusetts

MCPHS is located in Boston, a biotech 'hub'. There are many opportunities for volunteer, intern and job to develop on your field. Transportation in Boston is a plus, you can easily get to anywhere using public transportation.

Namrata Acharya
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Studied Pharmacology at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a city of students, biotechnology, research, pharmaceutical business. It is safe and has very convenient public transportation that connects the city very well. I feel alive in Boston, it gives you the well-balanced experience of the city yet, a quiet suburban feel to it. The winters are beautiful but cold. There are many great places in and around boston within an hour drive where you can hike, play paintball, see botanical gardens, watch the NFL, NBA and NHL at the stadiums namely Fenway park, TD garden, Gilette. The nightlife is alive and popping but not overwhelming. You meet a lot of people here and I have always had very welcoming experiences where people just talk to you and are nice!

Hieu Tran
vn flag
Studied Biology at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is great city for biomedical research, and student life.

Tatiana Chu
br flag
Studied Pharmacology at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a very vivid city with many activities. From professional organizations to different restaurants to visit. Since the city is so diverse there are always various places to visit. My favorite season is winter, so I love the season in the city. Once the snow falls the parks become a very pretty scenery. Additionally, there are many different restaurants to explore and try different food.

Yosanly Cornelio
do flag
Studied Clinical Research at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Boston, Massachusetts

I'm studying in Boston MA, which is a city that I love even when is cold. It is a very unique city with a lot of thing to do and so much nature around. What I like most from the city is all the hospital that are here and near to the university. Which is means a lot in science.