Looking to study at universities in Massachusetts? This USA state ranks among the top education hubs worldwide, with a mix of Ivy League schools, top STEM universities, and affordable public colleges.
From world-class research at MIT and Harvard to practical programs at UMass and Northeastern, students have plenty of choices. Seeking the best public universities in Massachusetts for international students or exploring cheapest universities in Massachusetts for Indian students? There’s something for every budget and goal.
This blog covers 2025 scholarships, admission timelines, living costs, and how to apply for undergraduate and master’s courses in Massachusetts.
Want a full overview of student life there? This guide on studying in Massachusetts covers top colleges, living tips, and more.
Not sure what the academic setup looks like? Here’s how the education system in the USA works across universities.
Highlights of Studying in Massachusetts
Aspect
Details
Top Cities for Students
Boston, Cambridge, Amherst, Worcester
Best Public Universities
University of Massachusetts (UMass), Bridgewater State, Salem State
Popular Private Universities
MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University
Medium of Instruction
English
Top Programs
Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Data Science, Public Health
Tuition Range (per year)
Public: $15,000–$25,000 (₹12.5L–₹21L)
Private: $40,000–$60,000 (₹33L–₹50L)
Intake Months
Fall (August/September), Spring (January), Summer (May – limited courses)
Popular Scholarships
UMass Global Scholarships, Boston University Trustee Scholarship, Harvard Financial Aid
Post-Study Work Options
OPT (12–36 months), H-1B visa, STEM extension eligible
Living Costs (Monthly)
$1,200–$2,000 (₹1L–₹1.7L) depending on city and lifestyle
Planning to study this year? Here’s what to know about the Spring Intake in the USA and how to apply in time.
Universities in Massachusetts for International Students
Massachusetts has some of the top-ranked universities in USA—the country has over 1.1 international students in 2024.
Public universities in Massachusetts include the UMass system (Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell), Bridgewater State University, and Fitchburg State. These schools offer a wide range of undergraduate courses in Massachusetts for international students, along with master’s degrees in fields like business, computer science, and public health.
Public universities charge in-state tuition for residents and higher out-of-state tuition for international students.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst charges around $36,000 (₹30L) per year for out-of-state undergraduates.
Private universities, like Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and Northeastern, charge higher tuition but offer more scholarships and aid options.
Private university tuition averages between $40,000–$60,000/year(₹33L–₹50L).
These schools often rank in the top 100 globally and have strong alumni networks and job placement support.
Top Universities in Massachusetts
University Name
Type of University & Ranking
Avg Tuition (UG/PG)
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Public (Ranked =275)
UG: $36,000/PG: $30,000 (₹25L)
Bridgewater State University
Public
UG: $17,000/PG: $15,000 (₹14L)
Harvard University
Private (Ranked 4)
UG/PG: $54,000–$58,000 (₹45L–₹48L)
MIT
Private (Ranked 1)
UG/PG: $55,510 (₹46L)
Northeastern University
Private (Ranked =396)
UG: $59,000/PG: $50,000 (₹41L)
Boston University
Private (Ranked 108)
UG: $62,000/PG: $55,000 (₹47L)
Best public universities in Massachusetts for international students like UMass also offer STEM-designated programs with longer OPT and better H-1B visa conversion rates.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Massachusetts
Universities in Massachusetts follow clear eligibility rules for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Each college may set its own benchmarks, so always check individual university pages before applying.
Requirements of Studying at Universities in Massachusetts
Requirement
Undergraduate (UG)
Postgraduate (PG)
Academics
Class 12 with 75–85% or GPA 2.5–3.5
Bachelor's degree with 65–70% or GPA 3.0+
English Language Tests
IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+, Duolingo 105+
IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL iBT 90+, Duolingo 110+
Standardized Tests
SAT (1150+) or ACT (24+); some colleges test-optional
Some Massachusetts universities waive test scores or accept Duolingo English Test, especially for 2025 intakes. Always check if your course has a portfolio, interview, or subject-specific requirement.
Top Cities in Massachusetts for International Students
City
Universities & Strengths
Estimated Monthly Cost
Boston
BU, Northeastern; strong internships
$1,800–$2,500 (₹1.5L–₹2L)
Cambridge
MIT, Harvard; top employers nearby
$1,700–$2,300 (₹1.4L–₹1.9L)
Worcester
WPI, Clark; affordable lifestyle
$1,200–$1,800 (₹1L–₹1.5L)
Amherst
UMass Amherst; student-focused town
$1,100–$1,600 (₹91K–₹1.3L)
Choose your city based on job options, living expenses, and how easy it is to settle during and after your course.
Intakes at Universities in Massachusetts for International Students
Most universities in Massachusetts offer three admission intakes across the year. The Fall intake is the most common for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, especially for STEM and business courses. The Spring intake works well for students who miss Fall deadlines. Some colleges offer rolling admissions or limited Summer intakes for selected programs.
Intakes at Universities in Massachusetts
Intake Season
Application Period
UG/PG Program Availability
Fall (Aug/Sep)
October to January
Widely available for UG and PG programs
Spring (Jan)
May to September
Limited seats in PG, some UG courses
Summer (May)
November to February
Select PG certificate or diploma options
Rolling
Varies by college/program
Mostly private colleges and online PG
Most public universities in Massachusetts for international students follow strict deadlines, while private colleges may be more flexible. Always check the latest 2025 intake schedule before applying.
Scholarships for International Students in Massachusetts
International students can apply for merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, or graduate assistantships at several top colleges in Massachusetts offering scholarships. These awards cover full or partial tuition, and in some cases, housing and living expenses.
Scholarships for Students in Massachusetts
Scholarship Name
Value
Eligibility & Deadline
Presidential Scholarship (UMass Amherst)
Up to $10,000/year
High GPA, automatic consideration (Jan deadline)
Global Scholars Award (Boston University)
Partial to full tuition
Academic excellence; apply by December
Dean’s Scholarship (Northeastern)
Up to $28,000
UG students with strong academic profile
MIT Graduate Fellowships
Full tuition + stipend
STEM PG students; check department deadlines
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
Up to $100,000 (external)
Indian PG applicants to top US colleges; Jan–Mar
AAUW International Fellowships
$20,000–$50,000
Women from India; PG/doctoral programs; Nov
Most Massachusetts universities accepting international students offer internal aid, but you can apply for external scholarships too. Graduate assistantships are common in master's programs and may reduce tuition significantly.
Common Application Process for Massachusetts Universities
The admission process for Massachusetts universities depends on the degree level. For undergraduate programs, most public and private colleges accept applications through the Common App. For postgraduate courses, you’ll apply via individual university portals or department-specific links.
Steps for UG Applicants Applying to Universities in Massachusetts:
Create a profile on Common App
Add shortlisted universities
Upload academic transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, SOP, LORs
Track deadlines (typically between November–January for Fall intake)
Steps for PG Applicants Applying to Universities in Massachusetts:
Visit university websites (e.g., UMass, Northeastern, MIT)
Fill out application forms via their graduate portals
Prepare department-specific SOPs, updated resume, test scores (GRE/GMAT if needed)
Most deadlines fall between December and March
Most top universities in Massachusetts for master’s programs also require a non-refundable application fee and department-level evaluations.
Student Visa Process for Studying in Massachusetts
After receiving an admission offer from any of the universities in Massachusetts, international students must apply for an F-1 visa. The process starts with securing the I-20 form from your college, followed by payment of the SEVIS fee and scheduling your visa interview at the nearest US consulate.
Visa Requirements for Studying in Massachusetts
Visa Stage
Key Document(s)
Timeline
I-20 Generation
Passport, proof of funds, admission letter
1–2 weeks after accepting offer
SEVIS Fee Payment
SEVIS ID from I-20, fee receipt
Pay at least 3 days before DS-160
DS-160 Form Submission
Passport, photo, academic records
Fill online; takes 1–2 hours
Visa Interview Booking
DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt
Book 1–2 months in advance
F-1 Visa Interview
I-20, transcripts, funding proof
Interview lasts 5–10 minutes
Visa Approval & Passport Return
Visa-stamped passport
5–10 working days post interview
F-1 visa rules allow students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters. After graduation, students can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or STEM OPT extensions, depending on their course.
This process applies to all undergraduate courses in Massachusetts for international students and postgraduate applicants alike.
Career Opportunities After Graduating from Universities in Massachusetts
Graduates from top universities in Massachusetts for master’s programs and undergrad degrees enter strong hiring markets. Boston and Cambridge lead in biotech, healthcare, fintech, and consulting. International students often use OPT or CPT options to gain work experience before switching to an H-1B visa.
University career centers actively connect students to internships, career fairs, and on-campus job interviews.
Career Opportunities: Universities in Massachusetts
Industry
Average Salary (USD/year)
University Career Support
Biotechnology
$85,000–$110,000 (₹70.9L–₹91.8L)
Strong at UMass, Harvard, MIT
Finance & Fintech
$75,000–$105,000 (₹62.6L–₹87.7L)
Offered by Northeastern, Bentley
Management Consulting
$90,000–$120,000 (₹75.1L–₹100.2L)
Actively supported at BU, Babson
Data Science / AI
$95,000–$130,000 (₹79.3L–₹108.6L)
Career labs at MIT, UMass Amherst
Education & Research
$60,000–$85,000 (₹50.1L–₹70.9L)
Post-doc and teaching roles available
STEM graduates get up to 3 years on OPT. Use this time to build U.S. work experience, apply for H-1B roles, or transition to sponsored positions in top firms.
Planning long-term? Here’s everything you need to know about the post-study work permit in the USA and how to stay after graduation.
How upGrad Supports Students Applying to Universities in Massachusetts
upGrad gives you the tools and guidance to apply to top universities in Massachusetts. Here’s what’s included:
Step-by-step blogs on the admission process for Massachusetts universities in 2025
Updated scholarship lists with eligibility, amount, and deadlines
SOP and LOR samples written for USA university formats
Free test prep support for IELTS, TOEFL, GRE
Personalised 1:1 counseling to help plan your move to the U.S.
Need help choosing a university in Massachusetts? Speak to an expert through free counseling today.
Want to stand out on your applications? Take free courses and build your academic edge now.
FAQs on Universities in Massachusetts
What makes universities in Massachusetts popular among international students?
Universities in Massachusetts are known for academic excellence, research opportunities, and access to major employers in Boston and Cambridge. Students benefit from global exposure and a strong professional network.
Do universities in Massachusetts offer fully English-taught programs?
Yes, all major public and private universities offer English-taught undergraduate and master’s programs for international students. No additional language test is needed beyond IELTS/TOEFL.
How do I apply to multiple universities in Massachusetts at once?
For undergraduate courses, you can use the Common App to apply to several schools in one go. For postgraduate programs, applications are made directly through university websites.
What’s the cost of studying at private universities in Massachusetts?
Private universities like Boston University and MIT charge between $30,000–$60,000 per year in tuition. Scholarships and assistantships can help reduce the cost.
Is financial aid available at universities in Massachusetts for Indian students?
Yes. International students can apply for university-specific scholarships, merit-based waivers, and assistantships, especially at the top universities in Massachusetts for master’s programs.
Do universities in Massachusetts require SAT or ACT for international applicants?
Some public universities still require SAT/ACT scores for UG admissions. However, many private colleges have made them optional or test-flexible.
Are there any community colleges in Massachusetts that accept international students?
Yes. Options like Bunker Hill Community College and MassBay Community College welcome international students and offer affordable tuition.
Can I work part-time while studying at universities in Massachusetts?
F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters. Students can also apply for internships through CPT and OPT.
Do universities in Massachusetts provide on-campus accommodation for international students?
Most offer on-campus housing to undergraduates, while graduate students usually rent private or shared apartments. Universities help with finding housing options.
Is the Massachusetts student visa process different from other US states?
No, it’s the same F-1 visa process across all US states. Students need an I-20, SEVIS payment, and an interview at a US embassy.
Are universities in Massachusetts known for research and innovation?
Yes. Institutions like Harvard, MIT, and UMass are leaders in research across tech, healthcare, business, and climate studies. Many programs include hands-on research.
What are the application deadlines for fall intake at universities in Massachusetts?
Fall deadlines usually run from November to January for UG and December to March for PG. Early deadlines may apply for scholarships.
Can I switch from a language program to a degree course at universities in Massachusetts?
Yes, but you’ll need to meet academic requirements and secure a new I-20 for your degree program. Talk to your university’s international office for guidance.
Are Indian student communities active at universities in Massachusetts?
Yes. Most universities have active Indian student associations that host festivals, mentor newcomers, and offer a support system.
Do universities in Massachusetts help with internships and job placements?
Yes. Career centers at top colleges in Massachusetts offering scholarships also provide career coaching, resume help, and connect students with recruiters.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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