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University of Colorado Boulder

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3 scholarships listed
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University of Colorado Boulder is in Boulder, United States. Tuition for international students: $48,222–$51,834 per year (2026-27 figure). Language: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80. Applying: intake: Fall, Spring; application fee $70. Scholarships: 3 from the university.

✓ 41 facts from 21 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-12 · How we verify

International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.

Reference only. Automatically checked against the college's official pages on 2026-11-12; maintained by Jordan Lee, editor. Colleges can change policies at any time — confirm on the official page before you apply. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Quick summary

Cost per yeartuition $48,222 per year (varies by programme) + housing and meals $19,242 per year
Money from the collegeNeed-based aid: none for international students.
Merit scholarships: international students can receive them.
No named scholarship is confirmed open to international students yet.
Chances of admissionnot yet determined English minimum: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (1–6) 4, TOEFL 80, Duolingo 115, PTE 58.
Application deadlinesEarliest: Nov 15 (Early Action — Apply early and hear early; not binding — you can still choose another college.) Last round: Regular Decision, Jan 15.
Where and how students liveBoulder · 53 km from DEN airport
HousingFirst-year housing: Required; housing and meals $19,242 per year
Working while studyingF-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Other work needs authorization: curricular practical training (CPT) during the program, or off-campus employment for economic hardship after one full academic year, approved by the DSO and USCIS. · co-op / paid work terms are part of degrees
After graduationOptional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months of work in the field of study after a bachelor's degree; a 24-month extension applies to DHS-designated STEM degrees. · 91% of graduates employed or studying

Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.

Financial aid & requirements for international students

Aid & admission for international applicantsNo need-based aid for international undergraduates
International students are not eligible for need-based institutional aid; only merit awards or outside funding.
(reference)
Sources (1)
“Nonresident students are ineligible for need-based assistance or the Colorado ASSET Bill benefit, but are encouraged to apply for scholarships.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Meets full financial needNot yet determined — check the college site ↗
Merit scholarshipsYes — international students can receive merit scholarships
Sources (2)
“All international, first-year applications will be reviewed for automatic consideration scholarships as long as required application documents are received by the January 15th deadline.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“International students are eligible and were considered for non-resident scholarships (Presidential and CU Boulder Chancellor’s Achievement).”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
SAT / ACT policyTest-optional (SAT/ACT may be submitted)
Sources (1)
“ACT and SAT scores are not required for first-year students, but you may provide self-reported scores if you would like us to consider them when reviewing your application.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
English proficiencyEnglish test required unless an exemption applies
  • TOEFL iBT (new 1–6 scale): 4
  • TOEFL iBT (old 0–120 scale): 80
  • IELTS overall: 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test: 115
  • PTE Academic: 58
Sources (8)
“All students need to demonstrate a strong command of English language skills to succeed in CU Boulder’s rigorous academic environment, and international applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency before enrolling into their academic program.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Option 2: Complete at least two years of full-time academic study at a secondary school in a qualifying country.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Exam Minimum Total Score/Grade”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“TOEFL iBT26 (post January 2026) 4.0”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“TOEFL iBT (pre January 2026) 80”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“IELTS 6.5”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Duolingo Test of English (DET) 115”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“PTE Academic 58”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Conditional admission / English pathwayYes — conditional admission or an English pathway is offered
Sources (1)
“CU Boulder offers conditional admission to international students who meet the academic requirements for admission but need to improve their English language skills before starting a degree program.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Scholarships for first-year students

Presidential Scholarship

MeritEligibility not statedRenewableAutomatic consideration
$15,000 / year
  • Amount: $15,000 / year
  • Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years — keep GPA 2.75+
  • How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“The Presidential Scholarship is offered to incoming nonresident first-year students based on the strength of their admissions application.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Newly admitted students will be considered for a scholarship of $15,000 per year (renewable for four years, totaling $60,000).”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative CU Boulder GPA”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“International students are eligible and were considered for non-resident scholarships (Presidential and CU Boulder Chancellor’s Achievement).”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship

MeritEligibility not statedRenewableAutomatic consideration
$6,250 / year
  • Amount: $6,250 / year
  • Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years — keep GPA 2.75+
  • How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“The CU Boulder Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship is offered to incoming nonresident first-year students based on the strength of their admissions application.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Newly admitted students will be considered for a scholarship of $6,250 per year (renewable for four years, which is $25,000 total).”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative CU Boulder GPA”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“International students are eligible and were considered for non-resident scholarships (Presidential and CU Boulder Chancellor’s Achievement).”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Arts & Humanities Achievement Scholarship

MeritEligibility not statedRenewableAutomatic consideration
$4,000 / year
  • Amount: $4,000 / year
  • Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years — keep GPA 2.75+
  • Can be combined with other awards: Yes
  • How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“The Arts & Humanities (A&H) Merit Scholarship is offered to incoming resident and nonresident first-year students who applied and were admitted with a declared A&H major.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Nonresidents can receive the A&H Achievement Scholarship*: $4,000 per year (renewable for four years, totaling $16,000)”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“To qualify for the A&H Achievement Scholarships, nonresidents must also be a recipient of the CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement or Presidential Scholars award.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative CU Boulder GPA”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Programmes

Bachelor's programme
Business Administration — Bachelor of Science (BSBA)
Source (2)
“The official major for undergraduates at Leeds School of Business is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Business students are required to earn a total of 120* approved semester hours of credit from the following categories:”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Computer Science — Bachelor of Science (BSCS)
Source (1)
“The BS degree in computer science emphasizes knowledge and awareness of computing at all levels.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Mechanical Engineering — Bachelor of Science (BSME)
Source (1)
“To earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, students must complete a minimum of 128 credit hours.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Applying

Intakes (start months) for first-year entry
Fall, Spring
Source (2)
“Nov. 15: Fall and summer early action deadline”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Oct. 1: Spring application deadline”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Application fee
$70 one-time
Source (1)
“The application fee is: $65 for domestic applicants $70 for international applicants”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Application requirement
English proficiency test: Required
Source (1)
“all international applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Proof of funds / financial documents: Required
Source (1)
“you must submit evidence of full financial support sufficient for all first-year expenses at the University of Colorado Boulder with required documentation before we can finalize your admission and issue any immigration forms.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Personal statement / main essay: Required
Source (1)
“Personal Essay (required, 250–650 words): Choose one of the seven essays from the Common Application.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Teacher recommendation: Required ×1
Source (1)
“CU Boulder requires one letter of recommendation.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
College-specific essays: Required
Source (1)
“Complete the personal essay and a short answer question listed below.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Admission test scores (SAT/ACT/ATAR…): Optional
Source (1)
“ACT and SAT scores are not required for first-year students, but you may provide self-reported scores if you would like us to consider them when reviewing your application.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
School transcript / academic records: Required
Source (1)
“First-year international applicants must submit senior secondary school transcripts, mark sheets and exam results; however, unofficial academic records are accepted for the initial review and admission decision.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Deadlines (fall 2027 entry)

Early Action — ApplicationNov 15
Apply early and hear early; not binding — you can still choose another college.
Source (1)
“Nov. 15: Fall and summer early action deadline”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Regular Decision — ApplicationJan 15
The normal round; not binding.
Source (1)
“Jan. 15: Fall and summer regular decision deadline”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Regular Decision — Scholarship applicationJan 15
The normal round; not binding.
Source (1)
“All international, first-year applications will be reviewed for automatic consideration scholarships as long as required application documents are received by the January 15th deadline.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.

Costs for international students

TuitionBase rate (Arts & Humanities, Education, Music, Social Sciences): $48,222 per year (2026–27 figure) (reference)
Tier 3 (Engineering, Natural Sciences): $51,834 per year (2026–27 figure) (reference)
Housing and meals$19,242 per year (2026–27 figure)
Student health insurance$2,648 per term (reference)
Can be waived if you have comparable insurance
Proof of funds for the I-20Not yet determined — check the college site ↗
Sources (10)
“Undergraduate International Cost”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Tuition Type: Base Rate”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Base Tuition 1 and Undergraduate Fees 2 $24,111 $48,222”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Based on 2026–27 academic year tuition and fee rates.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Tuition Type: Tier 3”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Tier 3 Tuition 1 and Undergraduate Fees 2 $25,917 $51,834”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“On-Campus Housing and Meal Plans 3 $9,621 $19,242”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“This rate for on-campus housing and food is based on a residence hall standard double room (roommate(s) and community bath) and 19 meals per week.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Students and Grad Students: $2,648 per semester * pending approval of DOI”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“If you already have health insurance coverage through an individual, family, employer or government-sponsored (i.e., Medicaid) plan, you can submit a waiver to provide proof of coverage.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Where students live

First-year on-campus housing
Required
Source (1)
“The university requires that all students admitted as first-year freshmen (defined as any student who graduated from high school within one year of enrollment confirmation term) live in a university residence hall and carry a traditional food plan for two academic-year semesters*, subject to the availability of space.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Years of guaranteed campus housing
1
Source (1)
“On-campus housing is not guaranteed for students beyond their first year of their undergraduate degree.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Housing available during breaks
Yes
Source (2)
“Code Talker, Bear Creek, students with an Academic Year + Breaks contract may remain through the break.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“If students apply and are granted winter break contract:”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Work and after graduation

Work allowed while studying (rule as stated by the government)
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Other work needs authorization: curricular practical training (CPT) during the program, or off-campus employment for economic hardship after one full academic year, approved by the DSO and USCIS. government rule
Source (4)
“If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“F students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) at either the undergraduate or the graduate level during the program of study. CPT employment must be an integral part of an established curriculum and the position must directly relate to your major area of study.”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Off-campus employment is only available to you if you have completed at least one full academic year of your program of study and have an economic hardship that qualifies for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“To work off campus, you must receive approval from your DSO, obtain an updated Form I-20 and apply for and receive employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Work hours allowed per week during term (student visa)
20 (reference) government rule
Source (1)
“If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Co-op / paid work terms built into degrees
Yes
Source (1)
“The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program is a professional development education program that allows undergraduate students to participate in a year-round schedule that alternates professionally related work experiences with classroom coursework.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Post-study work visa (name and length)
Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months of work in the field of study after a bachelor's degree; a 24-month extension applies to DHS-designated STEM degrees. government rule
Source (4)
“Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor's degree and another 12 months for a master's degree.)”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“For students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS. This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT.”
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
“Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application.”
www.uscis.gov ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme
Yes
Source (1)
“Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's programs (BAMs) offer currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12
Graduates employed or in further study (college survey)
91%
Source (1)
“In a recent survey, 91 percent of graduates from CU Boulder report that they are currently employed and/or in further education.”
www.colorado.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12

Location

City / stateBoulder
Nearest major airportDenver International Airport (DEN), about 53 km in a straight line
MapView on OpenStreetMap ↗

Setting from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).

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