Bentley University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to pursue higher education at Bentley University, understanding the available financial aid options is crucial. Education represents a significant investment, and Bentley University is committed to making it affordable for students and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid opportunities available to international students at Bentley University.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The annual cost of attendance at Bentley University encompasses tuition and estimated expenses, which may vary each academic year for both domestic and international students.

Tuition Costs (2025-2026)

Tuition is billed per course. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the costs are:

Per Course: \$6,095
Part-Time Programs (6 courses annually): \$36,570
Full-Time Programs (9 courses annually): \$54,855

Most Master of Science (MS) programs require at least 10 courses (30 credits), while the MBA program requires at least 12 courses (36 credits). Some programs may also require additional foundation courses.

Additional Expenses for Off-Campus Students

Besides tuition, off-campus students should also budget for other expenses:

Housing and Food: \$20,610 (based on nine months of enrollment)
Books: \$1,980 (average)
Personal Expenses: \$1,550 (average)
Health Insurance (2025-2026): \$2,678

The total annual costs for off-campus students can amount to \$26,818. These are estimated expenses and actual costs may vary. Students can request a budget increase by documenting higher expenses.

Total Cost for First-Year Students

For the academic year, the breakdown is as follows:

Tuition and Fees: \$63,390
Housing and Food: \$20,930
Books and Supplies (Estimate): \$1,200
Personal Expenses (Estimate): \$1,550
New Student Enrollment Fee: \$250
Student Activity Fee: \$500

Total for First-Year Domestic Residents: \$87,820

International Student Fee: \$230

Health Insurance: \$2,678

Read also: Bentley University Bahamas

Total for First-Year International Students: \$90,728

Scholarships and Grants for International Students

Bentley University provides various scholarships and grants to support international students. These can be broadly categorized into merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Bentley University offers merit-based scholarships to qualified applicants, considering their academic and professional achievements, test scores, and unique skills. These scholarships are awarded as tuition remission, with recipients required to maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain eligibility. Bentley awards over \$2 million in merit-based aid to graduate students each year.

Dean’s Leadership Scholarships

Through partnerships with select organizations, Bentley offers a limited number of partial to full Dean’s Leadership Scholarships for academically qualified members enrolling in the MBA program.

Need-Based Grants

While U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid, international students typically have limited access to these funds. However, Bentley does offer the Graduate Need Grant to full-time domestic students who demonstrate sufficient need.

Read also: Bentley University Fees

External Scholarship Opportunities

International students can also explore external scholarship programs.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This fully funded program covers round-trip transportation, a monthly living stipend, and tuition fees.
Global Scholarships: Platforms such as Global Scholarships provide information on various scholarship opportunities.

Loan Options for International Students

Federal Loans

The U.S. federal government allows domestic students to borrow up to \$20,500 annually at a fixed interest rate. Students enrolled in at least 4.5 credits per semester can defer payments until six months after graduating or dropping below the minimum credit requirement.

International Student Loans

Bentley University partners with Prodigy Finance to offer flexible international student loan options.

Assistantship Opportunities

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for qualified full-time students entering in the fall. These assistantships include partial tuition remission (in the form of a merit scholarship) and a stipend in exchange for a 15-hour per week work commitment. These are awarded based on academic profile, STEM competencies, and the match between the student and the available opportunity.

Departmental Assistantships

Departmental assistantships are one-year positions within academic or administrative departments. Assistants work varying hours based on the role's duties and are selected by the assigned department in consultation with Graduate Admission. These assistantships include a scholarship and work component, replacing any prior merit award.

Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Awards

Students nominated by Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center may receive tuition remission awarded as a Dean's Leadership award, combined with a work component funded by BSLCE.

Work-Study Programs and On-Campus Employment

Federal Work-Study

While primarily for domestic students, the Federal Work-Study program offers eligible students the opportunity to earn money through part-time employment.

University-Funded Employment

Bentley University provides additional job opportunities for students, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week while courses are in session. The Student Employment Office advertises available positions throughout the year.

Financial Aid Application Process

FAFSA and CSS Profile

U.S. citizens or permanent residents need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid programs. Some need-based aid also requires the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE form.

Application Deadlines

Returning Undergraduate Students: April 1
Graduate Students (New and Returning): June 1

It is essential to submit all application requirements by the published deadlines.

Checking Application Status

Prospective First-Year or Transfer Students: BentleyConnect portal
Prospective Graduate Students: Graduate Application Status Portal account
Returning Students: Workday account

Important Considerations for International Students

Emergency Contacts

Upon arrival, international students should have a plan for contacting their family. Buying a local pay-as-you-go cell phone or using an international plan is advisable. It's important to save emergency contacts, such as the Office of International Education and Bentley Campus Police, in the phone.

Technology

Students should bring their laptops with an adapter for the power system. Bentley provides a Study Abroad Activation Utility for Windows notebooks to ensure continued functionality while abroad.

Health Insurance

All students are assessed a student health insurance fee, which is mandatory for those registered for more than 6 credits. U.S. citizens are automatically enrolled but can waive the fee with proof of comparable coverage.

Study Abroad Programs

Students participating in Bentley-sponsored semester Study Abroad programs are eligible to utilize federal, state, and institutional funding. Bentley merit scholarships are guaranteed for one semester abroad only, and students must petition for continuation for a full year.

Additional Resources and Support

Office of Student Financial Services

For questions about financial aid, contact the financial aid assistants at Rauch 104 or call +1(781)-891-3441.

Study Abroad Advisors

Students interested in studying abroad should contact a study abroad advisor and financial aid counselor for guidance.

Bentley University Help Desk

The Bentley University Help Desk is available to assist with computer-related issues, even from abroad.

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