Boise State's football field is blue, and that's how most Americans first hear of the place. Beyond the turf, it's a public research university on the Boise River, a short walk across the Greenbelt from downtown. Engineering, computer science, nursing and business are the big draws for international students, helped by Micron Technology's headquarters in the same city. The university began as Boise Junior College in 1932.
Boise, Idaho, United States
Official website: boisestate.edu
1932, as Boise Junior College
Public research university
On the Boise River, near downtown
$28,000 – $32,000
Non-resident tuition, undergraduate and graduate
$14,000 – $18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on boisestate.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 68
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 68
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 68
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
The blue turf at Albertsons Stadium.
Engineering and computing tied to Idaho's semiconductor industry.
A campus on the Boise River Greenbelt.
Engineering graduates join Micron and other Boise technology employers.
Business graduates find work with Albertsons, which is headquartered in Boise.
STEM graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Most programmes
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Selected programmes
The Greenbelt path follows the river for miles past campus, and in summer students float the Boise River on inner tubes. Bogus Basin ski area is under an hour up the hill.
Boise has grown quickly and rents have risen, but they're still below West Coast cities. Downtown is compact and easy to reach on foot or by bike.
Form I-20 issued by Boise State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority dates for scholarships in the winter. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines, often in early spring for fall. Apply early to allow time for the I-20.
Most programmes start in August, and many also admit in January.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Boise State University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Computer science, mechanical and electrical engineering, nursing and business are popular. Undergraduates need secondary school results and TOEFL 68 or IELTS 6.5. Graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5.
Boise State offers some merit scholarships to international undergraduates, which reduce non-resident tuition. Graduate students can apply for assistantships in their department.
