7 steps to guarantee your admission to a university abroad
She enrolled in Fashion PR programs at five US universities
Medford, Massachusetts, USA (Greater Boston) · Tufts University is a top-40 US national university located in the Boston suburbs. Among all universities in the country, Tufts is particularly renowned for its programs in international relations and diplomacy; The Fletcher School is one of the oldest and most prestigious graduate schools of global affairs, ranked #12 globally in the 2026 QS International Trade Ranking for master's programs. For international students, Tufts offers a rare combination: a top-40 national ranking, the world-class Fletcher School, proximity to Boston, and an international student body comprising 26% of the campus population.
Tufts University was founded in 1852 by universalist Christians with the fundamental goal of creating a non-sectarian university open to people of all beliefs. Located on the hill of Medford and Somerville — 15 minutes from downtown Boston. Four campuses: the main one in Medford/Somerville, Medical and Dental in Boston, veterinary in North Grafton.
Tufts is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is classified as an R1: Doctoral University (the highest category of research activity). It offers more than 90 bachelor’s degree programs and 160+ graduate programs across ten schools.
Tufts’ flagship is the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy: founded in 1933, it is the world’s first graduate school specializing exclusively in international relations. Among its graduates are secretaries of state, ambassadors, and heads of international organizations. QS International Trade Ranking 2026: #12 worldwide among master’s programs.
Bachelor’s program: $74,862 per year (tuition, 2026–2027)
Total estimated cost of attendance (COA, 2026–2027): approximately $97,152 per year, including tuition, housing, food, insurance, and personal expenses
Master’s program: varies by program — Fletcher School MALD/MIB is about $65,000–$75,000 per year; other graduate programs vary
Doctoral studies: most PhD programs are fully funded through fellowships and assistantships.
Tufts Tuition Pact (effective for the Fall 2026 intake):
Tufts University unites ten schools and faculties:
The largest faculty. Biology, chemistry, psychology, economics, political science, history, philosophy, mathematics, computer science, cognitive sciences, international relations (bachelor’s degree). A distinctive feature: students actively pursue double majors — biology + international relations, engineering + music.
Biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as Computer Science as a separate specialty. Close ties with Boston’s research ecosystem.
Tufts’ flagship and one of the main reasons to apply here. Founded in 1933, it is the oldest graduate school in the USA exclusively focused on international relations. Programs: MALD (Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy), MIB (Master of International Business, #12 in the world QS 2026), LLM, MA, PhD. Graduates work at the UN, the World Bank, the IMF, the U.S. Department of State, and major international NGOs.
One of the best veterinary schools in the USA, located in North Grafton. It accepts only master’s and doctoral students.
Tufts Medical School is particularly strong in family and primary care: #16 in the US for Primary Care (US News).
More than 50 PhD and master’s programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
A unique institute of civic leadership, integrated into all bachelor’s degree programs. Students of all majors take courses on civic engagement — this is an academically structured volunteer and leadership experience.
Tufts’ main campus is located on a hill between Medford and Somerville — a 15‑minute subway (Red Line) ride from downtown Boston and Harvard. It’s a small (150 acres), compact, and well‑maintained campus with a view of Boston’s skyline — without the noise of the metropolis, but with full access to its opportunities.
About 94 % of undergraduate students live on campus for at least part of their studies; freshmen are required to live in university residences. The campus is self‑sufficient: canteens, sports facilities, a library, a theatre, and student centres — everything is within walking distance.
More than 200 student clubs and organizations operate on campus: the Institute for Global Leadership (the flagship club for international relations), the student newspaper, TEDxTufts, and a cappella groups (Beelzebubs is one of the most famous in the USA). Tufts’ student culture is informally described as “collaborative, not competitive” — cooperation is more important than competition.
Boston offers direct access to internships at Harvard, MIT, Massachusetts General Hospital, major biotechnology companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. QS 2026 ranked Boston as a top‑15 city in the world for students.
Tufts admits about 10% of applicants (class of 2030, a record 36,000 applications). Applications are submitted via the Common App.
The student enters the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Engineering — each has its own accents in evaluating the application. Those who plan to attend Fletcher School need to enroll in an undergraduate program and then attend Fletcher separately.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.92+. SAT mid‑50%: 1490–1570; ACT: 33–35. Tufts is test‑optional; 75% of admitted students submitted scores.
Tufts is known for featuring some of the most distinctive questions in American college applications. The university traditionally asks unconventional, thought-provoking supplemental questions—such as “What word would you add to the dictionary?” or “Describe the world through the lens of your hobby.” They evaluate out-of-the-box thinking, humor, and sincerity, rather than academic achievements.
Two from the teachers and one from the homeroom teacher.
An important factor. Tufts, through the Tisch College of Civic Life, clearly indicates that it is looking for students with experience in civic engagement and service to the community. Volunteering, community projects, and leadership in the community actually influence the admission decision.
Early Decision I — by November 1; ED II — by January 1; Regular Decision — by January 1. ED provides a significant statistical advantage: historical data show an acceptance rate of about 42% for ED compared to 11% for RD.
For international applicants — transcripts with an official translation, TOEFL 100+ iBT or IELTS 7.0+. Graduates of accredited English‑language schools may be exempted.
International students make up 26% of the student body — one of the highest rates among the top 40 universities in the USA. The class of 2029 includes students from more than 60 countries; among the largest groups are students from China, India, South Korea, the UAE, and Canada.
Tufts meets 100% of the confirmed financial need of all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. Important caveat: Tufts applies a need‑aware policy for international students — requesting financial aid may affect the competitiveness of the application. It is recommended to check the current policy on the financialaid.tufts.edu website before submitting an application.
Tufts Tuition Pact is a new financial aid program introduced for the Fall 2026 intake:
Fletcher School Fellowships — for students in the MALD, MIB, and PhD: Graduate Assistant programs and fellowships from partner organizations (UN, State Department, international NGOs). The amount and eligibility depend on the program.
Institute for Global Leadership (IGLO) Grants — for undergraduate students pursuing international projects and research. It funds expeditions, field research, and global projects.
95% of Tufts graduates are employed or continue their education within six months after graduation. Harvard, Columbia, Google, McKinsey, and the UN are typical employers and admissions schools for Tufts graduates.
The Fletcher School opens doors to the State Department, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational businesses. Fletcher graduates work in all 193 UN member states. The Tufts alumni network — about 65,000 people worldwide — is active, loyal, and interconnected.
Location in Greater Boston is a strategic advantage: the biotechnology cluster (Kendall Square), the financial sector, the largest hospitals (Mass General, Brigham and Women’s), Harvard and MIT — all within 15 minutes. A significant portion of Tufts students begin internships as early as their first year.
Tufts conducts active research through the Center for Global Health, the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach, as well as through partnerships with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Hospital. According to the Nature Index 2025, Tufts ranks #190 worldwide in Health
Sciences — a sign of real scientific contribution in the biomedical field.
ARWU 2025: Stomatology — #33 worldwide — one of Tufts’ highest subject rankings. Tufts Medical School is particularly strong in primary care: #16 in the US for Primary Care (US News).
On campus, there is the unique Tufts Wildlife Clinic: the only clinic for wild animals in the Northeastern United States, opened at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary students work with real patients — from turtles to beavers — from their first years.
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, founded in 1933, is the oldest graduate school in the United States exclusively focused on international relations. Among its graduates are secretaries of state, ambassadors, and directors of major non‑profit organizations.
Tufts Tuition Pact (2026) makes education free for families with an income of up to $150,000 — one of the highest thresholds among the top 40 universities in the USA.
Tufts is one of the few universities in the United States with its own veterinary school (the Cummings School); its veterinary clinic is the only one in the Northeast that treats wild animals.
Fletcher is ranked #12 in the world according to the QS International Trade MA/MBA 2026 ranking — this is the best score in diplomacy/international trade among all the universities we have considered.
Beelzebubs is the legendary a cappella group Tufts, the prototype of the group in the TV series “Pitch Perfect”. One of the oldest student musical groups in the USA.
Tufts is the only top‑40 university in the USA with four different campuses specializing in different fields: humanities/engineering, medical, veterinary, and international (through Fletcher in Boston).
Getting into Tufts requires special attention to the essays — the college’s non‑standard questions test thinking and personality, not a list of achievements. At SelfStartGlobal, we help:
Our students have already received scholarships worth more than $35 million.
Want to enroll at Tufts University or Fletcher School? Come to a free consultation.
She enrolled in Fashion PR programs at five US universities
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