International Students

Generally, applications should be submitted at least three to six months in advance of the expected entrance date. When you have completed all the application requirements for international students (outlined below), the Admissions Office will provide you with documentation and instructions on how to apply for your F-1 Student Visa. After your visa is approved and you become a BCC student, you will need to stay in touch with us so we can assist you with maintaining your status while you are a student at BCC.

Official transcripts of all studies at the high school and collegiate levels must be translated into English (if applicable) and evaluated by an outside agency accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or members of NAFSA. Recently, BCC students have used SpanTran, The Center for Educational Documentation (CED), or World Education Services (WES). Official transcripts may be submitted electronically to admissions@berkshirecc.edu. Please note, per Massachusetts state law, official transcripts must be sent directly from the sending institution. We cannot accept transcripts sent to us electronically from students. If you are delivering the transcript by hand, it must be unopened with the official seal from the sending institution still intact.

• High School Transcripts: While we no longer require a high school transcript as part of our admission process, we still recommend you provide us with an official high school or GED transcript indicating your graduation date. Many of our international students continue their education at other US colleges, and a high school diploma is often required at that time. One notable exception is our Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. If you wish to matriculate into our ADN program, an official high school transcript is required.
• College or University Transcripts: If you attended any other college or university outside of the United States, you may be able to transfer credits towards your degree at BCC. Obtaining transcripts may be complicated once you are in United States so we strongly recommend you start the process before you leave your home country.

All students seeking an International Student Visa (who are coming from countries that are non-native speakers of English) must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 80 or better on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) is required along with strong scores in each of the four areas. Students coming from non-native English speaking countries will need to take the TOEFL. Please visit the TOEFL official website to find out more about cost, dates, preparation and testing sites.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher is also acceptable. Please visit the IELTS official website to find out more about cost, dates, preparation and testing sites.
• Accuplacer: All of our students have to provide proof of college level English and Math proficiency. Most of our students do so by taking an assessment called the Accuplacer. The Accuplacer may be taken in person at BCC or remotely online. If you complete the Accuplacer and score at college-level English (reading and writing) you would have provided us with the English proficiency we need as part of your visa application. Please contact the BCC Testing Center to schedule an appointment that works best for you. A free study app and PDF sample of the test are available online

As an international student on a student visa, you must maintain a full-time course load (a minimum of four classes, or twelve credits, per academic term) at all times.

Download the International Student Affidavit of Support (PDF)

As an international student, you must provide proof that you have the available financial means to cover your educational and living expenses while under a student visa. The estimated academic and living expenses for a year of study at Berkshire Community College are approximately $21,000.

When calculating expenses, you must keep the following in mind:

• BCC is not a residential college so we do not offer housing. Based on information from our current students an apartment can be found for rent from $600.00 to $1,000.00 a month. In some cases, the cost of utilities is added to the rent, but expenses such as telephone and TV can be additional.
• Our international students often use public transportation to get to BCC.
• You must also provide proof of health insurance that is valid in the US. If you do not have a plan that provides coverage while in the U.S., you are required to purchase a student health insurance plan through BCC. You will be billed for this health insurance, but may waive the fee/coverage if you are covered under a comparable health insurance plan.

• General Immunizations: All international students are required to meet the College Health Requirements by completing the BCC Immunization Requirements Form (PDF).
• COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Per MA state law, you will be required to upload official documentation of COVID-19 vaccination upon admission. Please carefully review the important information found on our BCC website as well as the FAQ page to ensure that you are informed about next steps in this process.

Field of Study

International students must pursue an Associate Degree while at BCC. More information about our academic programs are available online.

Learn About Tuition and Fees

You can calculate the tuition by checking the number of credits required to graduate from your specific program and multiplying them by the per credit cost for out-of-state students. Currently, the per credit cost is $457.00 as an out-of-state student. For more information please visit our Tuition and Fees page.

United States Government Student Visa Requirements

Read U.S. Government Student Visa Requirements

International students applying to BCC must meet the visa requirements set forth by the United States Government. International students must understand visa application procedures, fees, and guidelines.