International Students

Join us in Boston to launch your design career at the BAC.

international students “I was looking for a program that allowed me the opportunity to gain real-world, professional exper­ience.

The faculty were really helpful, supportive, and caring, also providing very strong connections to all of the major firms in the area.” ­—Anas Al Kassass, from Syria Master of Architecture candidate at the BAC

Contact Contactadmissions admissionsatat+1.617.585.0123 617.585.0123 ororvisit visitususonline onlineatatthe-bac.edu/inquire the-bac.edu/inquire

welcome to the boston architectural college

english language requirements English Proficiency

The Boston Architectural College (BAC) is an independent, nonprofit, professional college in Boston that provides exceptional design education by combining traditional academics with innovative exper­iential learning and by making its programs accessible to diverse communities. The College offers accredited graduate and undergraduate degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies that lead to professional licenses.

The BAC accepts students with a TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) or 213 (computer-based), overall Cambridge English Scale score of 176 (no less than176 on each skill), PTE Academics score of 53, and IELTS minimum band score of 6.5. The BAC recommends that all students with borderline scores speak with the International Student Advisor regarding English proficiency requirements in the degree programs.

Conditional Acceptance English Language Programs The BAC offers Conditional Letters of Acceptance for undergraduate

The core of the BAC experience is a unique learning model where design education happens in the classroom and in the professional workplace simultaneously. Students acquire vital professional skills and expertise through hands-on projects and real-world employment while attending their classes and studios onsite or online, earning credit and gaining experience in both settings.

and graduate students who have not taken an English proficiency exam or have scored below the minimum required admissions scores by attending one the following English Language Partners: *** ASC English

Completion of ASC English Level 5 (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students)

ELS Educational Services, Inc.

Completion of ELS level 112 intensive program (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students)

Founded in 1889 as a club for practicing architects, the BAC has remained closely tied to Boston’s professional design community throughout its history. In fact, at 125 years old, the BAC is one of the nation’s oldest standalone professional design schools. At the BAC students are taught, mentored, and advised by over 300 practicing professionals, strengthening the connection between workplace experience and classroom learning. BAC graduates are accomplished designers with impressive resumes, portfolios, and professional networks.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

ILSC Language Schools

Completion of the ILSC’s A1 level in their university pathway program (accepted undergraduate and graduate students)

International Language Institute of Massachusetts

Completion of the International Language Institute of Massachusetts intensive English program (level 7 for undergraduate and level 8 for graduate students)

Kings Colleges

Completion of the Kings Colleges university pathway program (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students) ____________________________________________________________ ***

»

For a complete list of BAC language partners, visit the-bac.edu/international

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

application requirements All undergraduate and graduate international students are required to submit the following: Online application $50 nonrefundable application fee

International students applying to one of our graduate lowresidency/distance degree programs are required to submit the following: Online application

Transcripts

Students applying to undergraduate programs must provide an official high school transcript *

Students applying to graduate programs must provide an official undergraduate transcript **

$50 nonrefundable application fee Official undergraduate transcript ** Course descriptions Current resume Essay

Creative exercise

Two (2) letters of recommendation

Boston’s historic architecture,

Current resume

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English)

students and tourists from

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English)

parks, and sights attract around the world.

the bac’s campus: the city of boston

__________________________________ A foreign credential evaluation may be required if the transcript cannot be evaluated internally *

For BAC students, Boston is their campus. One of the oldest and most pedestrian-

Students who have received an undergraduate degree in design or architecture are required to submit a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation

**

friendly cities in America, it is perfect for architecture and design students to explore.

Each of Boston’s neighborhoods has its own unique history, character, and charm.

Boston is the United States’ premier college destination with 30+ colleges in the metropolitan area and over 200,000 students annually. It is also a center for arts and culture, offering museums, music, theater, comedy, and much more. Some of Boston’s most notable cultural landmarks include the Museum of Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary

“I love sketching, architecture, art, fashion, and the automobile design

Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Science, Boston Public Library, and

industry. Working through the Gateway project initiative at the BAC

New England Aquarium. Many of these museums offer discounts or free admission to

and the Institute of Human Centered Design, I have developed a

students studying in the city.

greater interest in inclusive/universal design.”

For BAC students who want to explore New England and the surrounding area, Boston is few hours’ drive from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island,

­ Luis Fernando Araque, from Colombia — Bachelor of Interior Architecture candidate at the BAC

and Vermont. During the winter, students can drive or take the train up north to ski and snowboard, while the local beaches in nearby Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are popular summer destinations.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

scholarship deadlines Although there are no deadlines to apply to our onsite degree programs, we encourage international students to do so as early as possible. If you would like to be considered for our Dean’s Scholarship, you must complete your application by:

why study at the bac?

• International students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work while studying in the US for the entirety of the degree.

• November 15 for the Spring semester, or • February 15 for the Fall semester

• It has highly acclaimed, professionally accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs.

• Its instructors are renowned experts in the fields of architecture and design.

• The curriculum is well rounded and enables students to take general studies courses.

• 91% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

• Career resources and support services are available for every student.

Transfer Credits

The BAC currently has students representing over 35 countries

Admitted transfer students and those who have

from around the globe.

completed a degree in their home countries are BAC students are surrounded

by Boston’s architecture.

• The BAC Library boasts an impressive collection of books, journals, magazines, visual resources, and reference materials focused on architecture and design.

requesting transfer credits from institutions outside the United States must include a portfolio and a

320 newbury

eet

str

eet

tr ns to

yls bo

Practical Training provision of the US government

mass pi ke

prudential center

immigration regulations. Work can be part-time or full-time, unpaid or paid to meet the practice

951 boylston

component requirements of the BAC’s edu­cational

ts et

fenway

Unlike other schools, the BAC enables students to work with an F-1 student visa under the Curricular

us

programs. International students may only work until

e av

they have completed the BAC’s specific program

e

nu

students at the BAC, contact the Admissions Office or visit the-bac.edu/international

Can International Students Work?

n

T hynes

ch ssa

For a complete list of programs offered to international

str ry bu ew

ma

*

eet

rd

charles river

• The BAC Cultural Student Organization brings international students together. ________________________________________

their application.

boston common & public garden

efo

• Gateway Projects allow students to partner with local nonprofits.

"course-by-course" credential evaluation with

her

• Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for outstanding practice.

prior degree or background in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture, and students

• The BAC lecture series regularly hosts acclaimed thinkers and speakers from around the globe.

• McCormick Gallery exhibits a variety of design work created by distinguished design professionals from around the world and BAC faculty and students.

able to request transfer credits. Students with a

learn how you can start your education at the bac

practice requirement.

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

admissions The BAC believes that all those who wish to pursue the study and practice of design deserve the opportunity to do so. To this end, the BAC maintains a policy of open admission. Admission decisions are made throughout the year on a rolling basis, and the BAC does not require its applicants to hold a prior design degree. International applicants need to satisfy the same conditions as applicants from the US, and they have to complete the same admission application form.

who is eligible to study at the boston architectural college »

undergraduate admissions

academic programs available to international students* • Bachelor of Architecture

International students who hold a US high school diploma or the equivalency of a US high school diploma (completion of secondary education)

• Bachelor of Interior Architecture

International students who are currently studying in the United States or abroad at a community college, language school, or another university and wish to transfer to the BAC

• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture • Bachelor of Design Studies

International students who hold a US undergraduate degree or the equivalency of a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. graduate admissions

• Master of Architecture (onsite) • Master of Interior Architecture • Master of Landscape Architecture

What Our Academic Programs Entail

International students who hold a US graduate degree or the equivalency of a US graduate degree

The BAC offers accredited full-time undergraduate and graduate programs in four schools: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture,

International students who are currently studying at another college or university in the United States or aboard and who wish to transfer to the BAC

and Design Studies. All undergraduate programs at the BAC offer a Liberal Studies curriculum designed to support the development of four basic sets of skills: critical thinking and communication, quantitative reasoning, social and historical reflection, and self-directed learning and research.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

admissions The BAC believes that all those who wish to pursue the study and practice of design deserve the opportunity to do so. To this end, the BAC maintains a policy of open admission. Admission decisions are made throughout the year on a rolling basis, and the BAC does not require its applicants to hold a prior design degree. International applicants need to satisfy the same conditions as applicants from the US, and they have to complete the same admission application form.

who is eligible to study at the boston architectural college »

undergraduate admissions

academic programs available to international students* • Bachelor of Architecture

International students who hold a US high school diploma or the equivalency of a US high school diploma (completion of secondary education)

• Bachelor of Interior Architecture

International students who are currently studying in the United States or abroad at a community college, language school, or another university and wish to transfer to the BAC

• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture • Bachelor of Design Studies

International students who hold a US undergraduate degree or the equivalency of a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. graduate admissions

• Master of Architecture (onsite) • Master of Interior Architecture • Master of Landscape Architecture

What Our Academic Programs Entail

International students who hold a US graduate degree or the equivalency of a US graduate degree

The BAC offers accredited full-time undergraduate and graduate programs in four schools: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture,

International students who are currently studying at another college or university in the United States or aboard and who wish to transfer to the BAC

and Design Studies. All undergraduate programs at the BAC offer a Liberal Studies curriculum designed to support the development of four basic sets of skills: critical thinking and communication, quantitative reasoning, social and historical reflection, and self-directed learning and research.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

scholarship deadlines Although there are no deadlines to apply to our onsite degree programs, we encourage international students to do so as early as possible. If you would like to be considered for our Dean’s Scholarship, you must complete your application by:

why study at the bac?

• International students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work while studying in the US for the entirety of the degree.

• November 15 for the Spring semester, or • February 15 for the Fall semester

• It has highly acclaimed, professionally accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs.

• Its instructors are renowned experts in the fields of architecture and design.

• The curriculum is well rounded and enables students to take general studies courses.

• 91% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

• Career resources and support services are available for every student.

Transfer Credits

The BAC currently has students representing over 35 countries

Admitted transfer students and those who have

from around the globe.

completed a degree in their home countries are BAC students are surrounded

by Boston’s architecture.

• The BAC Library boasts an impressive collection of books, journals, magazines, visual resources, and reference materials focused on architecture and design.

requesting transfer credits from institutions outside the United States must include a portfolio and a

320 newbury

eet

str

eet

tr ns to

yls bo

Practical Training provision of the US government

mass pi ke

prudential center

immigration regulations. Work can be part-time or full-time, unpaid or paid to meet the practice

951 boylston

component requirements of the BAC’s edu­cational

ts et

fenway

Unlike other schools, the BAC enables students to work with an F-1 student visa under the Curricular

us

programs. International students may only work until

e av

they have completed the BAC’s specific program

e

nu

students at the BAC, contact the Admissions Office or visit the-bac.edu/international

Can International Students Work?

n

T hynes

ch ssa

For a complete list of programs offered to international

str ry bu ew

ma

*

eet

rd

charles river

• The BAC Cultural Student Organization brings international students together. ________________________________________

their application.

boston common & public garden

efo

• Gateway Projects allow students to partner with local nonprofits.

"course-by-course" credential evaluation with

her

• Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for outstanding practice.

prior degree or background in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture, and students

• The BAC lecture series regularly hosts acclaimed thinkers and speakers from around the globe.

• McCormick Gallery exhibits a variety of design work created by distinguished design professionals from around the world and BAC faculty and students.

able to request transfer credits. Students with a

learn how you can start your education at the bac

practice requirement.

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

life at the bac The BAC is a unique place, and the student experience reflects this. Life outside the classroom in Boston offers a background of rich cultural and professional opportunities. To fit it all in, BAC students become adept at time management, juggling rigorous academics, hands-on professional work, and personal lives. Our studio culture focuses on the students, with a small class size of eight students per studio section, each led by a practicing design professional. All studio members become active participants, and strong connections form quickly.

To bring people together across the community, the Office of Student Life offers leadership opportunities and activities organized by ten social and professional BAC students frequently have the

organizations and Atelier, the BAC’s student government. These organizations

opportunity to visit and interact

allow students to meet other aspiring architects and designers, network for

with famous Boston landmarks,

future jobs, give back to the community, and just have some fun!

including Fenway Park, the Boston Public Library, and more.

Student Organizations Include:

practice The BAC’s 125+ year practice-based tradition combines classroom and applied learning, positioning students to be exceptionally competitive in the marketplace. The College distinguishes itself among other accredited degree-granting programs throughout the

• Atelier

• BACultural

• American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

• The Green Team

• The BAC Interior Architecture Collaborative (IAC)

US as the only institution with a curriculum that integrates both academic and experiential learning.

• American Society of Landscape Architects Student Chapter (SASLA)

BAC students typically earn practice hours by acquiring professional design skills through paid work and internships. Students can also gain experience through prior practice

• Veterans Community Collective (VCC) • Mentorship Program • Studio Q

• National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

learning, research, design competitions, travel hours, or by getting involved with Practice Gateway Projects, which allow students to work in teams to complete a project that benefits a nonprofit group.

Together student leaders work to shape a calendar of on-campus and off-campus

As students progress throughout the majority of the programs offered at the BAC, they

activities and traditions from purely social First Fridays at a local social gathering

meet with the Practice Department to gauge their professional development and steady

place to a robust student-run lecture series. The Office of Student Life maintains

improvement. By the time they graduate, BAC students have developed the knowledge,

a friendly “how can I help you?” open door policy for when students have a

skills, and work ethic to contribute as talented design professionals and engaged citizens

question they need help solving. The office also publicizes campus news and

interested in improving their communities.

events on social media, keeping everybody connected digitally.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

life at the bac The BAC is a unique place, and the student experience reflects this. Life outside the classroom in Boston offers a background of rich cultural and professional opportunities. To fit it all in, BAC students become adept at time management, juggling rigorous academics, hands-on professional work, and personal lives. Our studio culture focuses on the students, with a small class size of eight students per studio section, each led by a practicing design professional. All studio members become active participants, and strong connections form quickly.

To bring people together across the community, the Office of Student Life offers leadership opportunities and activities organized by ten social and professional BAC students frequently have the

organizations and Atelier, the BAC’s student government. These organizations

opportunity to visit and interact

allow students to meet other aspiring architects and designers, network for

with famous Boston landmarks,

future jobs, give back to the community, and just have some fun!

including Fenway Park, the Boston Public Library, and more.

Student Organizations Include:

practice The BAC’s 125+ year practice-based tradition combines classroom and applied learning, positioning students to be exceptionally competitive in the marketplace. The College distinguishes itself among other accredited degree-granting programs throughout the

• Atelier

• BACultural

• American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

• The Green Team

• The BAC Interior Architecture Collaborative (IAC)

US as the only institution with a curriculum that integrates both academic and experiential learning.

• American Society of Landscape Architects Student Chapter (SASLA)

BAC students typically earn practice hours by acquiring professional design skills through paid work and internships. Students can also gain experience through prior practice

• Veterans Community Collective (VCC) • Mentorship Program • Studio Q

• National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

learning, research, design competitions, travel hours, or by getting involved with Practice Gateway Projects, which allow students to work in teams to complete a project that benefits a nonprofit group.

Together student leaders work to shape a calendar of on-campus and off-campus

As students progress throughout the majority of the programs offered at the BAC, they

activities and traditions from purely social First Fridays at a local social gathering

meet with the Practice Department to gauge their professional development and steady

place to a robust student-run lecture series. The Office of Student Life maintains

improvement. By the time they graduate, BAC students have developed the knowledge,

a friendly “how can I help you?” open door policy for when students have a

skills, and work ethic to contribute as talented design professionals and engaged citizens

question they need help solving. The office also publicizes campus news and

interested in improving their communities.

events on social media, keeping everybody connected digitally.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

application requirements All undergraduate and graduate international students are required to submit the following: Online application $50 nonrefundable application fee

International students applying to one of our graduate lowresidency/distance degree programs are required to submit the following: Online application

Transcripts

Students applying to undergraduate programs must provide an official high school transcript *

Students applying to graduate programs must provide an official undergraduate transcript **

$50 nonrefundable application fee Official undergraduate transcript ** Course descriptions Current resume Essay

Creative exercise

Two (2) letters of recommendation

Boston’s historic architecture,

Current resume

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English)

students and tourists from

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English)

parks, and sights attract around the world.

the bac’s campus: the city of boston

__________________________________ A foreign credential evaluation may be required if the transcript cannot be evaluated internally *

For BAC students, Boston is their campus. One of the oldest and most pedestrian-

Students who have received an undergraduate degree in design or architecture are required to submit a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation

**

friendly cities in America, it is perfect for architecture and design students to explore.

Each of Boston’s neighborhoods has its own unique history, character, and charm.

Boston is the United States’ premier college destination with 30+ colleges in the metropolitan area and over 200,000 students annually. It is also a center for arts and culture, offering museums, music, theater, comedy, and much more. Some of Boston’s most notable cultural landmarks include the Museum of Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary

“I love sketching, architecture, art, fashion, and the automobile design

Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Science, Boston Public Library, and

industry. Working through the Gateway project initiative at the BAC

New England Aquarium. Many of these museums offer discounts or free admission to

and the Institute of Human Centered Design, I have developed a

students studying in the city.

greater interest in inclusive/universal design.”

For BAC students who want to explore New England and the surrounding area, Boston is few hours’ drive from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island,

­ Luis Fernando Araque, from Colombia — Bachelor of Interior Architecture candidate at the BAC

and Vermont. During the winter, students can drive or take the train up north to ski and snowboard, while the local beaches in nearby Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are popular summer destinations.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

»

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

welcome to the boston architectural college

english language requirements English Proficiency

The Boston Architectural College (BAC) is an independent, nonprofit, professional college in Boston that provides exceptional design education by combining traditional academics with innovative exper­iential learning and by making its programs accessible to diverse communities. The College offers accredited graduate and undergraduate degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies that lead to professional licenses.

The BAC accepts students with a TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) or 213 (computer-based), overall Cambridge English Scale score of 176 (no less than176 on each skill), PTE Academics score of 53, and IELTS minimum band score of 6.5. The BAC recommends that all students with borderline scores speak with the International Student Advisor regarding English proficiency requirements in the degree programs.

Conditional Acceptance English Language Programs The BAC offers Conditional Letters of Acceptance for undergraduate

The core of the BAC experience is a unique learning model where design education happens in the classroom and in the professional workplace simultaneously. Students acquire vital professional skills and expertise through hands-on projects and real-world employment while attending their classes and studios onsite or online, earning credit and gaining experience in both settings.

and graduate students who have not taken an English proficiency exam or have scored below the minimum required admissions scores by attending one the following English Language Partners: *** ASC English

Completion of ASC English Level 5 (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students)

ELS Educational Services, Inc.

Completion of ELS level 112 intensive program (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students)

Founded in 1889 as a club for practicing architects, the BAC has remained closely tied to Boston’s professional design community throughout its history. In fact, at 125 years old, the BAC is one of the nation’s oldest standalone professional design schools. At the BAC students are taught, mentored, and advised by over 300 practicing professionals, strengthening the connection between workplace experience and classroom learning. BAC graduates are accomplished designers with impressive resumes, portfolios, and professional networks.

learn how you can start your education at the bac

ILSC Language Schools

Completion of the ILSC’s A1 level in their university pathway program (accepted undergraduate and graduate students)

International Language Institute of Massachusetts

Completion of the International Language Institute of Massachusetts intensive English program (level 7 for undergraduate and level 8 for graduate students)

Kings Colleges

Completion of the Kings Colleges university pathway program (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students) ____________________________________________________________ ***

»

For a complete list of BAC language partners, visit the-bac.edu/international

Contact admissions at +1.617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire

Join us in Boston to launch your design career at the BAC.

international students “I was looking for a program that allowed me the opportunity to gain real-world, professional exper­ience.

The faculty were really helpful, supportive, and caring, also providing very strong connections to all of the major firms in the area.” ­—Anas Al Kassass, from Syria Master of Architecture candidate at the BAC

Contact Contactadmissions admissionsatat+1.617.585.0123 617.585.0123 ororvisit visitususonline onlineatatthe-bac.edu/inquire the-bac.edu/inquire