International Students

Contact admissions at 617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire 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.

internationalstudents

“I was looking for a program that allowed me the

opportunity to gain real-world, professional exper ience.

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

welcome to the boston architectural collegeThe Boston Architectural College (BAC) is an

independent, nonprofit, professional college in Boston

that provides exceptional design education by com-

bining traditional academics with innovative exper iential

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 core of the BAC experience is a unique learning

model where design education happens in the

classroom and in the professional workplace simulta-

neously. 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.

Founded in 1889 as a club for practicing architects,

the BAC has remained closely tied to Boston’s pro-

fessional 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.

english language requirementsEnglish Proficiency

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 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 EnglishCompletion of ASC English Level 5 (accepted for undergraduate and gradu-ate students)

ELS Educational Services, Inc.Completion of ELS level 112 intensive program (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students)

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 CollegesCompletion 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 learn how you can start your education at the bac »

International students applying to one of our graduate low- residency/distance degree programs are required to submit the following:

Online application

$50 nonrefundable application fee

Official undergraduate transcript **

Course descriptions

Current resume

Essay

Two (2) letters of recommendation

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

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

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

All undergraduate and graduate international students 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 **

Creative exercise

Current resume


application requirements

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

industry. Working through the Gateway project initiative at the BAC

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

greater interest in inclusive/universal design.”

— Luis Fernando Araque, from Colombia

Bachelor of Interior Architecture candidate at the BAC

the bac’s campus: the city of bostonFor BAC students, Boston is their campus. One of the oldest and most pedestrian- 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 Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Science, Boston Public Library, and New England Aquarium. Many of these museums offer discounts or free admission to students studying in the city.

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, 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.

Boston’s historic architecture,

parks, and sights attract

students and tourists from

around the world.


her

efor

d str

eet boylston street

mass pike

951 boylston

prudentialcenter

fenway

charlesriver

320 newbury

boston common& public garden

ma

ssac

hu

sett

s av

enu

e

newbury street

hynest

Transfer Credits

Admitted transfer students and those who have completed a degree in their home countries are able to request transfer credits. Students with a prior degree or background in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture, and students requesting transfer credits from institutions outside the United States must include a portfolio and a "course-by-course" credential evaluation with their application.

Can International Students Work?

Unlike other schools, the BAC enables students to work with an F-1 student visa under the Curricular Practical Training provision of the US government immigration regulations. Work can be part-time or full-time, unpaid or paid to meet the practice component requirements of the BAC’s edu cational programs. International students may only work until they have completed the BAC’s specific program practice requirement.

BAC students are surrounded

by Boston’s architecture.

scholarship deadlinesAlthough 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:

• November 15 for the Spring semester, or

• February 15 for the Fall semester

why study atthe bac?• International students on an F-1 visa are eligible

to work while studying in the US for the entiretyof the degree.

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

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

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

• 91% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

• Career resources and support services are avail-able for every student.

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

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

• McCormick Gallery exhibits a variety of design workcreated by distinguished design professionals fromaround the world and BAC faculty and students.

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

• Gateway Projects allow students to partner withlocal nonprofits.

• The BAC Cultural Student Organization bringsinternational students together.

________________________________________* For a complete list of programs offered to internationalstudents at the BAC, contact the Admissions Office orvisit the-bac.edu/international

The BAC currently has students

representing over 35 countries

from around the globe.


academic programs availableto international students*

What Our Academic Programs Entail

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

• Bachelor of Architecture

• Bachelor of InteriorArchitecture

• Bachelor of LandscapeArchitecture

• Bachelor of Design Studies

• Master of Architecture(onsite)

• Master of InteriorArchitecture

• Master of LandscapeArchitecture

admissionsThe 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 admis-sion. 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 theboston architectural college »

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

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

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

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

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

undergraduateadmissions

graduateadmissions


academic programs available to international students*

What Our Academic Programs Entail

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

• Bachelor of Architecture

• Bachelor of Interior Architecture

• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

• Bachelor of Design Studies

• Master of Architecture (onsite)

• Master of Interior Architecture

• Master of Landscape Architecture

admissionsThe 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 admis-sion. 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 »

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

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

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

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

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

undergraduateadmissions

graduateadmissions


her

efor

d str

eet boylston street

mass pike

951 boylston

prudentialcenter

fenway

charlesriver

320 newbury

boston common & public garden

ma

ssac

hu

sett

s av

enu

e

newbury street

hynest

Transfer Credits

Admitted transfer students and those who have completed a degree in their home countries are able to request transfer credits. Students with a prior degree or background in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture, and students requesting transfer credits from institutions outside the United States must include a portfolio and a "course-by-course" credential evaluation with their application.

Can International Students Work?

Unlike other schools, the BAC enables students to work with an F-1 student visa under the Curricular Practical Training provision of the US government immigration regulations. Work can be part-time or full-time, unpaid or paid to meet the practice component requirements of the BAC’s edu cational programs. International students may only work until they have completed the BAC’s specific program practice requirement.

BAC students are surrounded

by Boston’s architecture.

scholarship deadlinesAlthough 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:

• November 15 for the Spring semester, or

• February 15 for the Fall semester

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.

• 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 avail-able for every student.

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

• 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.

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

• Gateway Projects allow students to partner with local nonprofits.

• The BAC Cultural Student Organization brings international students together.

________________________________________* For a complete list of programs offered to international students at the BAC, contact the Admissions Office or visit the-bac.edu/international

The BAC currently has students

representing over 35 countries

from around the globe.


practiceThe 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 US as the only institution with a curriculum that integrates both academic and experien-tial learning.

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

As students progress throughout the majority of the programs offered at the BAC, they meet with the Practice Department to gauge their professional development and steady improvement. By the time they graduate, BAC students have developed the knowledge, skills, and work ethic to contribute as talented design professionals and engaged citizens interested in improving their communities.

life at the bacThe 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 mem-bers 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 organizations and Atelier, the BAC’s student government. These organizations allow students to meet other aspiring architects and designers, network for future jobs, give back to the community, and just have some fun! Student Organizations Include:

BAC students frequently have the

opportunity to visit and interact

with famous Boston landmarks,

including Fenway Park, the Boston

Public Library, and more.

• Atelier

• American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

• The BAC Interior Architecture Collaborative (IAC)

• American Society of Landscape Architects Student Chapter (SASLA)

• National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

• BACultural

• The Green Team

• Veterans Community Collective (VCC)

• Mentorship Program

• Studio Q

Together student leaders work to shape a calendar of on-campus and off-campus activities and traditions from purely social First Fridays at a local social gathering place to a robust student-run lecture series. The Office of Student Life maintains a friendly “how can I help you?” open door policy for when students have a question they need help solving. The office also publicizes campus news and events on social media, keeping everybody connected digitally.


practiceThe 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 US as the only institution with a curriculum that integrates both academic and experien-tial learning.

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

As students progress throughout the majority of the programs offered at the BAC, they meet with the Practice Department to gauge their professional development and steady improvement. By the time they graduate, BAC students have developed the knowledge, skills, and work ethic to contribute as talented design professionals and engaged citizens interested in improving their communities.

life at the bacThe 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 mem-bers 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 organizations and Atelier, the BAC’s student government. These organizations allow students to meet other aspiring architects and designers, network for future jobs, give back to the community, and just have some fun! Student Organizations Include:

BAC students frequently have the

opportunity to visit and interact

with famous Boston landmarks,

including Fenway Park, the Boston

Public Library, and more.

• Atelier

• American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

• The BAC Interior Architecture Collaborative (IAC)

• American Society of Landscape Architects Student Chapter (SASLA)

• National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

• BACultural

• The Green Team

• Veterans Community Collective (VCC)

• Mentorship Program

• Studio Q

Together student leaders work to shape a calendar of on-campus and off-campus activities and traditions from purely social First Fridays at a local social gathering place to a robust student-run lecture series. The Office of Student Life maintains a friendly “how can I help you?” open door policy for when students have a question they need help solving. The office also publicizes campus news and events on social media, keeping everybody connected digitally.


International students applying to one of our graduate low- residency/distance degree programs are required to submit the following:

Online application


Official undergraduate transcript **

Course descriptions

Current resume

Essay

Two (2) letters of recommendation


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

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

All undergraduate and graduate international students 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 **

Creative exercise

Current resume


application requirements

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

industry. Working through the Gateway project initiative at the BAC

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

greater interest in inclusive/universal design.”

— Luis Fernando Araque, from Colombia

Bachelor of Interior Architecture candidate at the BAC

the bac’s campus: the city of bostonFor BAC students, Boston is their campus. One of the oldest and most pedestrian- 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 Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Science, Boston Public Library, and New England Aquarium. Many of these museums offer discounts or free admission to students studying in the city.

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, 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.

Boston’s historic architecture,

parks, and sights attract

students and tourists from

around the world.


welcome to the boston architectural collegeThe Boston Architectural College (BAC) is an

independent, nonprofit, professional college in Boston

that provides exceptional design education by com-

bining traditional academics with innovative exper iential

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 core of the BAC experience is a unique learning

model where design education happens in the

classroom and in the professional workplace simulta-

neously. 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.

Founded in 1889 as a club for practicing architects,

the BAC has remained closely tied to Boston’s pro-

fessional 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.

english language requirementsEnglish Proficiency

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 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 EnglishCompletion of ASC English Level 5 (accepted for undergraduate and gradu-ate students)

ELS Educational Services, Inc.Completion of ELS level 112 intensive program (accepted for undergraduate and graduate students)

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 CollegesCompletion 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 617.585.0123 or visit us online at the-bac.edu/inquire 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.

internationalstudents

“I was looking for a program that allowed me the

opportunity to gain real-world, professional exper ience.

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

International Students

Documents