The Intensive English program at Bellevue College prepares non-native English speakers for college-level classes by enhancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Basic English proficiency is required to enroll.
Open to all visa holders who are approved to study in the United States, green card holders, and United States citizens. Please note B-visa holders (tourist visa) cannot study a for-credit program in the United States while on their B-visa.
Bellevue College’s English Language Institute offers an Intensive English/University Preparation program for students aiming to enter college-level programs. Applicants should have prior formal English study at a middle/high school, college, or English school.
Those who receive a placement test score below Level 1 must consult the English Language Institute Program Chair to determine suitability. Students can remain in the program, understanding they will be graded, or transfer to another local English school within 30 days of arriving in the United States.
What to Expect:
The student’s level in Intensive English is based on placement test results, with 5 levels available.
- Each level is designed to take 1 term to complete (3 months).
- Students typically take 3-4 classes per term.
- Generally, students spend 9 to 12 months (3-4 terms) in the program before advancing to college-level courses at Bellevue College.
The Sequence:
Placement Test:
- Take your online placement test. This test will begin to be sent out 1-2 months before classes start and must be completed before you can enroll in your classes.
Level 1:
- Students build basic skills in writing, reading, and speaking/listening. They focus on sentence structure, verb tenses, and writing processes. In reading, they improve comprehension and vocabulary. For speaking/listening, they practice using grammar in everyday situations, giving directions, and improving pronunciation.
Level 2:
- Students practice more complex sentence structures, verb tenses, and modals. Writing focuses on organization, transitions, and paragraph development. In reading, they practice scanning, skimming, and making inferences while building vocabulary. Speaking/listening focuses on expressing themselves in formal and informal situations.
Level 3:
- Students master advanced verb tenses, compound/complex sentences, and apply writing skills to various paragraph types. Reading develops critical thinking and the ability to identify an author’s point of view. For speaking/listening, they begin oral presentations and work on pronunciation, note-taking, and summarizing.
Level 4:
- Students prepare for credit classes by improving academic writing, reading, and critical thinking skills. Speaking/listening focuses on oral presentations and advanced listening skills, like identifying mood and tone. Electives include options like Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Prep, Advanced Grammar, and English through Film.
Level 5:
- Students refine essay writing, summarizing, and critical reading skills, with a focus on thesis development and editing. Oral communication skills are enhanced through listening, summarizing, and analyzing content.
Continuing your Education at Bellevue College
If you’re interested in continuing your studies at Bellevue College after completing Intensive English, we also offer:
Bridge “Level 6”:
- Students will take a college-level English class along with other courses.
- ELIUP 80 – Academic Preparation
- ENGL 93 – ELL Introductory College Reading and Writing II
College-Level Programs:
All your grades appear on your academic transcript and count toward your Grade Point Average (GPA). Each quarter, you need to complete the level you’re enrolled in and move on to the next level.
Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms:
- Classes meet Monday – Thursday, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Classes are about 12 weeks long
Summer Term:
- Classes meet Monday – Thursday, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Classes are about 7 weeks long
Estimate of Tuition, Fees and Living Expenses
2025-26 Academic Year
Mobile Users: Please scroll to the right to see more program prices.
| Programs | Intensive English and Bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Term (3 Months) Year (9 Months) | Term | Year |
| Tuition | $3,393 | $10,179 |
| Mandatory Fees | $116¹ | $284 |
| Medical Insurance³ | $443 | $1,329 |
| Books & Supplies | $254 | $762 |
| Room & Board⁴ | $4,654 | $13,961 |
| Miscellaneous | $650 | $1,950 |
| Total (Estimated) | $9,510 | $28,465 |
| Bank Statement for I-20 | $29,583 | |
Important Notes
- ¹ Intensive English students have quarterly mandatory fees of $84/quarter and a one-time Placement Test Fee of $32 in the first quarter.
- ² College-Level students have quarterly mandatory fees of $77/quarter, a one-time International Student Activity fee of $35, and a one-time Placement Test Fee of $32 in the first quarter.
- ³ Insurance is required. Visit the Medical Insurance page for more information.
- ⁴ Room and Board: Payments may not be made to the College if the student is not residing on campus.
- Tuition: Subject to change without prior notice. Students should plan for possible adjustments in expenses.
- Pay all tuition and fees by the established deadlines listed on the Academic Calendar. If you don’t pay on time, your classes will be dropped and a drop fee charged.
- Accepted Payment Methods: VISA, MasterCard, money order, personal check (U.S. bank), cash, and bank wire. For wire transfer info, complete the Wire Transfer Request Form
- Description of Fees
1. Create your Account
Enter the International Student Portal and click “Create Account” at the bottom of the page.
- Use an email address you check
- Save your email and password
2. Upload Documents
- Personal and Contact Information
- Transcripts:
- From your most recent school
- Includes name, classes, & grades
- Submit a copy and an English translation. Online translations are accepted (professional not required).
- Valid Passport Photo Page
- Proof of English Proficiency:
- List of Proofs & Scores Accepted – IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.
- No Proof? Begin in Intensive English
- Bank Statement:
- Less than 6 months old
- If not in the students name, submit a Financial Responsibility Form
- Showing proof of:
- $29,583 USD or equivalent for Intensive English, Bridge, Certificate, IHSC, and Associates (Years 1 and 2)
- $40,080 USD or equivalent for Bachelor’s (Years 3 and 4)
- Estimated Breakdown of Tuition, Fees, & Living Expenses
- $50 USD Online Application Fee (Non-Refundable):
- Digital Signature
Additional Documents Required:
- F-1 visa page
- Current I-20 form
- Most recent I-94 document
- Transfer Eligibility Information
Submit a completed application at least two weeks before your grace period ends.
Bellevue College International Education does not provide unofficial transcript reviews prior to admission. Transfer credit evaluations are completed only after a student has been officially admitted to the college.
Transfer Credit Process:
- Apply and be admitted to Bellevue College.
- Create your student accounts.
- Complete a prerequisite clearance (typically 1–2 weeks).
- Submit a request to transfer your credits.
- Evaluations may take 8+ weeks, depending on transcript volume and complexity.
- Transfer of credits is not guaranteed.
- Transfer Course Equivalencies: If you cannot find your school or a course you took, it often means that Bellevue College has not reviewed that course yet. We will review the course during your transfer credit evaluation and update the equivalency database if possible.
Additional Documents Required*:
- Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day of classes.
- Completed & Signed Limited Power-of-Attorney for Healthcare Purpose
- Completed & Signed Attorney-in-Fact
- If you’ve graduated high school in your home country and want to enter a college-level program directly, you must submit proof of high school completion:
- High School Diploma
- IGCSE results
- O-Level results
- Letter from a school official confirming expected graduation
*Students interested in International High School Completion (IHSC) can find the adjusted admission requirements on the International High School Completion Program Page.
Additional Documents Required:
- A copy of each F-2 dependent’s passport photo page (showing expiration date)
- Add $5,000 USD per dependent to the bank statement
Additional Documents Required:
- Question “Type of Requested Admission”,
- Select option “4) Other visa type, currently in the US.”
- Question “Do you plan to maintain your current visa status while studying in the U.S.?”
- Select “No“
- Current visa page
- Most recent I-94 document
If you are a returning International F-1 Bellevue College student, email us at ie@bellevuecollege.edu so we can assist in re-activating your accounts.
Use an email your student has access to or the student’s email to create their account for their online application.
3. Submit Application
Once all documents are uploaded, click “Submit Application” at the top
Check your email daily. Processing generally takes around 2-weeks.
- Acceptance packets are emailed and included the I-20, acceptance letter, and the Next Steps students should take.
- Mailed copies available for a fee. To use express mail, pay via eShipGlobal and upload the air bill with full mailing address to the International Student Portal.
Or email us at ie@bellevuecollege.edu
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Last Updated March 23, 2026