International Admissions & How to Apply

Application Booklet

View the detailed description and admission requirements for all programs: Bachelor’s Degree programs, Associate and Certificate programs, International High School Completion (IHSC), Bridge Pathway program, International Business Profession (IBP) program, and Intensive English Language (ESL) and Learning English in Action Program (LEAP).


How To Apply

Step 1: Create Account

  • If you have never applied to Bellevue College before, you are a New User and will need to Create an Account in our International Student Portal.  
  • You only need to create an International Student Portal account once. If you are re-applying, or if you already started an application and would like to continue, you do not need to create a new account. 
Create Account

Step 2: Start Application

  • After you create your International Student Portal account, you can apply for international admission to Bellevue College. 
Start Application

Continue Application

  • Log in to the International Student Portal by clicking the Continue Application button below and logging in with your Portal Account. 
  • Under the Records heading, select your International Application
Continue Application

  • Please use your student’s email to create their account for their online application.
  • Follow steps in the “Instructions for New Students” and assist your student.

If you are a returning Bellevue College student, email us at ie@bellevuecollege.edu for assistance applying


International Admissions

Click on each tab below to view more detailed information.

Admission Requirements:

  1. An online international student application form, including the signature document. Follow the “Instructions for New Students”, on the top of this page, to create an account and fill out an application.
  2. A non-refundable $50 application fee paid online.
  3. All acceptance packets shipped to an address outside of the U.S. require you to pay an express mail fee via eShipGlobal site. The student must upload the air bill with a complete mailing address to the BC’s online application site.
  4. A copy of the passport photo page, including expiration date.
    • A copy of each F-2 dependent’s passport photo page, including expiration date.
  5. A bank statement dated no earlier than 6 months before application, with a minimum balance of $26,591 USD.
    • Add $5,000 USD for each F-2 dependent
    • US-based sponsors must complete the Affidavit of Support (I-134) form
  6. Valid proof of English language proficiency.
  7. Transcripts in English from the current and/or previous schools.

No English proficiency is required.

Student must meet one of the following:

Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) and Paper-based TOEFL (PBT)

  • 58 (iBT) or 493 (PBT)
  • More information about TOEFL

Academic IELTS

  • Overall score of 5.5 with all sub-scores above 5.0 or higher
  • More information about Academic IELTS

DUOLINGO

Successful completion of the BC’s Intensive English program

Successful completion of the specific level of English language school

  • Intensive Level 109 at ELS Language Centers
  • High Intermediate level at Kaplan
  • ALPS SIRWS 5 with a grade of 75% or higher AND a minimum score of 69 on the CaMLA EPT exit exam at ALPS Language School
  • Completion of the first-half of International House San Diego’s (IHSD) American Language Benchmark 7, equivalent to IELTS overall score of 5.0
  • Highest level at an intensive English school (must submit a verification letter from the school official and considered on a case-by-case basis)
    Successful completion of Level 5 at California Language Academy
  • Successful completion of Level B2-2 at EF International Language Schools
  • Successful completion of the “Mid-intermediate” level at International House San Diego

Student must meet one of the following:

Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) and Paper-based TOEFL (PBT)

  • 61 (iBT) or 500 (PBT)
  • More information about TOEFL

Academic IELTS

  • Overall score of 6.0 with all sub-scores 5.5 or higher
  • More information about Academic IELTS

Duolingo English Test

  • 95 with a Production Score of 75 or higher
  • Incoming college-level students will receive automatic placement into either English 93 or English 101. Students must still enroll in their placement level class.
  • More information about Duolingo English Test

First Language on the IGCSE or O-Level

An AP English Language or Literature/Composition Score

An IB English A Exam With A Minimum Score

  • 4 (places into English 101 at BC(*))
  • (*) Official exam result issued by the testing company is required for the placement into English 101.
  • More information about the IB International Baccalaureate

Smarter Balanced ELA Score Option Available For US High School Students Only

  • 3 (places into English 101 at BC(*))
  • (*) Official exam result issued by the testing company is required for the placement into English 101.
  • More information about Smarter Balanced ELA

SAT/ACT/PSAT Scores

  • If SAT or ACT taken within the last five years or PSAT taken within the last two years
  • SAT or PSAT Reading/Writing score of 480 or higher
  • ACT Composite score of 22 or higher

Successful Completion of the BC’s Intensive English Program

Successful Completion of The BC’s Bridge Pathway Program

With a grade of “C-“

Other College’s placement test result(s)

A valid placement result from another college into the equivalent of BC’s English 101

U.S. High School or an International School

Two years of regular English courses (non-ESL) in a U.S. high school or international school with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

Public Diplomacy ESL-school of The US Embassy

Successful completion of the advance 5 with a passing grade (a verification letter from the school official is required) (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

Successful Completion of The Specific Level of English Language School

  • Successful completion of Advanced (C1) level at Kaplan.
  • Successful completion of Level 6 at California Language Academy.
  • Successful completion of Advanced (C1-1) level at EF International Language Schools, Inc.

Countries with English as Official or Primary Language

1. Anguilla, 2. Antigua and Barbuda, 3. Australia, 4. Bahamas, 5. Barbados, 6. Belize, 7. Bermuda, 8. Botswana, 9. British Virgin Islands,10. Cameroon, 11. Canada (except Quebec), 12. Cayman Islands, 13. Dominica, 14. England, 15. Fiji, 16. The Gambia, 17. Ghana, 18. Gibraltar, 19. Grenada, 20. Guyana, 21. Ireland, Northern, 22. Ireland, Republic of, 23. Jamaica, 24. Kenya, 25. Lesotho, 26. Liberia, 27. Malawi, 28. Malta, 29. Mauritius, 30. Montserrat, 31. Namibia, 32. New Zealand, 33. Nigeria, 34. Papua New Guinea, 35. Scotland, 36. Seychelles, 37. Sierra Leone, 38. Singapore, 39. Solomon Islands, 40. South Africa, 41. St. Kitts and Nevis, 42. St. Lucia, 43. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 44. Swaziland, 45. Tanzania, 46. Tonga, 47. Trinidad and Tobago, 48. Turks and Caicos Islands, 49. Uganda, 50. United Kingdom, 51. Vanuatu, 52. Wales, 53. Zambia, 54. Zimbabwe

Underage Students (16 or 17 years old):

  • All students must be at least 16 years old before the start of classes.
  • Completed and signed the Limited Power-of-Attorney for Healthcare Purpose and Attorney-in-Fact forms.
  • Underage students who have already graduated from a high school in their home country and seek direct admission to the college level program must submit proof of high school completion (e.g., diploma, IGCSE, O-level exam results, or an expected graduation letter from a school official)

Transferring to BC:

Students transferring from another US school to BC need to submit additional documents. Transfer students are strongly advised to submit their completed applications at least two weeks before their grace period ends. Transfer IBP students, contact International Education (IE) at 425-564-3185.

Transfer students also must upload/submit copies of the immigration documents:

  • A copy of F-1 visa page
  • A copy of current I-20 form
  • Most recent I-94 document (retrieve from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
  • Completed Transfer Eligibility Form (found within the International Student Portal Application.)

Transfer Partners

Students can request a conditional admissions letter for one school from the list above when they apply to Bellevue College.

Please note that admission is not guaranteed, and students must still meet the conditions listed in their acceptance letter. This includes applying to the school by their application deadlines. Conditional admission to the school does not include admission to a major with selective admission.

  • Arizona State University
  • California State University San Marcos
  • Central Washington University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Gonzaga University
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Johnson & Wales University
  • Oregon State University
  • San Francisco State University
  • Seattle University
  • University of California, Riverside*
    (General Welcome Letter)
  • University of Idaho
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • University of Washington, Bothell
  • University of Washington, Tacoma
  • Washington State University 
  • Western Washington University

Bellevue College (BC)

Established in 1966, Bellevue College is a comprehensive and innovative college that places students at the center of all we do and advances the life-long education development of our students consistent with their needs, interests and abilities.

The International Education department offers many options for incoming international students: Intensive English/University Preparation program, the International Business Professions program, special short-term programs, and noncredit English-as-a Second Language classes. In addition, Bellevue College provides more than 60 associate transfer degrees, over 75 professional/technical degrees, and 17 bachelor degrees.

With over 1,100 international students from more than 60 countries enrolled in both college credit and English language programs, the Office of International Education is truly “Where the World Comes Together to Learn”.

Bellevue College is a top-ranking, fully-accredited college offering two-year associate and four-year bachelor’s degrees as well as professional and technical certificates, an Intensive English Language program, and International High School Completion program. Surrounded by 96 acres of evergreen trees, Bellevue College campus is a beautiful, safe, and modern place to study.  Students have access to world-class facilities including brand new on-campus student housing. Bellevue College encourages students to get a well-rounded college experience and offers more than 80 student clubs, recreational activities, and several music, dance, and theatrical productions for students to enjoy.

Bellevue College is located in the city of Bellevue, in the highly desirable Greater Seattle area. Greater Seattle area is a place of magnificent natural beauty, excellent employment opportunities, and many recreational opportunities. Seattle is an exciting urban, cosmopolitan city that thrives with industrial, commercial, and cultural activities but remains unpretentious and casual. The city of Bellevue is well known for its breathtaking scenery, great employment opportunities, and safe streets. It is a growing city with a bustling economic climate and vibrant culture. Its residents are highly educated and multicultural and form a welcoming and supportive community for international students.

Show your support for our diverse community and become a part of our “You Are Welcome Here” campaign! This inclusive message encapsulates our ongoing dedication to all of our students regardless of country of origin or immigration status, and our affirmation of inclusion that we are “committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus community feels welcome to participate in the life of the College, free from harassment and discrimination.”

  1. Location: Part of greater Seattle, an area with moderate climate, clean air and water, and home to iconic corporations such as Microsoft, Nintendo, Amazon, and Starbucks
  2. Academic Excellence: Small classes, dedicated faculty committed to student success, and rich student resources and services including free tutoring, personal counseling services, and comprehensive career resources
  3. University Transfer: High transfer rates to the University of Washington and Washington State University, the largest two universities in the Washington state as well as to top universities throughout the U.S. including Columbia, Cornell, Purdue, Berkeley, UCLA and many others. At the time of application, students can request a conditional admissions letter from one of 16 schools across the United States.
  4. International Students Support: Comprehensive support by the Office of International Education, from admission to extracurricular activities and cultural adjustment as well as individual advising on immigration and academic issues by experienced international advisors.
  5. Leadership and Development Opportunities: International students have numerous opportunities to develop their personal and leadership skills by volunteering and getting involved in student clubs, programs and organizations. They are also eligible for on-campus employment and can contribute to the diversity and multiculturalism of Bellevue College by becoming peer-mentors or Global Leaders.

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Last Updated March 14, 2024