Bunker Hill Community College

About Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is the perfect first step for international students who seek a dynamic educational experience in the United States. The college's International Center welcomes more than 900 international students from more than 100 countries annually. These international students have a significant presence in the college's multicultural community. International students enjoy the historic, vibrant city of Boston, home of many outstanding academic institutions to which BHCC students can transfer after graduation.

Founded in 1973, BHCC is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, offering 64 programs leading to the Associates degree, and 50 Certificate programs designed for students who seek occupational training. Agreements between BHCC and many four-year colleges and universities allow BHCC graduates to transfer, often with junior-year status, to other institutions throughout the United States.

Campus Life

More than 900 students from over 100 countries are currently enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College, and all report a high level of satisfaction with their experience. The college incorporates international and multicultural perspectives in its courses, programs, and institutional climate, and one of the school's goals is global learning. International students play a central role in the College community: Student organizations offer many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. International students participate in student government, the Honor Society, athletics, cultural events, and more than twenty-five clubs.

Academic Programs

BHCC offers numerous programs of study. They include Associate in Arts degrees (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees, and certificate programs. Please go to http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/programsofstudy/index.php for a full list of program options.

Services for International Students

International students enjoy BHCC for a number of reasons. They appreciate the international environment of BHCC, where they can easily be involved in campus life and make lifelong friends. Smaller classes, individualized attention, and affordability are other reasons for choosing BHCC. The International Center provides orientation programs, and assists students in obtaining off-campus housing. International student advisors help students adjust to college life in the United States and provide counseling on immigration, academic, and personal concerns. Advisors also provide assistance with transferring to four-year colleges and obtaining employment after graduation.

Life Map

LifeMap is a program that is dedicated to promoting student success in their educational, career and life goals. LifeMap utilizes technology combined with personal attention. Bunker Hill Community College portal allows students to access the technological components contained in LifeMap including career planning tools, ePortfolio, advising and counseling information, financial planning and information regarding support services on and off campus. BHCC faculty and staff provide students the individual direction and support required to fulfill their personal and educational objectives. Educational planning guides students to be successful in college. Having a clear path to graduation allows students to better plan and prepare for transferring to a bachelor granting university, as well as preparing for employment. Career planning helps students prepare for employment that matches their interests and goals.

International Student Admissions

Students who wish to attend BHCC on an international student (F-1) visa should apply online. Applicants must have completed secondary school and must demonstrate evidence of English proficiency. The student or sponsor must also demonstrate that sufficient funds are available to cover the cost of educational and living expenses.

Students who have completed secondary school but do not meet the college's English proficiency requirement can obtain conditional admission through enrollment in the EC Boston Language Center. BHCC and the EC Boston Language Center have a partnership agreement that enables students to study English full-time at the EC Boston Language Center, and then transfer to BHCC when they achieve English proficiency. Students will receive an I-20 from the EC Boston Language Center, which will indicate that the student has been conditionally admitted to BHCC.

English Proficiency Requirement

If English is not the student’s first language, they are required to submit proof of at least intermediate level of English proficiency. We accept: TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or the PTE test. A score of at least 38 on the TOEFL internet-based test; 5 on the IELTS; level 3 on iTEP; or 38 on the PTE is required. Test scores are valid for two years.  If a student does not fulfil the College’s English requirement, the student will be given provisional acceptance to BHCC and then referred to our partner language schools to study English full-time and then transfer to BHCC when they achieve the required English proficiency.