Study abroad at Berkeley City College

Learn more about studying at Berkeley City College as an international student.

Berkeley City College campus view
Berkeley City College logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • Total programs
    76
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at Berkeley City College

Berkeley City College (BCC) is a progressive community college in Berkeley, California, US. The College’s innovative programs and student-centered teaching creates a recipe for academic and career success.

No matter your dreams and ambitions, BCC’s range of associate degrees and certificate programs will help you reach them. There are over 100 courses to choose from in disciplines including business, computer information systems, global studies, and biotechnology.

BCC’s six-story campus is located in the urban heart of downtown Berkeley. With ultra-modern labs, bright classrooms, and inspiring study spaces, you’ll find everything you need under one roof.

There’s plenty going on outside the classroom too. The Office of Student Activities and Campus Life arranges loads of fun on-campus events and activities throughout the year. There are several student clubs to join too, in everything from anime to robotics.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Berkeley City College

  • Financial support

    The College offers several financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities

  • Top-transfer institution

    BCC has the highest transfer rate to the California State University and University of California systems

  • Flexibility

    BCC delivers day, evening, weekend, and online classes to suit your schedule

  • Supportive environment

    You’ll benefit from academic and career counseling, as well as outstanding student support services

  • Offers on-campus job opportunities and several scholarship options for eligible students

Location

Berkeley City College

2050 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

Berkeley, California, is an iconic city in the USA with a long history of welcoming international students. The authentic college town blends academic excellence with vibrant student life.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Fees and funding

Funding

Bowles Scholars Award

This scholarship is in honor of Catherine Janes Bowles, M.A., and Judge George Bowles, J.D., and is sponsored by Dr. Gloria Bowles, Ph.D., founding coordinator of the women’s studies program at UC Berkeley, to address in a modest way growing inequality. This is a USD$1,000 scholarship award. This scholarship is intended to be awarded to part-time Berkeley City College students who have completed a minimum of 15 units, have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA, and appear committed to completing their degrees.

Georgia Runge-Smith Memorial Scholarship

Named in memory of Georgia Runge-Smith, a graduate of the California Community College system, this scholarship is a tribute to her commitment to youth and education. This is a USD$250 scholarship offered in the Spring. This scholarship is open to all students at the Peralta Colleges (Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, Merritt College) regardless of program or major. Qualified students need to have a 2.5 GPA or greater, demonstrate financial need, and must have a goal of transferring to a four-year institution for further study.

John & Deborah Tunis Scholarship; BCC

This is an up to USD$500 scholarship awarded once a year in the Spring. ​This scholarship is intended to be awarded to a female student who demonstrates financial need and academic potential in her career and degree in one of four categories; math/science, business/industry, health sciences, or vocational education.

PACLA Scholarship; BCC

This is a USD$500 scholarship awarded once a year in the Spring to two students. This scholarship is intended to be awarded to a Chicano/Latino student enrolled at Berkeley City College. Preference will be given to, but not limited to AB540 students.

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    USD$10,740 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Berkeley City College?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect USA-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,652Range: $1,046 to $4,269
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,349Range: $891 to $2,857
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$214Range: $130 to $400
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$73Range: $50 to $110
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61Range: $30 to $110
Monthly public transport pass$65Range: $35 to $138
Monthly grocery basket$350Range: $250 to $500
Coffee shop drink$5Range: $3 to $9
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15Range: $11 to $23
Gym membership$45Range: $20 to $135

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Berkeley City College

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at Berkeley City College

Multiculturalism and diversity are at the very heart of Berkeley City College. Students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and faiths come together and support one another in the pursuit of a brighter future.

BCC’s International Office works hard to make your experience as happy and fulfilling as possible. Whether you need help with the admissions process, want to learn more about your immigration rights, or are looking for information on student clubs, the dedicated staff members will be ready to assist.

You’ll also be invited to join the international student mentorship program which connects foreign pupils with college alumni. These working professionals will share priceless top tips and their academic experiences with you.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • Food & Restaurants
    • Cafe’s
  • Library
    • Quiet Areas
    • Computer labs
  • Fitness Centre
    • Swimming Pool
    • Free Weights
    • Machines
    • Fitness Classes
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • Basketball Courts
    • Badminton Courts
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • Clubs & Organizations
  • Sports Facilities
    • Sport facilities

Student reviews for Berkeley City College

Overall rating

4.4
4 reviews
  • Overall experience
    4.5
  • Academic
    4.5
  • University social
    4.3
  • Accommodation
    4.3
  • University facilities
    4.5
Shashwat Bajaj
in flag
Studied Mathematics at Berkeley City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Berkeley City College

The university campus is quite adequate with its facilities, for example the store, the library, the labs, and the counseling departments. Even the clubs are quite motivating.

Taeho Lee Lee
kr flag
Studied Computer Science at Berkeley City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Berkeley City College

The college is in the vicinity of Downtown Berkeley, so the college is very accesible along with other services near Berkeley such as restaurants or libraries as the Bart and AC Transit is webbed around the whole downtown. The faculties are very helpful in terms of academics and paperworks. Especially, the current Office of International Education, so called international student office is very agile on satisfying the needs of the student's demands.

Yuanyuan Wang
cn flag
Studied Child Studies at Berkeley City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Berkeley City College

My college is located in downtown Berkeley, California. It's easy to go by taking Bart or Uber. There's a parking lot right beside the school as well. The school staff is welcoming, supportive, and warm.

Edwina Malmberg
pa flag
Studied Sociology at Berkeley City College
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Berkeley City College

Berkeley City College has beautiful and modern campus with friendly students. I have been surprised by the diversity, inclusivity, and support of the college. I have met people from many countries and diverse backgrounds and I have joined several student clubs and educational groups.