International Students
Over 21 percent of Bard students and faculty come from outside the United States. Bard students represent about 51 countries, from Austria to Jamaica, and Cambodia to Ethiopia. Click here to learn more about the home countries and backgrounds of Bard's class of 2016.The current date and time in Annandale is:
Am I Considered an International Applicant?
Though all applications are read and evaluated individually, we view our international applicant pool as a loose collective comprised of non-U.S. citizens living abroad, U.S. or dual citizens living abroad, non-U.S. citizens living or at boarding school in the United States, and undocumented students.
What to Include in Your Application
Non-U.S. citizens are required to submit materials pertaining to the Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant (F-1) student status (I-20 form). Learn more on our
pages for accepted students. As standard paper sizes differ from country to country, Bard requests that, wherever possible, all materials sent to Bard College by international applicants be printed on paper 8½-by-11-inch, 21½-by-28-centimeter.
- Apply with the Common Application
- Transcript(s) and high school or college report
Bard College recognizes and is familiar with many different grading and educational systems used around the world. We do understand that many international education systems are exam-based and do not allow students to take all major subjects in the second half of their secondary schooling (all Cambridge-based systems are a prime example).
Secondary schools should forward a secondary school transcript as well as official copies of test results of any government or centrally administered national college examination. Copies of the documents must be stamped or signed by a school official and must be sent directly from the school to Bard.
Please note that documents not in English must have a certified English translation attached.
Some education systems do not allow for a well-rounded program for all years of secondary education. We appreciate that this is not the fault of the applicant. For the subjects not taken at an advanced level, students will need to show proficiency. For example, students not taking math at an advanced level might demonstrate proficiency in mathematics by submitting an SAT score or by submitting a recommendation from a former math teacher.
First-year students: The school report with official high school transcript is to be completed by a secondary school counselor. (If your school has no counselor, a principal, head of division, or another school official may complete the form.) It is important that an official transcript of your courses, grades, and exam marks be included by the school with this report.
Transfer students: The College Official’s report and college transcript are required. A high school transcript is also required, unless the candidate will have completed an associate’s degree by the time of matriculation at Bard.
- Teacher recommendations and counselor report along with IS supplement
We prefer that one recommendation come from an English or humanities instructor and one from a math or science instructor.
First-year students: Two teacher recommendations and a counselor letter are required.
Transfer students: Two academic references and a College Report are required.
- International Application for Financial Aid
(Non-U.S. citizens only)
Bard is one of the few American colleges and universities that offers financial aid to international first-year and transfer students. International students requesting financial aid must complete and return all materials by January 1. Students interested in receiving need-based financial aid from the College must submit a financial aid application along with their application for admission. Because non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for aid from the U.S. federal government, all international financial aid comes directly from the College. For this reason, we are not able to be need-blind for international applicants. Click here for financial aid information and forms for international students.
Bard’s financial aid budget is not unlimited; the College will only admit a student if there are resources—either personal funds or college grants and loans—adequate to pay for his or her expenses. International students are expected to furnish a significant portion of the cost to attend Bard. Please note: It is Bard’s policy not to offer admission to any international student who is unable to demonstrate sufficient funding.
- Certification of Finances
(Non-U.S. citizens only)
This form is required for verification purposes as part of the student visa process, which begins once a student has enrolled at Bard. This form must be submitted along with the application for admission.
Click here for financial aid information and forms for international students.
- TOEFL or IELTS test results
Results are required for students for whom English is not the first language or the language of instruction. Because we do not have a full-scale English as a Second Language program at Bard, it is critical that all students, domestic and international, have the appropriate level of English fluency before they arrive on campus. We read every application in full, with particular attention to the candidate’s essays and recommendations.
We require all international students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language.* Test score guidelines: TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based). We also accept the IELTS instead of the TOEFL, with a band score of no less than seven.
*Students who have spent the majority of their secondary education in an English-medium program may be eligible for a waiver of the language testing requirement.
- Chinese Applicant Interview
Chinese applicants for whom English is not a first language and who are not enrolled in a school where the program is taught in English are advised to submit the CIEE Applicant Interview.
Click here to find out more.
International Transfer Students
Bard accepts international transfer students with the understanding that they will spend a minimum of two years at the College. Bard accepts transfer students for the fall and spring semesters.
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Due to the comprehensive nature of our first-year curriculum, we do not accept mid-year first-year transfer students. Applicants who have completed one semester of college work may apply for admission in the fall as first-year students with the potential for advanced standing. Transfer students are expected to be familiar with Bard's distinctive curricular components, particularly
Moderation and the Senior Project.
Although a personal interview is not required for incoming first-year students, it is strongly recommended for transfer candidates. Candidates should demonstrate their understanding of Bard's curriculum in their interview.
Why Liberal Arts?
Private colleges of the liberal arts and sciences exist almost exclusively in the United States. These institutions are founded on the idea that, in order to successfully participate in the global marketplace, students need to think critically.
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This program of study offers both breadth and depth. A degree from a rigorous college of liberal arts and sciences is the preferred preparation for students wishing to enter competitive graduate programs.
An Academic Degree from Bard
After fours years of study at Bard you will receive a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree. A B.A. is the first step for any student wishing to continue his or her education at the graduate or professional level.
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Contacting a Current International Student
Please e-mail
admission@bard.edu and we will try our best to put you in touch with a current international student from your part of the world. Please note: we also hold virtual chat sessions in April for all our
accepted international students.
International Student Organization
Many international students become active in Bard’s International Student Organization (ISO), which plays a large role in the social life of the College and is made up of students from all corners of the globe. Visit their
Facebook page for more information.
Weather at Bard
Students at Bard experience four distinct and beautiful seasons. On average, one can expect to see the following seasonal temperatures.
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Fall (September – November)
Average highs: 17° C (62° F)
Average lows: 7° C (45° F) | Winter (December – February)
Average highs: 3° C (36° F)
Average lows: -7° C (19° F) |
Spring (March – May)
Average highs: 16° C (61° F)
Average lows: 3° C (38° F) | Summer (June – August)
Average highs: 28° C (82° F)
Average lows: 16° C (60° F) |
There is a wide variety of weather throughout the year, from hot and sunny afternoons to very cold and snowy winter days. Fall foliage is particularly beautiful in the Hudson Valley. Winter snow brings the opportunity to snowboard or ski at several nearby mountains. When the spring arrives, bringing all kinds of natural beauty, professors often hold classes outside on the lawns. And, later in the spring semester and in the early fall, students are able to wear shorts and T-shirts as we get our share of warm weather. Click here to see what the weather is like at Bard today.
