How to Apply

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International Applicants

We require all international students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or the The International English Language Testing System test, or the Duolingo English Test. Students should only request results to be sent electronically to Bard College directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, and not physical documents to be mailed.

Our test score guidelines are:

• TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or 100 (Internet-based test - IBT). 
• IELTS in place of the TOEFL, with a band score of no less than seven.
• Duolingo English Test in place of the TOEFL or IELTS, with a test score of no less than 120.

In certain circumstances international students whose English language test scores fall below the above guidelines for admission may be required to take an English language intensive track during their first year at Bard, with the understanding that by the start of the second year these students will have achieved the required level of English-language proficiency. 

The purpose of the English language assessment tests is for admissions and, upon acceptance, for placement purposes in our ESL courses. The results also provide a baseline for measuring progress throughout the first year of the student’s study of English. As part of the application process, each student needs to provide information about the schedule for taking these English language assessment test.

In their first year students in the English language intensive track will take a full 12 credit load of courses consisting of:

• Studio Instruction (4 credits)
• Chamber Music (2 credits)
• Orchestral Studies (2 credits)
• English as a Second Language (4 credits)

Additionally, with the consent of College and Conservatory faculty advisors, students may take a non-language intensive course in the college. (For example, classes such as math, foreign languages study, science, studio art, dance, music theory, or theater arts might fall into this category.)
  
In order to complete the double-degree program in five years, students will need to carry increasingly full schedules in subsequent years. For some majors, it may not be possible for students to graduate in five years.

Complete information about language proficiency requirements and application requirements for international students can be found at the Bard College admissions website.