Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) offers international students the opportunity to earn a high quality American education in the heart of Boston, one of the world’s leading student cities. As one of the largest and most diverse community colleges in New England, BHCC combines affordable tuition with strong academic programs, personalized support, and clear transfer pathways to four year universities. Students can choose from a wide range of associate degrees, certificate programs, and career focused training designed to prepare them for future academic and professional success. With experienced faculty, small class sizes, and a welcoming multicultural campus community, BHCC provides an inclusive and supportive environment where students from around the world can grow academically, professionally, and personally while experiencing life in the United States.
Why Study at Bunker Hill Community College?
Affordable: Study in Boston at a fraction of the cost of many U.S. universities.
Accessible: Free application, rolling admissions, and fast admissions decisions.
Location: Experience student life in Boston with excellent public transportation and city access.
Academics: Explore 80+ degree and certificate programs taught by supportive faculty.
Diversity: Join a global community with 800+ international students from over 80 countries.
Programs
Study in Boston, Massachusetts
Located in the historic Charlestown neighborhood, BHCC is an ideal destination for students looking to study in Boston. BHCC’s main campus is conveniently accessible by public transportation, including its own stop on the greater Boston subway system. Students also benefit from plentiful parking options, as well as nearby bicycle and pedestrian paths.
The Charlestown campus places students close to the center of Boston’s thriving biotech industry, creating exciting academic and career opportunities for those who want to study in Boston. In addition, the Chelsea campus and other instructional sites provide flexible learning environments and convenient access for students across the greater Boston area.
Programs at Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College offers certificate programs and associate degrees for academic credit, and a non-credit Intensive English Program. Certificate programs are approximately one year in duration and associate degrees are approximately two years in duration. The Intensive English Program runs up to 6 months in duration and serves students wanting to develop their English speaking, listening, reading & writing skills.
Certificates at BHCC are short-term undergraduate academic programs that prepare students to enter the workforce in a specific career field. Courses are measured in semester credits and full-time students typically take 12–15 credits per semester. Each semester lasts about 16 weeks, including exams.
Associate degrees at BHCC are undergraduate degrees which prepare students to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program or enter the workforce. Courses are measured in semester credits and full-time students typically take 12–15 credits per semester. Each semester lasts about 16 weeks, including exams.
The Intensive English Program is a non-credit English language learning program for speakers of other languages who want to develop their English skills to prepare for academic study, the workforce or meet personal goals.
Associate degrees and certificate programs include courses from three required areas: general education requirements, career and/or liberal arts electives, and program requirements. The top 5 most popular majors for international students are Health Science, Business, Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology.
Certificates and associate degrees fall into six broad academic pathways:
- Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design
- Behavioral, Social Sciences & Global Learning
- Business & Hospitality
- Health
- Law & Public Service & Safety
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Many programs offer students the opportunity to participate an internship related to their field of study. The International Center also assists students who are interested in gaining work experience in the U.S., providing guidance on employment opportunities available to international students, including on-campus jobs, internships, and practical training programs such as CPT and OPT.
See all programs here
Dates & Prices at Bunker Hill Community College
There are three terms and application cycles at BHCC: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Spring and Fall Semesters are approximately 16 weeks long, and the Summer Session is approximately 12 weeks long. International students can begin their studies in any term. Enrollment in Fall and Spring semesters is always mandatory for international students.
Fall Semester
Introduction: Late August
Start of term: Early September
End of term: Mid-December
Application deadline: July 15*
Spring Semester
Introduction: Mid-January
Start of term: Late January
End of term: Mid-May
Application deadline: November 15*
Summer Semester
Introduction: Early June
Start of term: Early June
End of term: Mid-August
Application deadline: March 30*
* Please note that the application deadline is the school’s official date. We recommend applying at least a few months in advance to ensure you have enough time to meet admission requirements, complete application documents, and arrange a student visa. Do not hesitate to submit your application if you are applying late, and we will assist you.
Prices for Studying at Bunker Hill Community College
Calistudies’ close partnership with Bunker Hill Community College means that we help you free of charge with your entire application to the school, as well as applying for a visa and student financing. Below are the school’s estimated costs.
Fall/Spring Start (Two Semesters)
- Tuition (24 credits): $16,000*
- Living expenses: $15,000**
Total estimated cost: $31,000 per year.
Summer Start (Two Semesters + Summer)
- Tuition (30 credits): $19,000*
- Living expenses: $17,000**
Total estimated cost: $36,000 per year.
* Includes Health Insurance & books/course materials. Some courses have higher fees (for example, applied music, health, culinary). Cost is an estimate.
** Includes housing and meals, transportation, and other personal and miscellaneous expenses. BHCC does not provide on-campus housing. Cost is an estimate.
Once you have been admitted to the school, you will receive further payment instructions. Payments are made directly to the school, and payment plans are available.
Financing Your Studies
Scholarships and Loans for Studying in the USA
There are several ways to finance your studies in the USA, including scholarships, grants, and student loan programs. In many cases, these options can help cover tuition fees, living costs, insurance, and travel.
Learn more about how to finance your studies in the USA.
Bunker Hill Community College offers 58 institutional scholarships awarding approximately $1.38 million annually with an average scholarship award of $5,700. Scholarship eligibility is based on criteria such as the number of credits completed and grade point average earned at the college. The application process is competitive.
In addition, the college partners with various community organizations to provide students with access to additional scholarship opportunities. These external scholarships often require students to apply directly through the sponsoring organization so applicants should carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility requirements, application guidelines and procedures. Contact us at Calistudies for more information.
International students are eligible to work on campus only. Students may work up to 18.5 hours per week. Typical on campus jobs include front desk staff for various offices, student engagement leaders, academic tutors, note-takers for the office of Disability Support, and cafeteria staff. Additionally, students may be eligible for paid off-campus internships if their major includes an internship course.
Housing at Bunker Hill Community College
BHCC does not offer on-campus housing, but the International Center has a comprehensive housing resource guide and regularly offers housing information sessions for new students. A recommended option for students living away from home for the first time is a homestay with a local family.
Apply to Bunker Hill Community College
Start Your Application
Submit your interest and we’ll get back to you with more information or help you start your application. Free of charge and no obligation.
To be admitted to BHCC:
- Applicants need to be at least 17 years old by the start of the semester.
- High school must be completed or finished before the semester begins.
- Proof of sufficient funding for the first year is required.
- Meet English proficiency requirements.
- Conditional admission available for students with lower English proficiency (English test scores still required).
Non-native speakers can demonstrate proficiency by:
- Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.)
- High School diploma in the original language & official English translation.
Minimum Scores / Grades:
- TOEFL: 38 (2.5)
- IELTS: 5.0
- Duolingo: 75
English test requirements may also be waived in certain cases.
Inspiration
