Visiting International Students
Experience summer in the San Francisco Bay Area while studying at the #1 public university!
Join one of the largest summer programs in the United States, hosting students from all over the world who are here exploring the Bay Area, experiencing California culture, and making friends from the U.S. and around the world.
International high school students can join Summer Sessions through our Berkeley Pre-College Scholars program.
Steps to Apply
Explore the international student section of our Help Center to determine your eligibility and review policies.
Browse summer courses in the Class Schedule at classes.berkeley.edu.
Beginning February 17, visit the apply page and submit your application.
You'll receive CalCentral access via email and can enroll in courses and complete payment.
International Student Requirements
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Visiting Student Visa
As a visiting international student, you may need an F-1 student visa to participate in Berkeley Summer Sessions. We will provide you with supporting documentation (I-20 form) to apply for this visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
International students who wish to only take Summer Sessions online courses from their home country do not need an F-1 visa.
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Full-Time Student Status
Full-time enrollment is required for visiting international students who have or wish to obtain an I-20 from Summer Sessions for an F-1 student visa. The chart below details full-time unit requirements per session or combination of sessions.
Session(s) Full-Time Units Minimum 12W 10 A only 5 A + B, C, and/or D 10 A + F + E 10 A + F 8 A + E 8 B only, or B + any later session 8 C only, or C + any later session 6 D only, or D + E and/or F 5 F + E 5 F only 3 E only 3 -
English Proficiency Requirement
The English Proficiency Requirement (EPR) is to evaluate the English language proficiency of students whose native language is not English and who want to enroll in courses with subjects other than English as a Second Language (ESL).
All students from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency.
Tuition
Berkeley Summer Sessions charges tuition based on course units. Each course is assigned a certain number of units based on the workload it requires. Generally, one unit = one hour of class per week + two hours of student work per week.
| Sample Course Load | |
|---|---|
| MATH N16B | 3 Units |
| DATASCI 200 | 3 Units |
| Total Units | 6 Units |
| Sample Cost Calculation | |
|---|---|
| Total Tuition: $635 unit cost* x 6 | $3,810 |
| Registration Fee | $585 |
| International Service Fee | $500 |
| Document Management Fee | $73 |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Total Due | $4,993 |
2026 Session Schedule
Session A
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Session F
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Session 12W
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Housing
Choosing a place to live depends on your interests, preferences and budget. With options available in both Berkeley and San Francisco, you can live in the bustling atmosphere of a dormitory, enjoy the independence of a private or shared apartment, or get the personal attention of a homestay.
