On the east bank of the Hudson River, about 90 miles north of New York City, Bard College spreads across old estates and woodland at Annandale-on-Hudson. Founded in 1860, it is a private liberal arts college where every student completes a year-long Senior Project. Frank Gehry designed its Fisher Center. The Bard Conservatory runs a five-year double degree in music and another subject.
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, United States
Official website: bard.edu
1860
Private liberal arts college
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York
Fisher Center, designed by Frank Gehry
$62,000 – $66,000
International students, undergraduate, before aid
$16,000 – $20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on bard.edu before you apply.
BA Economics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Conservatory Double Degree (BMus and BA)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
60 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MS Environmental Policy
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MA Curatorial Studies
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
The Senior Project, a year of original work before graduating.
Moderation, a sophomore review before students commit to a major.
A Gehry-designed arts centre with summer festivals.
Graduates go on to graduate school, the arts, publishing, policy and research.
Environmental policy graduates join NGOs, government agencies and consultancies.
Bachelor's graduates can usually work 12 months in the US on OPT.
Undergrad
Nov and Jan deadlines
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The campus runs along the Hudson, with trails through the Montgomery Place orchards and views across to the Catskills. Small villages such as Red Hook and Tivoli are a short shuttle ride away.
Amtrak trains from Rhinecliff reach New York's Penn Station in about two hours. Living costs are lower than in the city, but a car helps.
Form I-20 issued by Bard College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Bard has early action and early decision rounds in November and regular decision in January. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines, usually in winter for fall entry.
Undergraduates start in late August, and spring entry in January is possible for some students. Graduate programmes start in the fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Bard College first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Literature, economics, computer science, the arts and the Conservatory are popular. Bard looks at grades, essays and recommendations and is test optional; non-native speakers need about TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0.
Bard offers need-based aid and some merit awards to international students. Funds are limited, so submit the financial aid forms with your application.
