Across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue College is a common first stop for international students who plan to finish at the University of Washington or another four-year university. It's a public college, founded in 1966, with a large transfer programme and a handful of its own bachelor's degrees. Tuition is a fraction of university prices. Microsoft, Amazon and T-Mobile all have big offices a short drive away.
Bellevue, Washington, United States
Official website: bellevuecollege.edu
Public college in Washington State
1966
Eastgate, Bellevue
Transfer degrees to Washington universities
$10,000 – $13,000
International students, three quarters of full-time study
$16,000 – $22,000
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 bellevuecollege.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts and Sciences (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
Associate in Business (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BAS Data Analytics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
A transfer route into the University of Washington and other state universities.
Applied bachelor's degrees in computing and data.
A quarter system with several start dates a year.
Many students transfer after two years to finish a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
Bachelor's graduates join tech employers on the Eastside and in Seattle.
F-1 bachelor's graduates can apply for OPT.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Open
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Open
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is in Eastgate beside Interstate 90, with buses to downtown Bellevue and Seattle. The trails of Cougar Mountain start close by.
Bellevue is safe, green and expensive. Many international students start in a homestay, which the college can help arrange, before moving into shared apartments.
Form I-20 issued by Bellevue 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
Bellevue College admits international students on a rolling basis. Apply two to three months before the quarter starts, so there's time for the I-20 and the visa interview. Some bachelor's programmes have their own earlier deadlines.
Students can start in fall, winter or spring quarter. Applied bachelor's programmes usually start in fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Bellevue 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.
Transfer associate degrees in arts and sciences or business are the most popular, followed by computer science and data analytics. Entry needs secondary school completion and around TOEFL 71 or IELTS 6.0, or an English placement test on arrival.
Scholarships for international students are limited. The college foundation offers some awards once you're enrolled, but plan to cover the full cost yourself.
