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International Admissions

Embarking on a journey to pursue higher education at Bay Path University is an exhilarating opportunity that promises a world-class academic experience and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

International Student Admissions and F-1 Status Policy

Primary Contact & Eligibility: The International Student Office is the primary resource for F-1 visa questions. Bay Path University accepts F-1 non-immigrant students at its Longmeadow and Boston campuses. Work with your Admissions Counselor for application assistance and the International Student Office for F-1 visa guidance.

Admissions & Language Standards

Admission Application Requirements

Application Form: Completed and signed Bay Path University application.
International Supplement: Completed International Students Application Supplement.
Program Requirements: All program-specific application materials and supporting documents.
English Proficiency Proof: Official English language test scores (exempt if native language is English or via recognized waiver).

Approved English Language Proficiency Benchmarks


Assessment/Pathway	Catalog Minimum Requirement
Duolingo English Test	90
PTE Academic	45
TOEFL (iBT)	4.5
IELTS	5.5
U.S. Academic Diploma	Diploma from an accredited U.S. High School, College, or University
Partner Language School	Certificate of Completion from a Bay Path University partner English school

Conditional Acceptance Pathway

Eligibility: Offered to applicants meeting all academic entry requirements except minimum English proficiency.
Partner Enrollment: Must be accepted into an accredited Bay Path University partner English-language school.
Terms & Restrictions: Requires a nonrefundable conditional acceptance fee (credited toward tuition upon full matriculation). Conditional acceptance is valid for up to 3 academic terms unless an extension is granted.
Class & Visa Limitations: Conditionally accepted students may NOT enroll in Bay Path courses or receive a Form I-20 until fully accepted.

Form I-20 Issuance & Immigration Protocols

Form I-20 Eligibility & Financial Verification

Full Acceptance Requirement: Issued only to students fully admitted to a full-time degree program (does not guarantee US entry/visa approval).
Identity Documentation: Valid passport or government-issued document displaying full name, date of birth, country of birth, and citizenship.
Financial Certification ($29,000): Proof of funding for at least 1 full year of study ($29,000 for Bachelor's and Master's programs). Documents must be in English (or notarized translation) and dated within 6 months of acceptance (within 3 months preferred).
Dependent Funding: An additional $6,000 is required for a spouse and $4,000 for each dependent child.
In-Country Transfer Students: Applicants transferring from within the U.S. must submit Form I-94, most recent visa copy, current I-20 pages, transfer request form, and dependent documents (if applicable).

Reinstatement & Change of Status

Students seeking reinstatement or a change of visa status must be fully admitted first. The University assists with I-20 issuance and document copying for filings but does not provide legal counsel or guarantee federal outcomes.

F-1 Status Maintencance & Compliance

Orientation, Enrollment & Attendance Rules

Mandatory Orientation: All F-1 students must complete New International Student Orientation prior to their first term. Failure to complete orientation blocks future registration.
Full-Time Credit Requirements: Undergraduate: 12 semester credits per required term | Graduate: 6 semester credits | CAGS/Doctoral: Defined by program and International Office. Summer enrollment is generally optional unless it is the student's first term or required by the program. Please note internal students on F1 visas have 4 years to complete a program.
Course Modality & Attendance: Attendance is mandatory; truancy-related failures may be treated as unauthorized drop below full course of study. F-1 students are restricted to maximum 1 online course / 3 online credits per term toward full-time status. Courses must be attended at the authorized campus.
Reduced Course Load (RCL): Prior authorization from the International Student Office is strictly required. Allowed for academic reasons (1st term only, min half courseload), documented medical conditions, or final term completion. Approval does not waive tuition or fees.

Reporting Obligations, Health & Academic Holds

Reduced Course Load (RCL): Prior authorization from the International Student Office is strictly required. Allowed for academic reasons (1st term only, min half courseload), documented medical conditions, or final term completion. Approval does not waive tuition or fees.
Grace Period & Travel: Departing the U.S. during the 60-day post-program grace period eliminates OPT and I-20 readmission eligibility.
Health Insurance & Immunizations: Continuous health insurance and full immunization compliance are required. Non-compliance results in registration/transcript holds, creating severe visa status risks.
Academic Warnings: Academic probation requires an immediate meeting with International Student Services. Accumulating 2+ Incomplete grades triggers an academic hold requiring faculty and international advisor clearance.

Employment, Practical Training & Certification

On-Campus Employment, CPT & OPT Guidelines

On-Campus Employment: Max 20 hours/week during Fall/Spring terms; full-time allowed during vacation/breaks (not guaranteed).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Available if integrated into academic curriculum with instructor approval. Contact the International Office at least 1 term prior.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Up to 12 months full-time OPT directly related to major. Apply 90 days before to 60 days after class end date. Maximum 90 days total unemployment permitted during OPT. EAD copy and status updates required.
Credential Certification: Graduates needing special international documentation/evaluations/certifications beyond transcripts may submit requests (additional fees may apply).

Additional Admissions Resources

Contact Info

International Admissions

international@baypath.edu