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International Student: We are the gateway to opportunity for you!

You are welcome to apply to MassBay regardless of your citizenship or where you are currently living. With housing available close by at Framingham State University, we are the ideal, low-cost college option for international students, with a guarantee of transfer to the University of Massachusetts if you meet the academic minimums.

commencement students

Application Information

I live outside the USA and I want to attend MassBay on an F-1 student visa.

New International Student

I have an F-1 student visa from another school, and I want to transfer to MassBay.

Transfer International Student

I am in the USA on a non-immigrant visa, and I want to change my status and obtain an F-1 student visa.

Change of status

Why Study at Massachusetts Bay Community College?

  • Located nine miles from Boston, accessible by public transportation.
  • High quality education at an affordable price.
  • Ranked as the Number 1 community college in Massachusetts by the Brookings Institute.
  • Guaranteed transfer to the University of Massachusetts or any Massachusetts State University, and transfer agreements with many private colleges and universities.
  • MassBay graduates have also transferred to Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Wellesley College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many more private institutions.
  • Average class size is 18 students.
  • More than 70 Degree and Certificate Programs.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and free tutoring in any subject.

Housing Resources for International Students

MassBay students live throughout metropolitan Boston and many come to campus via public transportation.

Most students share apartments with other students, live with host families or rent apartments in the Boston area. Here are some Housing Resources

MassBay students are eligible to apply for dormitory housing at our partner institution, Framingham State University. Approximately 50 MassBay students live on campus at FSU with a MassBay roommate and access to facilities at Framingham State University.  MassBay provide transportation to and from Framingham State University on a limited basis.

Employment

Students studying on an F1 visa have limited opportunities for employment and should not plan to rely on income from work during their first year at MassBay. Please refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website.