The Berkeley International Study Program (BISP) is a unique study-abroad opportunity at the top-ranked University of California, Berkeley. BISP students come from a variety of academic backgrounds, spending one or two semesters taking excellent and innovative courses on a space-availability basis. We offer a wide range of classes, cross-cultural events and activities, and advising services for visiting international and domestic students in a vibrant multicultural learning environment.

Experience Brilliance

BISP students take the same high-quality courses as UC Berkeley students on a space availability basis. BISP works with participating departments and instructors to identify courses that have space; hundreds of courses do, and in turn BISP students provide a globally rich academic learning experience for all.

Between 350-450 visiting international students each semester enjoy the experience of participating in class discussions and engaging in unique ways of learning. BISP students return to their home universities happy with the courses they have taken, which in most cases count for credit towards their degree. Students also find that studying abroad at UC Berkeley, and succeeding in their academic courses, is an impressive experience to put on their resume.

Moreover, BISP students participate in a rich campus life. Whether you seek athletics, cultural performances or the outdoors, UC Berkeley has it. BISP staff and Cultural Peer Mentors ensure a warm and welcoming environment for all.

So come, Experience Brilliance with us!

• Earn UC Berkeley credit
• Take courses unavailable at your university
• Gain new perspectives on subjects studied at home
• Get support from a dedicated team of advisors and peers
• Make international and California friends
• Engage in campus life through sports, clubs and social events
• Explore the San Francisco Bay Area
• Contribute to the lively multinational culture of Berkeley
• Prepare for graduate study and future career growth
• Build intercultural competencies

Program Benefits

For those visiting students who will be taking courses at UC Berkeley as Concurrent Enrollment students, the Berkeley International Study Program provides an option to earn a BISP Certificate in a focused area of interest. Students who choose to participate in this program will be part of an active community of scholars and will take coursework, and complete a project, that fulfills the requirements for their selected BISP Certificate track. For students who have not yet been accepted to a Concurrent Enrollment program at UC Berkeley, go to BISP Program for additional information and how to apply.

BISP will recommend additional programs and lectures on campus that may be of interest to students in the BISP Certificate Program and provide opportunities for students in this area to come together during the semester to discuss topics of interest. There are many international students who will be participating in the BISP Certificate Program, so there is an opportunity to learn about many related issues from a global perspective.