International
International Students
Students from around the world are attending Big Bend Community College because of our high-quality programs, small and safe campus, and our great community.
Big Bend Community College provides affordable education to 3,200 students each year. Big Bend offers small classes where students can get to know each other and their instructors. International students can pursue an associate-level degree in one of several workforce education or academic transfer programs.
Find your home away from home at BBCC!
Reasons to choose Big Bend Community College

Improve Your English While Earning College Credit
Strengthen your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English as you work toward your college degree.

Flexible Degree Options
Choose from a wide range of 2-year programs. Some prepare you for careers right after graduation, while others are designed for easy transfer to a university—saving you thousands of dollars on tuition costs.

Personalized Support for International Students
Enjoy one-on-one advising tailored to your academic goals and your unique needs as an international student.
What programs and degrees can international students pursue at BBCC?
For those planning to transfer to a 4-year university
Generally for those planning to enter the workforce immediately after earning their degree
- Accounting
- Administrative Assistant
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Mechanics (coming soon!)
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Manufacturing and Process Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Business Medical/Billing
- Systems Administration
- Welding
These programs have additional admissions requirements. Please contact us for additional information about the application dates and process.
Application Information
Helping you achieve your educational goals is important to us at Big Bend Community College. The admissions requirements below are intended to ensure you are prepared for success from your first day of classes!
Applying for admission, applying for a visa, and making the necessary arrangements to study in another country all take time. Therefore, we require applicants to submit all documents by the international student application deadlines. Documents may be submitted by email except where official copies are required (English language test scores and college transcripts). Documents may also be sent by mail.
Applicants must submit:
- Online international student application (Apply Now link below)
- Online Declaration of Finances form (Submit Declaration link below)
- Related documentation showing ability to cover the cost of the first year of study (9 months).
- Copy of your passport (preferred) or other government issued identification
- Documentation showing completion of high school (also called preparatory school, secondary
school, or gymnasium) or the equivalent
- If not yet complete, provide current records and estimated completion date
- Documentation of English Proficiency. BBCC does not currently offer English as a Second Language classes for international
students. Students on F-1 visas must arrive at BBCC prepared to take classes taught
in American English. We accept any one of the following as demonstrating this requirement:
- IELTS - minimum score 4.0 in each area
- TOEFL - minimum score 12 in each area
- Successful completion of college-level English composition class (must be approved by BBCC)
- Requirement may be waived for students from Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries upon request and assessment
Mail official transcripts and test scores to:
International Admissions
Big Bend Community College
7662 Chanute St
Moses Lake WA 98837
Other required documents may be submitted via email to KerriF@bigbend.edu
BBCC accepts international student applications for Fall, Winter or Spring quarter. Note that some programs of study only accept new students in Fall quarter.
All application materials are due by the posted deadline.
- Fall term (starts mid-September) - Application due July 15
- Winter term (Starts early January) - Application due November 1
- Spring (Starts late March or early April) - Application due Febuary 1
For special admissions programs:
- Aviation (Commercial Pilot) students should begin their application process November 1 one year prior to their intended starting term. For example, apply November 1 of 2026 to start in Fall 2027.
- Nursing students who have completed prerequisite courses should start the application process by March 1 for the following Fall. For example, apply in March 2027 to start Fall 2027.
Tuition is charged at the time of enrollment and is calculated according to the number of credits enrolled (minimum 12 credits per quarter). Additional fees based on number of credits, types of classes, and other factors will be charged at enrollment. See the Tuition and Fees table for further information on the estimated costs of attendance.
After receiving and approving all required application materials, Big Bend Community College will issue an I-20 and will send this form to the student with a letter of admission, usually via email.
When you receive your I-20, you must apply for your student F-1 visa at the United States Embassy or Consulate closest to your home. Your passport, bank statement, any sponsorship papers and proof of payment of the SEVIS fee (I-901) of $350.00 will be required.
Please visit the following website for more information regarding the SEVIS fee: ice.gov/sevis.
International students must maintain full-time enrollment, remain in good academic standing, and have a clear student conduct record while at BBCC. Failure to maintain these requirements could result in your visa being revoked.
The U.S. government site: “Study in the States” has important information for international students regarding the F-1 visa process.
I am ready to apply for admission
Submit your international student application form here.
Apply NowDeclaration of Finances
Submit the form here. Email or mail supporting documentation separately.
Submit Declaration Form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Big Bend Community College (BBCC) is located in Moses Lake, Washington, near the center of Washington State. Moses Lake has a population of 25,500 and is three hours east of Seattle in the Pacific Northwest.
The community enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine per year. The good weather, combined with the college’s location adjacent to the Grant County International Airport, makes BBCC a prime training location for commercial pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians. Students can literally walk from the dormitories to the flight line!
The city gets its name from the lake it surrounds, Moses Lake, one of the state’s largest freshwater lakes. This lake and others in the surrounding area provide several months of swimming, boating, bird watching and other outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
At Big Bend Community College, our goal is to provide a space where the BBCC community and visitors can experience a sense of security and belonging. Both the campus and the surrounding area enjoy a low crime rate. BBCC Campus Safety staff work with everyone on campus to manage issues before they become problems. Campus Safety staff can also provide services such as escorts to vehicles or dorms and can be available for training on local customs and courtesies.
Big Bend Community College Residence Halls provide students with an affordable, full college experience. International students are expected to live on campus for at least their first quarter.
Big Bend has two residence halls- Viking Hall and Phillips Hall. Each hall has free laundry facilities, high-speed internet, cooking facilities, and lounges with televisions. Viking Hall also has a game room with pool tables and ping pong.
Each room is approximately 12′ x 17′, furnished with two twin extra-long beds, desks, chairs and individual lockers. Each room also has air conditioning. All rooms are set up to be doubles. We offer single rooms on a case-by-case basis, with priority going to returning students.
Please complete and submit the application and contract form found on the Residence Halls webpage. A $300 deposit is required when submitting your residence hall application.
Unfortunately, BBCC does not offer English as a Second Languages classes for international students, which is why we require proof of English language proficiency as part of your application.
We know you have questions – your academic advisor is here to support you in finding answers! Academic advisors help you understand degree requirements, select classes, and develop a balanced schedule as you work toward the completion of your educational plans. The international student advisor has knowledge of enrollment rules for F-1 visa holders as well as an understanding of academic requirements. The advisor will also assist you in accessing other departments and resources on campus that could best serve you in successfully reaching your educational and career goals.
You will meet in person one-on-one with the international student academic advisor when you arrive at BBCC or the two of you may choose to meet over Zoom before you travel to the U.S. The advisor will arrange your placement testing for mathematics and English prior to your first enrollment and will assist you with the enrollment process throughout your stay at Big Bend Community College
Big Bend Community College Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships with of them available for international students. Visit the Foundation Scholarships webpage for information and application instructions.
Considering applying for on-campus employment? You will need to apply for a Social Security card first. Please contact Kerri Furman as soon as possible to begin this process.
International students must enroll in at least 12 credits each quarter and may take no more than one online course per quarter. In your final quarter, you may request permission to take fewer than 12 credits if you only need a reduced course load to complete your remaining degree requirements.
Big Bend has many academic and student support services and resources you can take advantage of during your time here: advising, career services, tutoring and everything in between.
Visit our One Stop Services webpage for contact information and hours of operation for all the services we offer!










