Berklee Global Academic Partner Student FAQ

What does the Berklee track mean? What do I get from taking the Berklee track?

Berklee has credit-transfer agreements with educational institutions around the world that make it possible for you to start your path to Berklee closer to home. When you successfully complete the foundational course of core music study (the Berklee track) at one of our Berklee Global Academic Partner schools, you may transfer credits to Berklee and put yourself on a more affordable path to a Berklee degree. After successful study at one of the Global Academic Partner schools, if you apply and are accepted to Berklee, you will arrive ready to join the Berklee community.

Learn more about starting your path to Berklee closer to home.

Advantages of starting at an institution that holds a credit-transfer agreement with Berklee:

You save money in tuition and housing costs by studying closer to home.
You study some subjects in your native language.
If accepted to Berklee, you will arrive prepared to succeed.
You'll be able to focus on your continuing studies and major courses at Berklee.

Which partner schools have the Berklee track (academic partnership)?

Academic partnerships are the most comprehensive partnerships Berklee has with external educational institutions. In addition to offering the Berklee track, partner institutions can also collaborate with Berklee to host Berklee on the Road clinics, workshops, faculty exchanges, auditions and interviews, alumni and advancement events, mutually beneficial branding opportunities, and more.

Global Academic Partners:

Do I need to study an instrument to be a student at Berklee?

Berklee College of Music: Students who are planning to apply to the undergraduate program at Berklee College of Music must declare one principal instrument on which you will advance your proficiency through private instruction, ensembles, and instrumental labs.

Berklee Online: Students applying for Berklee Online undergraduate programs may declare a principal instrument on their application, but only the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Guitar program requires a principal instrument. Please note that only applicants for the guitar program are also required to submit a guitar audition video. Applicants for the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games program are required to submit materials that demonstrate musicianship.

Please go to this page for specific details.

Am I guaranteed acceptance to Berklee if I enroll in the Berklee track at a Global Academic Partner?

No. Though attending one of these schools will help prepare you for Berklee, it does not guarantee that you will be accepted. In order to transfer to Berklee, you will need to apply and be accepted.

How long will it take to complete the Berklee track and my Berklee degree?

The length of study will vary based on the Global Academic Partner school you attend and the major course of study you select when you enroll at Berklee. Generally, Berklee track students are able to complete their studies at Berklee in as few as five semesters. Some majors will take more time to complete. Developing an academic plan with the advisor at your Berklee Global Partner school is strongly encouraged.

How many credits can I earn in the Berklee track, and how far will that get me at Berklee?

Each Berklee track varies from institution to institution. When you successfully complete the entire block of required courses in the Berklee track at your partner institution and are accepted to Berklee, you will receive the credit value noted in your institution’s agreement; all credit equivalencies are available on the Academic Partner page.

What requirements do I need to meet to get my credits transferred? What happens if I fail a class or don’t meet an academic requirement?

Students transferring to Berklee must earn a grade of B or better (3.00–4.00 GPA) in each level 1 (core music) course; and a grade of C or better (2.00–4.00 GPA) in each level 2 (other liberal arts and general electives) course designated for transfer in this agreement (see “Required Courses” below) in order to receive transfer credit from Berklee.

To earn credit for any level 1 course for which students receive a grade below B, students will be required upon entering Berklee to (1) take the Entering Student Proficiency Assessment (for harmony and ear training courses); (2) earn credit by exam (for music technology, tonal harmony, and counterpoint courses); or (3) enroll in the course at Berklee. If a student receives a grade below C in any level 2 courses, credit will not be granted.

How will my credits from the Global Academic Partner be applied to Berklee?

In order for Berklee to validate your credits, you need to complete all required credits in the Berklee track at your school and then submit your academic transcript. Once received, the Office of the Registrar will review the transcript and award credit according to the credit-transfer agreement (CTA) between Berklee and your school.

Transfer credit received for core music, performance, and liberal arts classes will be applied in accordance with the academic requirements within your program and declared major. Please refer to the major grids for specific major requirements.

Will my credits transfer to a Berklee Online bachelor’s degree program?

Yes. Berklee Online does accept credits you’ve earned in the Berklee track.

When and how should I apply to Berklee? Who do I contact with questions about my application?

As a Global Academic Partner credit transfer student, you are still required to apply for admission to Berklee.

We strongly encourage you to develop an academic plan with your advisor at your Global Academic Partner school, attend in-person and online Berklee events scheduled for your school, and sign up for updates from Berklee.

In order to take the most advantage of the credit-transfer agreement, we recommend applying for a semester at Berklee that starts once you’ve completed all the transfer credits from your Global Academic Partner school.

Applying to Berklee involves three primary steps:

Step 1: Submit Your Application Form

Create your account on the application portal, fill out the application, and pay the nonrefundable application fee to complete the application submission process.

Step 2: Confirm Your Audition and Interview

After we receive your application, we’ll schedule your audition and interview based on the preferred sites you selected. Once scheduled, you'll be able to view and confirm this invite within the application portal.

Step 3: Submit Supplemental Materials

Transcript: Before you can receive your decision, you need to provide at least the partial transcript from your Global Academic Partner school. You will need to send a final transcript once you complete all your credits at the partner institution.

If you have college credits you earned at another institution that you want Berklee to consider for credit transfer, make sure to follow the steps for transcripts and credential evaluation for domestic and international students.

English language requirements: If you are applying to the degree program and your first language is not English, you are required to submit a PTE Academic, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score to complete your application for admission. We recommend a PTE Academic score of 48, a TOEFL IBT score of 72 or higher, an IELTS score of 6 or higher, or a Duolingo score of 95 or higher.

For any questions regarding the admissions process, contact Berklee Admissions at admissions@berklee.edu.

What scholarships are available? Do I need to apply for them separately?

All full-time entering students are automatically considered for Berklee-funded scholarships as part of the admissions process when applying to the college. Additionally, you can review other financial resources and guides offered through the Office of Student Financial Services.

What are the options for federal financial aid for domestic students?

There are two main forms used to help Berklee award need-based financial aid: the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We encourage you to submit these forms as soon as possible. If you submit them by the important dates outlined below, you will receive your financial-aid award package as part of your admissions decision. For more information please see the Financial Aid page on Berklee.edu.

Am I eligible for federal financial aid?

Federal financial aid is available for eligible U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. To learn more about eligibility, visit the Financial Aid page. International students applying to Berklee College of Music do not apply for FAFSA-based aid, but must fill out the CSS Profile. The profile is not necessary for Boston Conservatory at Berklee students. Learn more options for institutional need-based aid and other international student financial options.

When can I start my major at Berklee? What majors at Berklee have special requirements for acceptance?

Generally, students apply for and declare a major only after they have begun their studies at Berklee. However, Global Academic Partner students are able to apply for majors during the last semester at their Berklee track programs. Thus, we strongly recommend that Global Academic Partner students research Berklee’s majors prior to applying. Please contact Student Success Advising (successadvising@berklee.edu) to learn more about requirements for declaring majors.

How important is my English proficiency if English is my second language? When should I take my English proficiency test?

Berklee classes are taught entirely in English. If you are applying to the degree program and your first language is not English, you are required to submit a PTE Academic, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score to complete your application for admission. We recommend a PTE Academic score of 48, a TOEFL IBT score of 72 or higher, an IELTS score of 6 or higher, or a Duolingo score of 95 or higher.

I’ve received my acceptance to Berklee. What are the next steps?

Once you are fully accepted to Berklee, there are requirements you need to complete in order to fully enroll. The requirements are below and are viewable on the Next Steps page in the application portal. The Accepted Students page explains all these steps in greater detail.

Is it possible to defer my start at Berklee?

Applicants who have credit-transfer agreements with a Berklee Global Academic Partner are not considered deferrals, and they can matriculate to Berklee when they meet any applicable criteria.

How do I send my transcript? When do I need to send it?

The transcripts from your Berklee Global Academic Partner institution should be emailed to admissions@berklee.edu. We only accept documents sent via email if provided directly by the issuing institution. If you have additional transcripts you wish to send, please visit the Transcript and Other Supporting Materials page.

I did not receive a scholarship to Berklee. Who can I speak to about my options? Are there external scholarship opportunities?

Your admissions counselor is the primary point of contact who can advise regarding your options. Additionally, you can review other financial resources and guides.

How do I pay my tuition bill? What are the payment methods?

Your final bill will become available in your student portal at my.berklee.edu. For more information, refer to the Payment Methods and Important Dates and Deadlines pages.

What are my options for housing while I’m at Berklee? Where will I live?

Whether you live on or off campus, student housing is as much a part of the college learning process as the classroom experience. It is an exciting time of self-discovery and of learning about the world. While many students choose to live on campus in their first year, we provide resources to help connect you with other students if you choose to live off campus.

On-Campus Housing: Berklee’s on-campus residence halls offer 24-hour security, practice rooms, laundry rooms, lounges, and other amenities. As a fall entering first-year student, you are guaranteed on-campus housing if you fill out the housing agreement and submit your housing deposit before the deadlines.

All residence halls are staffed with a rigorously selected, highly trained, and compassionate professional staff and student resident assistants. Our Housing and Residential Education staff works with students, faculty, and peers from across campus to build an engaged and supportive community. Learn more about on-campus housing.

Off-Campus Student Services: Many students move off campus after their first year. To help you find your way, explore our resources and materials for nonresidential students.

Does Berklee offer student employment? Are international students eligible?

The student employment program provides opportunities for you to work part-time on campus to help you meet some of your living expenses. It’s also a great opportunity for professional and educational growth, with more than 750 positions ranging from 10 to 20 hours of work per week, as well as daily opportunities for project-based temporary employment; both domestic and international students are eligible. Learn more about student employment.

I am an international student. Do I need a visa to come to Berklee? Will Berklee help me get one?

International students are required to obtain an F-1 student visa prior to commencing their study in the U.S. You will need an I–20 form from Berklee in order to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Once accepted to Berklee, you will receive instructions in your admissions portal regarding how to download the I-20 packet. Visit the Visa Information page to learn more about this process.

Once I have been accepted to Berklee and have confirmed my space, how do I schedule my classes?

Please refer to section VI. Registering for Courses at Berklee in the Berklee Global Academic Partners Guide for specific details on scheduling classes in your first semester at Berklee.

How should I prepare for my first week at Berklee? What can I expect?

Orientation week is full of informative and fun events and activities to help you learn about Berklee, get to know Boston, and meet other new Berklee students. You will receive the full schedule of orientation events and activities after you’ve attended the onboarding event when you arrive on campus. Here is what you can do to prepare for orientation:

Download the Policy Handbook for Students.
Visit the Accepted Students page to see the steps you should take prior to orientation.
Log in to the student portal to view any outstanding items you need to complete before you arrive.
If you are an international student, view important additional information about attending college in the U.S.

Before you arrive on campus, be sure to complete all necessary administrative requirements, including submission of your tuition payment, immunization records, high school transcripts, and health insurance documentation.

How to check the status of your administrative requirements:

Log in to Berklee.edu using the OnePass ID and password sent to you by the admissions team.
Find the Campus Tools menu (the white squares next to the search bar), and select "My Berklee."
Log in to MyBerklee, then select "Students" on the right.
Select "Semester Check-in" from the Check-in menu.

When you arrive on campus, you will participate in multiple new student orientations. For information regarding orientation, visit the New Student and Family Programs page.

Who can I talk to at my Global Academic Partner school and at Berklee for more information?

For Berklee Global Partners: Visit the Academic Partners page and find your school. The contact information is listed there.

For Berklee: Any questions about Berklee Global Academic Partners and about your Berklee experience can be sent to globalprograms@berklee.edu. You may also contact representatives from the following areas:

Berklee Admissions
Rosemary Hillard, Operations Manager
617-747-6607
rhilliard@berklee.edu

Tim Lee, Associate Director of International Recruitment
617-747-2361
tlee6@berklee.edu

Berklee Registrar
Anne Leone, Associate Registrar
617-747-2467
transfercredits@berklee.edu

Berklee Student Success Advising
Arielle Schwalm-Levine, Assistant Director
617-747-6970; 617-747-2386
aschwalm-levine@berklee.edu; academicadvising@berklee.edu

Berklee Online
617-747-2146 x 1 (for international callers)
advisors@online.berklee.edu

Berklee Valencia
+34 963 332 802 (10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.)
admissionsvalencia@berklee.edu

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