Students are encouraged to apply no later than March 31, 2021 keeping in mind that there might be a backlog of visa applications at local consulates. Students who are accepted should begin their visa application process immediately. 

The course program fee (tuition) is fully refundable.

Please note that the $100 application fee is non-refundable. SEVIS Fees associated with your visa application are also non-refundable but are valid for up to one year. Health care insurance costs are also non-refundable, however, students can delay purchase of insurance until their planned arrival.

We strongly recommend students not enter into lease agreements or make travel arrangements until after they have secured their visa and confirmed their program start dates.

Students must have completed a bachelors degree and preference is given to current or completed Masters level students. We accept students who are studying engineering, business, design, social sciences, sciences or the arts as long as they have a passion for technology entrepreneurship.

Le Bridge Fellows enter the U.S. on the F-1 visa as international students and are considered Concurrent Enrollees.  This is an important distinction as it determines your priority when enrolling in courses. Many forms and applications across campus will often ask for your student status.

UC Berkeley requires that students show proof of funding for the entire duration of their stay. Please read carefully as this can be confusing!  Students only need to show proof of funding for the U.C. Berkeley portion of the program, which is $16,250 plus $2,100 per month for the cost of living (housing, food, etc). Students may be self-funded or have scholarships or grants.

IMPORTANT:  The total cost of the program is $30,000 USD which covers the Berkeley portion of the program as well as the incubation and internship program managed by SchooLab in Parsi, SF, or HCMC.

The University requires that every student have health insurance. Students have two options:

• Purchase an approved University healthcare plan through UC Berkeley Extension.
• Provide proof of an existing healthcare plan that meets University requirements and apply for a waiver.

Details on insurance plan requirements, cost, and waiver forms may be found here.

The current insurance fee at UC Extension is $880 per semester, subject to change.

As a Concurrent Enrollee on and F1 Visa you are able to receive a transcript with all of your grades once the semester is complete. Please note that the University will withhold transcripts if you have any outstanding fees due. Your home university may grant you academic credit for your work. 

Most universities will provide academic credit for your course work at UC Berkeley. However, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain written approval from their home universities. Usually this requires the course description and syllabus that may be obtained from instructors.

Le bridge Fellows students are required to take a full-time academic course load, which is equal to 9 UC Berkeley academic units.  

SCET requires that at least 6 of these units be earned by enrolling in SCET courses.

The maximum course load for Le Bridge students is 12 units.  Students who enroll in more than 12 units will be automatically charged additional at the prevailing rate per unit as set by the University.

If students elect to remain in San Francisco for the incubation portion of the program, they may earn an additional 2 units.

Due to the very high demand for housing, UC Berkeley and the SCET staff cannot assist with housing requests. Student housing (on campus housing) is extremely limited, so most students will find an apartment or house off campus to share with other students. You may find several housing tips and resources here.

The University provides an estimated cost of living that is used in the official calculation of funds required for your visa application. This amount may be adjusted annually and is set for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The current cost of living for 2019 - 2020 is $2,100 per month.

It is important to note that the official cost of living estimate provided by the University should be viewed as the minimum amount required for housing and other living costs. Berkeley and the surrounding Bay Area has one of the highest costs of living in the United States.

The biggest factor is your choice of housing.

Yes, students will receive a Cal ID card and Berkeley email address after they arrive on campus and check in. UC Berkeley Extension will provide students access to their ID card and email/CalNet credentials prior to arrival. 

The Le Bridge Fellows program is a one-year program. Students may apply for other programs at UC Berkeley or other universities.

Any questions regarding visa extensions or visa regulations and restrictions should be directed to the experts at UC Berkeley Extension.

No. Students attending on F-1 Visas are not allowed to work, paid or unpaid. The program is a full-time program and the visa is only issued for academic purposes.