Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS)

The CISS office operated in a hybrid format.  We are located on the top floor of the Student Center, Suite 310. We are open to drop-ins visits during our In-Person Advising hours during the academic year. Please see the  "Contact Us" section below for more details about our In-Person and Zoom Advising schedule. You may also contact us by phone, or email.

Do I need to take a full course load?  

Yes, new and returning international undergraduate students must remain enrolled in a full course load to maintain F-1 status. This means 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students.  Exceptions to this rule include students with pre-authorized reduced course loads and special student relief, and students in their final semester completing all remaining degree requirements. If you have remaining questions about your ability to take a full time course load, please contact the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu.

Can I take online or hybrid classes? - Undergraduate Students

While undergraduate courses briefly shifted to an online format due to COVID-19, undergraduate courses are now in-person on campus. Accordingly, all international undergraduate students will be expected to attend in-person classes on Bentley's campus.

Can I take online or hybrid classes? - Graduate Students

While Bentley graduate classes are offered in a hybrid format (with in-person and online class sessions), new and returning international graduate students will be expected to attend the majority of their classes in-person to maintain F-1 status. This means that you can take your full course load fully in-person each semester OR, if you choose to do so, only one of your courses (3 credits) towards your full-time requirement may be taken fully online. We recommend that students in hybrid courses with optional in-person class sessions track their in-person attendance using an Attendance Verification Form.

Can I study remotely from my home country?  

No, you cannot study fully remotely from  your home country or the U.S. (e.g., from another state) and maintain F-1 status. While remote study was temporarily allowed for specific groups of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bentley University has returned to normal operations and students are therefore expected to study on campus. If you are a new graduate student unable to travel to the U.S. due to personal, visa, or travel-related difficulties, please contact Graduate Admissions (applygrad@bentley.edu) for more information on deferring your enrollment. Continuing students who are no longer to take classes in-person from the U.S. should review the process to take a temporary Leave of Absence from Bentley.  

Spring 2024 Advising Schedule (begins January 22nd)

IN-PERSON OPEN ADVISING (Student Center 310)

           Mondays: 1:00pm - 3:00pm (EST)

           Wednesdays: 1:00pm - 3:00pm (EST)

VIRTUAL OPEN ADVISING  (Zoom URL: https://bentley.zoom.us/j/975192760)

           Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm (EST)

During open advising hours, an advisor will be on duty to answer your questions regarding your immigration status, travel, documents, and more! You do not need an appointment.  If you are unable to attend virtual advising hours or have a complex or personal situation that may not be able to be answered in a 10-15 minute open advising session with an advisor, please reach out to GA_CISS@bentley.edu to request a personal appointment.