Berkeley Physics International Education (BPIE) Program

The Berkeley Physics International Education (BPIE) Program provides undergraduate international students an exciting opportunity to study at UC Berkeley for one semester or one year. Take advantage of rigorous physics courses and unique research opportunities to enhance your educational experience.

Each semester, you'll take 12 academic units.

Study physics with some of the world's brightest students and most distinguished faculty.

Course offerings include quantum mechanics, atomic physics, solid state physics, biophysics, string theory, cosmology, thermal and statistical physics, data science and more! View current course offerings. .

Academic Opportunities

• Study physics with some of the world’s brightest students and most distinguished faculty
• Course offerings include quantum mechanics, atomic physics, solid state physics, biophysics, string theory, cosmology, thermal and statistical physics, data science and more at the #1 global public university in the United States
• Complete UC Berkeley courses that will count toward credit at your home university

Program Benefits

• Professional Academic Advising: Get help with your course selection and assistance throughout the program.
• Exclusive Faculty-BPIE Student Lunches: Engage with Physics faculty (Nobel laureates might join!) to learn about their academic and research experiences.
• Annual Undergraduate and Graduate Poster Sessions (Spring Semester): Learn about students’ research work and showcase your own discoveries.
• Physics 199 Independent Study: In this course, you conduct research and write a research paper.
• Workshops on applying to graduate school
• Career exploration panels
• Research lab tours
• Faculty-led visit to Lawrence Hall of Science
• Department-sponsored cultural outings

Extracurricular Activities

• Hiking trips near campus
• Movie outings
• Opportunity to study in our incredible campus libraries
• Access to the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) and over 100 student groups on campus
• Unique opportunity to have the UC Berkeley student experience!

Field Trips

• Scenic tours to the Pacific coastline
• Field trips to near-by cities including San Francisco, Napa, Half Moon Bay, Monterey

CLICK HERE for more details about the BPIE program.

Expected course workload

12 UC Berkeley semester units in one term in the Physics Department. This number of units is also needed for visa requirements.