BISP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Updated August 2026

Overview and Program Benefits

The Berkeley International Study Program at the University of California, Berkeley, is launching a new collaboration, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation education. The initiative will offer semester-long courses (16 weeks) for university-level students in programs from around the world, especially those that plan for careers in business, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, marketing, and management.

The program builds on collaborations with Norwegian institutions of higher education, and is also open for students from other countries. 

For more information, contact Trond Petersen, Director of the Berkeley International Study Program, at trond@berkeley.edu. Interested students and potential partner universities can contact Jenny Cornet-Carrillo, Associate Director of the Berkeley International Study Program, at bisp@berkeley.edu

Spring 2027 and beyond: Applications will soon open! It's time to start planning
Talk with your home university to discuss the process for your school so you are ready to submit the paperwork required. For Spring 2027 and beyond, we offer a full semester of studying abroad at UC Berkeley through the Berkeley International Study Program. Most students will take between 3-5 courses during the semester, with a variety of options available depending on your specific interests and academic goals. See below for a list of sample courses. 

Eligibility

Priority will go to students enrolled in bachelors, masters, or doctoral programs in entrepreneurship and innovation, or related areas. Norwegian students seeking to fund their studies abroad through Lånekassen (separate link) may find preliminary information regarding their eligibility for loans and scholarships. Students from other countries should consult with their home university or home country for funding opportunities available to you. 

Check for your home university on the BISP Partner List (separate link) 

Students from a partner university: Contact the International Office at your faculty or school to begin the application process. We recommend doing this as soon as possible; deadlines will be earlier at your university than our deadlines. If you meet your home university’s criteria and are selected to proceed, your school will nominate you to BISP.  Once nominated, students will receive instructions outlining the next steps.

Independent students: If you are interested in pursuing the BISP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative, you must first apply for the Berkeley International Study Program (BISP).  Learn more about BISP's application process (separate link). When you write your personal statement, make sure to indicate your interest in Entrepreneurship and Innovation options. Once we receive your application materials, you will be sent instructions for the next steps.

If you are already enrolled in BISP or another concurrent enrollment program, please email bisp@berkeley.edu.

Pursuing the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Course Options Through BISP

All students are encouraged to apply early in the semester before the term they plan to study abroad. BISP partner deadlines are usually early in the semester, and independent students should apply early for quick responses. Students will work with a BISP advisor before the semester begins to select classes aligned with their interests and goals.

Anticipated Dates for Spring & Fall 2027:

Spring Semester 2027:

  • Orientation/Week of Welcome in Berkeley (required): January 12-18, 2027
  • Course Instruction Begins: January 19, 2027
  • Final Examinations: May 10-14, 2027

Fall Semester 2027:

  • Orientation/Week of Welcome in Berkeley (required): August 18-24, 2027
  • Course Instruction Begins: August 25, 2027
  • Final Examinations: December 13-17, 2027

Sample Classes

Please note: Course enrollment is on a space-availability basis, and not all classes are offered every semester. This is a small sample of the classes that are offered at Berkeley related to entrepreneurship and innovation. Flexibility is required. 

We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to spend a semester, or maybe two, with us at Berkeley. We are sure you will find it to be an incredible academic and cultural experience. 

BISP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Digital Toolkit

This section offers access to digital toolkit links designed to inform prospective students and partner institutions about the program's unique opportunities.

More Information

If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact us: bisp@berkeley.edu