Admissions

If making useful things by hand is one of your career goals, then NBSS may be a good fit for you.

We seek individuals who are ready, willing, and able to train for careers in craft and trade industries. The programs are rigorous and space is limited, so we are selective in our admissions process. We strive to break down barriers with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also have grown our financial aid offerings, which helps make our School more accessible.

Below, you’ll find information on how to apply to one of our career training programs. The admissions process is easy, and helps us get a full picture of you as a candidate. Please contact admissions@nbss.edu with any questions. We look forward to working with you!

Applying to NBSS

Here’s what you need to apply to one of our career-training programs. View more details on each item below.

1. Complete the NBSS Application Form
2. Provide One Official Transcript
3. Request Two Letters of Recommendation
4. Complete Your Statement of Purpose
5. Share Your Work Experience / Resume
6. Schedule Your Interview and Visit, including Information Sessions
7. Review Technical Standards
8. If needed, complete Program-Specific or International Student Requirements.

Application Process Details

We do not require an application fee, supporting our commitment to universal access. Please note that admission is selective due to the rigor of our programs. Our Admissions Team will partner with you to counsel and understand your qualifications. The following steps outline the application process.

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

When you are ready, complete our online application.* We do not charge a fee to apply.

After submitting the form, you will receive an email listing the additional required materials. You can submit these items by using this additional document upload form, by email to admissions@nbss.edu, or by mail to NBSS Admissions, 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109.

*A hard copy application is available by request.

Step 2: Provide One Official Transcript

To demonstrate that you have completed your studies and graduated, one of the following is required:

• Official terminal high school transcript, homeschool transcript, or GED/HSE.
• Official terminal post-secondary transcript(s) for an Associate, Bachelor, or other advanced degree.
• Non-US students, please see the International Students page for more info.

What is “Official”? An official transcript must come directly from the institution or its service provider, or be delivered in a sealed, stamped envelope if it is a hard copy.

What is “Terminal”? Terminal means you graduated. Do not send partial or incomplete transcripts. You can use your resume (Step 5) to share your broad academic experiences.

How to Submit Transcripts:

• Have them emailed to admissions@nbss.edu.
• Mail a hard copy to:
  North Bennet Street School Admissions 150 North Street Boston, MA 02109

Step 3: Request Two Letters of Recommendation

You must submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from an instructor, mentor, employer, or client. We are primarily looking for insight into your work ethic and your commitment to your chosen career path.

Recommendation Guidelines:

• Recommendations must include the sender’s contact information and detail your abilities and potential for success in your program/industry.
• We do not accept recommendations from family members or significant others.

How to Submit Recommendations:

• You can send the recommender a link to our Letter of Recommendation form.
• They can also email the letter to admissions@nbss.edu or mail a hard copy to our Admissions Department:
  North Bennet Street School Admissions 150 North Street Boston, MA 02109

Step 4: Complete Your Statement of Purpose

Write a one-page, double-spaced essay detailing:

• Your experience.
• Reasons for applying.
• Professional goals.
• What you can contribute to your chosen program/industry.

If you did not include this in your original application, upload the document here.

Step 5: Share Your Work Experience/Resume

Provide a resume that details your work and experience history, including any related courses, internships, or other skill-building activities. We look for direct and transferable skills. If you did not include this in your original application, upload the document here.

Step 6: Interview and Visit to NBSS

A visit is the best way to experience NBSS. All applicants are required to attend an Information Session and an interview.

• The visit allows you to meet the Admissions team, see the workspaces, and, when available, meet students and instructors.
• We offer virtual Info Sessions for all programs.
• To schedule an individual in-person tour or an interview, please RSVP in advance by contacting admissions@nbss.edu.
• Applicants from outside of the state/country may be eligible to schedule an initial phone interview.

Step 7: Complete Program-Specific Requirements

Information for Veterans

NBSS has a long history of working with veterans to educate them for careers in traditional trades and fine craftsmanship. Depending on your service, you may be eligible for Veterans Benefits to attend one of our career training programs. View our Veterans page for more information.

Information for International Students

International students represent a growing portion of our student body, and help contribute to a rich educational experience at the School. The admissions process for international students is different from U.S. students, please view our International Student page for more information.

2025-26 Admissions Events

Date	Event	Location
9/30/2025	Catholic Schools College Fair	Boston College High School
10/1/2025	Boston Day & Evening Academy College & Career Fair	Boston, MA
10/3/2025	Margarita Muniz Academy College Fair BU-CAC	Boston, MA
10/9/2025	Winthrop HS College Fair	Winthrop, MA
10/10-13/2025	Society of American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM) Conference	Williamsburg, VA
10/9-11/2025	Guild of Book Workers Standards Conference	Iowa City, IA
10/17/2025	New Missions HS College Fair (BPS/BU-CAC)	Boston, MA
10/18/2025	Citywide College, Career, and STEM Fair (BPS)	Boston, MA
10/22/2025	BPS Fair at Boston Green Academy	Brighton, MA
10/23/2025	TechBoston Academy NBSS visit	Boston, MA
10/21-25/2025	Yankee Security Convention	Springfield, MA
10/25/2025	Bring Back the Trades Convention	Foxboro, MA
11/6/2025	TechBoston Academy College & Career Fair	Boston, MA
11/7-9/2025	Fine Furnishings Show	Providence, RI
11/14/25	Chelsea High School Fair	Chelsea, MA
11/17/2025	BPS Fair at Dearborn STEM Academy	Roxbury, MA
11/19-22/2025	Violin Society of America (VSA) Conference	Minneapolis, MN
12/4/2025	Massachusetts Conference for Women	Boston Convention Center
12/5-12/6/2025	NBSS Open House	NBSS
3/27-3/28/2026	JLC Live Residential Construction Show	Providence, RI
July 2026	Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) Annual Convention	Washington, DC

Financial Aid

Nearly 70% of current students receive some form of financial aid. In addition to federal aid, we have our own scholarships and grants for Boston residents, veterans, and degree holders. What’s more, we now awarding over $1,100,000 in NBSS scholarships annually to qualified students, making an education at NBSS more affordable than ever.

Learn all about financial aid and how to apply.

Accreditation

North Bennet Street School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Non-Discrimination Policy

Per Title IX requirements, North Bennet Street School admits students without regard for religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, color, disability, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin, military or veteran status to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of religion, sex, sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity and expression, race, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and other School-administered programs.

Learn more about other details of Title IX, including overview, contact information for our Title IX Coordinator and Deputy, and materials used to train these Title IX personnel at the School.