International

The California State University has 23 campuses. Before you apply for admission to the CSU, you will need to choose which campus(es) you want to attend. If you’re not sure which campus is the best fit for you, use the Campus Match tool to explore and compare schools. If you’re still deciding on your major, use the CSU Degrees tool to search programs across the CSU.

International Student Programs at CSU Campuses

Still have questions? Your best source for answers is the international admissions department at the campus(es) you're interested in:

Find a Campus

Ready to Apply?

All CSU campuses welcome applications from international students who hold a U.S. student visa, exchange visitors and other nonimmigrant classifications. Check with the admissions office of the campus(es) you’re interested in to learn more about their requirements.

Apply to the CSU

Applying to the CSU as an International Student

The admissions process for international students is different from U.S. resident students. Be sure to review all the sections below to understand the basics of applying as an international student. Some campuses or majors may restrict enrollment of nonresident students due to heavy enrollment demands.

English Proficiency Requirement

If English is not your native language, or you have not had three years of your secondary education taught in English, you will be required to provide proof of your English proficiency. Since most classes are taught in English, you must demonstrate your ability to read, write and speak English.

Financial Certification Requirement

In order to study in the U.S. as an international student, you must document that you have sufficient financial resources to complete your course of study. You must prove that you have enough funds to cover all the costs associated with your first year of full-time study.

Academic Records Requirement

You are required to provide all official academic records from any postsecondary institution you have attended and your secondary or high school records if required. The CSU campus will evaluate your high school or secondary school work as part of their admission determination unless you have completed 60 semester units of transferable college work (generally, two years of study).

Health Evaluation Requirement

CSU campuses will require you to complete a Health Evaluation Form. Check with the campus for their particular form. Included on most forms is an immunization history. Be sure your medical doctor or health care provider includes the day, month, and year of your immunizations. If this information is provided in a language other than English, then translation is needed.

Application Fee & Other Fees

Effective with the Fall 2020 application cycle, there is a $70 fee for each CSU campus to which you apply. Students applying for the Spring 2020 semester will pay a $55 application fee per campus.

Learn About Application Fees

Student Visas

You can start the visa application process as soon as you're admitted to the CSU. Once you've been accepted, your campus will send you an I-20 form, which verifies your eligibility for an F-1 student visa.

Learn More About F-1 Visas