The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, foreign students include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.
The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students. Verification of English proficiency (see undergraduate and graduate English language proficiency requirements), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least twelve weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.
If you have foreign academic work, you must submit official copies of academic records directly from your school, college or university along with a certified English translation.
Your academic records should include all of the following:
- Secondary school records
- Yearly records from each college or university attended, indicating the number of hours per semester or per year devoted to each course and the grades received
- Official documents that confirm awarding of a degree or diploma, with the title and date, if a postbaccalaureate applicant
All official documents submitted become the property of CSUMB. You must also submit a foreign credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service. Visit the International Student website for more information on foreign evaulation services. The university will determine the acceptability of any foreign work.
Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those majors or programs with limited openings.
Health Insurance Requirement
Effective August 1, 1995, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in the CSU. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Financial Verification
Evidence of sufficient financial support to complete a degree program is required for admission. The amount required is approximately $25,000 per academic year. Fees are subject to change. You must submit the required Affidavit of Financial Support form along with official bank, loan, or sponsor financial documentation.
Foreign Credential Evaluation
All transcripts from schools outside the United States must be sent, at the applicant's expense, to a foreign credential evaluation service. CSUMB requires a detailed course-by-course report.
Visit the International Student website for more information on foreign evaulation services.
Academic Major
To be eligible for an F-1 Student Visa, you must pursue a specific degree objective. Please refer to the descriptions of our majors and select a major that fits your educational objectives.
English Proficiency
As an international student applicant, you must demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in English. If you have attended a school where English was the primary language of instruction for at least three years immediately preceding admission to CSUMB, you meet this proficiency requirement. For all other students, the following minimum scores on TOEFL or IELTS:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| Paper Based Exam | 500 | 550 |
| Computer Based Exam | 173 | 213 |
| Internet Based Exam | 61 | 80 |
CSUMB's TOEFL code is 1945.
OR
International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
CSUMB requires a minimum socre of 6 on the IELTS.
For more information, please visit the international admissions page on our CSUMB.EDU/admissions website.