Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Who is an international applicant?

An international student is a student who plans to study at CI on a non-immigrant visa. Most international students admitted to CI obtain F-1 visas. H4 students must submit a domestic application online. If an H4 student wants to apply for a change of status from H4 to F1, he or she can contact the International Programs office at international@csuci.edu.

What programs are offered to international students at CI?

CI offers international students graduate, undergraduate, Semester at CI, and incoming exchange opportunities. All programs are open to international students except Nursing, certificate programs and MA in Education programs.

Please visit the Admissions page for more information regarding each of the programs listed.

What English Proficiency Exam options do I have, and what score must I receive?

Undergraduate: An official exam is required unless you qualify for a waiver.  The follow exams are accepted:

  • TOEFL score report with a minimum score of 61 on the Internet-Based test.
  • IELTS score report with a minimum of 6.0. 
  • Duolingo Academic Test with a score of 95
  • PTE (Pearson's Test of English) with a score of 46

Graduate: An official exam is required unless you qualify for a waiver.  The follow exams are accepted:

  • TOEFL score report with a minimum score of 80 on the Internet-Based test
  • IELTS score report with a minimum of 6.5
  • Duolingo Academic Test with a score of 105
  • PTE (Pearson's Test of English) with a score of 56

How can the English Proficiency Exam requirement be waived?

Undergraduate applicants: The English proficiency exam requirement may be waived for freshmen applicants who have completed three years at a high school and graduated where English was the principal language of instruction, in a country where English is the daily medium of communication for the majority of residents.  Transfer students who have completed an approved course to meet general education area A2 Written Communication (English Composition) at an accredited institution also qualify for a waiver. In some cases, a high SAT or ACT score may qualify a student for a waiver. 

Graduate applicants: The English proficiency exam requirement may be waived for graduate applicants who have completed three years at a high school or college/university where English was the principal language of instruction, in a country where English is the daily medium of communication for the majority of residents. Graduate applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution from the list of countries below may be exempt. 

Applicants educated in the following countries typically meet the standard for exemption from an English proficiency exam:

U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

What are the application deadlines?

Please submit all application materials by the following deadlines:

Undergraduate applicants

  • To study in the Fall: June 1
  • To study in the Spring: November 1

Graduate applicants

  • To study in the Fall: June 1 (unless specified earlier by a specific program)
  • To study in the Spring: November 1

Why do I need to fill out a financial affidavit form?

For students who plan to enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, certificates of eligibility (Document I-20) for obtaining the visa cannot be issued until students have proven their ability to provide full financial support for their first year of study at CI. A financial statement must show that the student has funding to cover the cost of living and studying at CI for two semesters. The funds must be liquid and may be from a  financial institution in the U.S. or foreign country. The date on the financial affidavit and bank statement must be no more than six months prior to the date received by the International Programs office. The cost of living and studying at CI for two semesters is listed on the financial affidavit form which is included on the Admissions page of each program.

When will I find out if I am admitted?

After you have submitted your application, the CI Admissions office will review your application and supplemental documents. Our International Programs office will contact you if any application items or documents are missing. Upon confirming that your application is complete, the CI Admissions office and/or the graduate program to which you are applying will determine your admissibility.  After all documents are received, you can expect the following processing times:

  • Undergraduate admission decisions typically take 2 weeks for a decision.
  • Graduate admission decisions typically take 4 weeks for a decision

The International Programs office will email you a formal admission letter and admission packet.

Do you require any immunizations?

Yes, immunizations are required. Please visit Student Health Services for more information and make sure to bring proof of immunization with you.

Who do I contact for more information about international admissions?

For further information, questions or concerns, please contact the International Programs office at 805-437-3107 or by email at international@csuci.edu. The office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

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