How to Apply: International Students

Before you start your application, you should have an idea of what you’d like to study at Cal State Monterey Bay. (Don’t worry: you can change this later.) Take some time to explore our 80+ programs to see what’s right for you.

All first-year international students must meet the following requirements:

• Equivalent of a 2.40 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale in high school
• High school diploma equivalent or certificate of graduation
• National Test Scores (if required by home country)
• Optional - Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is accepted but not required

All international transfer students must meet the following requirements:

• Lower Division Transfers (with fewer than 60 transferable credits)
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA in all transferable university credits
  • Must be in "good standing" with current or most recent college or university
  • Official university or college transcript (official record of marks/scores/grades)
  • Must have completed high school with a minimum 2.4 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • High school diploma equivalent or certificate of graduation
  • Official high school transcript (official record of marks/scores/grades)
  • National Test Scores (if required by home country)
  • SAT or ACT scores required for students who graduate from a US high school or a US accredited international school
  • Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit accepted but not required
• Upper Division Transfers (with 60 or more transferable credits)
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA in all transferable university credits
  • Must be in "good standing" with current or most recent college or university
  • Official university or college transcript (official record of marks/scores/grades)

Please note: Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to Cal State Monterey Bay.

International students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Cal State Monterey Bay should review program-specific admissions criteria and application requirements.

Find Your Program

The English proficiency requirement can be satisfied by any of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Undergraduate Minimum:
  • TOEFL Paper-Based Exam: 500
  • TOEFL Internet-Based Exam: 61
  • Request your official score report here (Our school code is 1954)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Undergraduate Minimum:
  • IELTS Overall Band: 60
  • Request your report or get more information about IELTS here.
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) - Undergraduate Minimum:
  • PTE: 45
  • Request your official scores here. 
• Three or more years of English at a high school in the United States.
• Transferring English (A2) credit from a community college or four-year university that meets CSUMB’s written communication requirement (see approved courses here.)

If you do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements, you may be eligible for Conditional Admission [link]. There may be alternate options for proving English proficiency, contact International Admissions to discuss your situation. You can reach us at internationaladmissions@csumb.edu. 

To apply to CSUMB, you’ll first need to register for an account with The California State University centralized admissions website, Cal State Apply. Once your account is created, you can immediately begin your application for admission.

Create or Log in to Your Account

Begin your application through Cal State Apply; the website will guide you through the steps. Rest assured; you will be able to save your work and come back later.

You’ll start by selecting the term you wish to apply for, and then you’ll be able to select your campus (CSUMB) and desired program. 

To get started, you should have the following information ready:

• Residency/visa status
• Transcripts/academic records
• English-language exam results
• Test scores (optional)
• Credit/debit card or PayPal account for $70 application fee

Download Apply Guide for International Applicants

Go to Cal State Apply

In addition to your application, you may be required to submit additional materials, such as official high school and college transcripts, as well as test scores. Specific programs may also require additional materials. 

Transcripts for International Transfer & Graduate Students

If you attended college or university outside the United States, you will need to submit your official transcript(s) to one of the following approved foreign credit evaluation services:

• WES (World Evaluations Services)
• SpanTran (Discount provided to students utilizing the CSUMB SpanTran application)
• ECE (Education Credential Evaluators)
• IERF (International Education Research Foundation)

Test Scores

Test scores are optional at CSUMB, and they can be used for advising and placement purposes. If you wish to include them with your application for admission, official SAT and/or ACT test scores must be sent via the College Board and/or ACT websites. 

Cal State Monterey Bay's institution codes are:

• SAT code 1945
• ACT code 0321

Be sure to complete the online application and get in any supplemental materials by the deadline for your desired term. 

Once you submit your application through Cal State Apply, you will also receive instructions on how to access your CSUMB dashboard.

In addition to academic records, you will also need to submit the following documents: 

• Scanned passport photo
• Degree seeking financial affidavit - download form 
• F-1 I-20 Transfer IN Request Form (for students already in the U.S. ) - download form

You’ll be able to check the status of your application at your CSUMB dashboard, as well as see a checklist of next steps. You will also receive updates and reminders about the process.

Cal State Monterey Bay offers international scholarships for high-achieving students. International scholarships are awarded to help waive the non-resident portion of your tuition. 

Apply for Scholarships

Students admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay will receive information about next steps, including financial aid, housing, and orientation.