Exchange and Semester@ admission requirements

These admission requirements apply to students interested in the following semester or year-long programs:

  • CSU International Programs (CSUIP)
  • International Exchange
  • National Student Exchange (NSE)
  • Semester@CSUMB

Academic requirements

  • Must be in good standing at current university or institution (if applicable)
  • Provide a copy of transcripts in English (required for course placement)
  • No minimum GPA is required
  • No test scores are required

English Proficiency Requirement

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

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  • Undergraduate minimum scores: 
    • TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Exam): 500
    • TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Exam): 61

The CSUMB TOEFL code is 1945. Visit the ETS TOEFL website to request your official score report.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

  • Undergraduate minimum score:
    • IELTS Overall Band: 6.0

Official IELTS test scores must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Please list CSUMB as a recipient of your scores when you take the test or contact the Test Center where you took the IELTS exam to request that they send an official Test Report Form to CSUMB. More information is on the IELTS website.

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)

  • Undergraduate minimum score:
    • PTE: 45

Official PTE scores must be sent directly to CSUMB from Pearson. Please visit the PTE website for additional information.

If an applicant has attended a high school or college in the U.S. for three or more years, or has attended a high school where English is the principal language of instruction for three or more years, the TOEFL or other English language proficiency exam is not required.

Please note:

    • CSUMB interprets "where English is the principal language of instruction" to mean that a school is located in a country where English is the daily medium of communication for the majority of residents, and that students receive academic instruction in English at all levels of education.
    • Countries currently meeting this above requirement are: United States, Australia, Belize, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Nigeria, plus a few nations in the Commonwealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago).

A Duolingo score of 95 or higher can be used for proof of English proficiency.

If you are applying to CSUMB through an agency or a partner university, there may be alternative ways to meet the English proficiency requirement, as outlined in CSUMB's agreement with your agency or university. Please check with your agent or home campus coordinator for details.

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Semester@ Application Steps

Ready to study in California for a semester or two? Follow our step-by-step guide for Semester@ students.

Learn More
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Exchange Application Steps

If you're from a partner university, follow the step-by-step guide for Exchange students.

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Contact International Admissions Office

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Contact International Admissions Office

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Contact International Admissions Office

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