Office of Admissions

Apply as an International Freshman

Requirements will vary depending on where you attend high school, either inside the U.S. or outside of the U.S.  Please select the correct option for details. Undergraduate international applicants (freshmen and transfers) are encouraged to review the International Application Guide (PDF) when completing the Cal State Apply application.  

Non-California residents must have a 3.00 GPA or higher.

Requirements for Freshmen who are from U.S. high schools (If you have attended or are currently attending a high school inside the U.S.)

Grades of “C-“ or better in the following subjects:

A-G requirements for first time freshman
Subject Years Courses
History/Social Science 2 years

1 year of world or European history, cultures and geography

1 year of U.S. history or half-year of U.S. history and half-year of American government or civics
English 4 years English
Mathematics 3 years Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
Science 2 years

Laboratory science that includes two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of interdisciplinary , integrated or earth science can meet one year of this requirement.
Visual & Performing Arts 1 year

Yearlong course chosen from the following disciplines: dance, drama/theatre, music, visual art, or interdisciplinary arts.
Elective 1 year College-preparatory electives

Applicants who apply to non-impacted majors and are from local area high schools who meet the minimum CSU eligibility requirements will be admitted. Impacted majors will be held to a higher admission eligibility.

English proficiency exams for international students
Exam  Undergraduate Graduate

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition and MyBest

71 iBT

71 iBT

80 iBT

80 iBT

100 (MA English Applicants)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0

6.5

7.0 (MA English Applicants)

Duolingo English Test

 95

105

120 (MA English Applicants)
English Proficiency Waivers:
  • If you have studied at least 3 years of full-time enrollment at a secondary/high school where English is the principal language of instruction.
  • Countries where English is the national language include: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada (except Québec), Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa, Trinidad, the United Kingdom, the United States, Virgin Islands and Wales

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, you may be asked to provide CPP Office of Admission with your high school transcripts. If requested, you must provide:

  • All high school transcripts/marksheets since grade 9
  • English translation (if marksheets are not in English)
  • If admitted to the university, you will need to provide OFFICIAL transcripts along with certified translations

Requirements for Freshmen who are from non-U.S. high schools (If you have attended or are currently attending a high school outside of the U.S.)

U.S. equivalent “C-“ grade or better in the following subjects:

A-G requirements for international students from non u.s. high schools
Years Subject/Courses
2 years required; 3 years preferred History, Civics, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Humanities, Government, Geography
3 years required; 4 years preferred Mathematics
2 years required; 4 years preferred Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, or Physics)

Students with IGCSE/"O" Levels: You must provide scores for at least five subjects with a score of “C” or higher. Students in the new grading system are required to obtain a score of 4 or higher. Subjects must include English, Mathematics, Social Science, one Biology and one Physical Science (Chemistry or Physics). IGCSE/”O” Levels can be replaced by “A” Level or “AS” Level subjects.

Students in the IB System: You are required to complete at least six subjects with grades of 4 or higher. Subjects should include Math and Laboratory Sciences (Biology and Chemistry or Physics).

English proficiency exams for international students
Exam Undergraduate Graduate

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition and MyBest

71 iBT

71 iBT

80 iBT

80 iBT

100 (MA English Applicants)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0

6.5

7.0 (MA English Applicants)

Duolingo English Test

 95

105

120 (MA English Applicants)

English Proficiency Waivers:

  • If you have studied at least 3 years of full-time enrollment at a secondary/high school where English is the principal language of instruction.
  • Countries where English is the national language include: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada (except Québec), Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa, Trinidad, the United Kingdom, the United States, Virgin Islands and Wales

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, you will be asked to provide CPP Office of Admission with your high school transcripts.  The Office of Admissions will convert your international grades to the equivalent U.S. 4.0 grade scale in order to ascertain your academic profile.  When requested, you must provide:

  • All high school transcripts/marksheets since grade 9
  • English translation (if marksheets are not in English)
  • If admitted to the university, you will need to provide OFFICIAL transcripts along with certified translations

Requirements for Domestic student, or U.S. Citizens, from non-U.S. high schools (Domestic students, or US citizens, who have or are currently attending high school outside of the US, do not need a student visa, F1 or J1)

U.S. equivalent “C-“ grade or better in the following subjects:

A-G requirements for international students from non u.s. high schools
Subject Years Courses
History/Social Science 2 years History, Civics, Social Studies or Government
Mathematics 3 years Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
Science 2 years Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, or Physics

English proficiency exams for international students
Exam Undergraduate Graduate

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition and MyBest

71 iBT

71 iBT

80 iBT

80 iBT

100 (MA English Applicants)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0

6.5

7.0 (MA English Applicants)

Duolingo English Test

 95

105

120 (MA English Applicants)

English Proficiency Waivers:

  • If you have studied at least 3 years of full-time enrollment at a secondary/high school where English is the principal language of instruction.
  • Countries where English is the national language include: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada (except Québec), Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa, Trinidad, the United Kingdom, the United States, Virgin Islands and Wales

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, you will be asked to provide CPP Office of Admission with your high school transcripts. The Office of Admissions will convert your international grades to the equivalent U.S. 4.0 grade scale in order to ascertain your academic profile. When requested, you must provide:

  • All high school transcripts/marksheets since grade 9
  • English translation (if marksheets are not in English)
  • If admitted to the university, you will need to provide OFFICIAL transcripts along with certified translations