I want to apply...

An international transfer applicant is a student who wishes to study at our university on an F-1 (student) visa, who has completed post-secondary coursework at a college or university located outside the United States or a regionally accredited community college or university within the United States and has not yet earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree. 

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

• FALL 2025:  October 1, 2024 - June 1, 2025
  
  • Classes will start on August 25, 2025 for Fall 2025 intake (Open to all majors)
• SPRING 2026:  August 1, 2025 - November 15, 2025
  
  • Classes will start on January 20, 2026 for Spring 2026 intake (Open to all majors) 

To apply, submit the following:

1. University Application: 
   • • TWO OPTIONS:
       • • OPTION ONE: Apply online at www.calstate.edu/apply- Email iapply@csusm.edu  if you need assistance. Resource for the online application:  Application Guide for online application

           OR,  if you are having difficulty, you can apply with our paper application:

• • • • • OPTION TWO: Use the paper application  - complete and return to us

2.  All official post-secondary academic records including certificates, mark sheets, examination grades, degrees or diplomas in the original language of issue through the postal mail in a school-sealed envelope. Copies will be accepted for the admission decision.

• Lower-division transfers must also send secondary school transcripts
• Applicants who have studied in the U.S. are required to have the U.S. institution(s) send official transcript(s) directly to CSUSM. If you are attending a California community college, you may be able to send your transcripts electronically. Confirm with your school to check if this option is available.

3. Official English translations of all academic records including certificates, degrees or diplomas

4. Submit your affidavit of financial support form, must include bank statements

• Fall 2025 and Spring 2026: Use this form: Affidavit of Financial Support 
• Or, submit loan or scholarship letters for I20 issuance. 

5. Official TOEFL, IELTS , Duolingo or Cambridge English score report - once you apply, you will be given online access to a student portal where you can check if you are required to submit a test score.

CSUSM will clear this requirement if you have successfully completed an approved English composition course.

If you do not have a passing test score OR have not yet taken a test, guaranteed conditional admission is available through our English language program.

6. Copy of your Passport

EXPEDITE PROCESSING:  Send your unofficial transcripts and copies of documents for an admission decision and fastest processing by using link:  UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENTS HERE .   Be sure to change the file name to: your full name and email address.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT I-20:  Please be reminded that you must send your official transcripts and test scores (if required) directly to CSUSM by postal mail. US schools & universities can send US transcripts electronically at transcripts@csusm.edu. 

Admission Requirements

CSUSM accepts both lower and upper division transfer students. 

All transfer student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all postsecondary coursework completed.

Transfer student requirements:

• Lower division transfer students - who have completed less than 60 units (90 quarter) units must also meet first-time freshman criteria
• Upper division transfer students who have completed  60 units (90 quarter) units or more admission criteria:
• Applicants applying from: 
  •  A college or university within the US should have completed the following courses with a letter grade of "C (2.0)" or better:
    • A2 Written Communication 
    • B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning college level course (above Intermediate Algebra) 
  • A college or university located outside the US should have completed a B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning college level course (above Intermediate Algebra)
• Good standing at last institution attended
• Satisfy English Language Proficiency Requirement:

• Choose ONE from the following:
  • Completion of the equivalent of CSUSM's A2 Written Communication as noted in our catalog with a grade of C or better
  • TOEFL score of 61 iBT with writing score no lower than 19 and no section score below 14
  • IELTS overall band score of 5.5, writing score no lower than 5.5 and no section score below 5.0 
  • Cambridge English B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE) minimum score of 168.  (160 and above eligible for pathway program)
  • Duolingo score of 95
  • iTEP score of 3.6
  • Pearson's Test of English (PTE) score of 50
  • Global Test of English Communication (GTEC) 1125
  • Attended an approved institution where English was the principal language of instruction for 3 years (confirm with International Admission Office to see if your school is eligible)

Conditional admission is available through our language program if you do not have a passing IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English test score.

*Appeal process for special consideration due to extenuating circumstances/demonstrable hardship may be considered, submit appeal to: iapply@csusm.edu.