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I want to apply...

An international first-time freshman applicant is a student who wishes to study at our university on an F-1 (student) visa, who is applying to one of our bachelor's degree programs and who has not yet completed post-secondary coursework at a college or university.

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE SCHOLARSHIP 
Apply now! (covering up to 50% non-resident tuition) 

APPLICATION DEADLINES

  • FALL 2024:  October 1, 2023 - June 1, 2024
    • Classes start on August 26 (Open to all majors)
  • SPRING 2025: August 1, 2024 - November 15, 2024
      • Classes start on January 21, 2025 (Open to all majors)

To apply, submit the following:

  • University Application

    TWO OPTIONS:

    OPTION ONE:   Apply online at www.calstate.edu/apply  -Email iapply@csusm.edu for assistance. Resource for the online application: Application Guide for online application     

    ATTENTION FRESHMEN-Special Instructions to select your major: Please select "UNDECLARED" for your major. The drop down menu on the online application will only allow you to choose "UNDECLARED". After you apply, please send us an email (iapply@csusm.edu ) to declare your major and we will update your application.

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

    OPTION TWO: Use the paper application, download fillable form and return to us   

  • Transcripts
    1. All official academic records including certificates, 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 process. Submit unofficials immediately to: UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENTS
    2. Official English translations of all academic records including certificates, degrees or diplomas

    NOTE:  Official international coursework marksheets/transcripts must be sent through postal mail directly to CSUSM after you have been accepted

    US coursework can be sent electronically. US schools and colleges can send US transcripts directly to CSUSM at transcripts@csusm.edu.

  • Affidavit of Financial Support

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

    SPRING 2024: Use this form: Affidavit of Financial Support 

    FALL 2024: Use this form: Affidavit of Financial Support 

    Or, submit loan or scholarship letters for I20 issuance. 

  • Passport
    Submit a copy of your passport. Please make sure that the copy is legible and not blurry
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement
    • 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 a high school where English was the principal language of instruction for 3 years (confirm with our International Admissions Office to see if your school is eligible)

    If you do not have a passing test score, you can apply for guaranteed conditional admission available through our English language program. 


EXPEDITE PROCESSING: UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENTS to submit your documents for fastest processing

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT I-20:   Please be reminded that you must send your official transcripts  through postal mail and have your test scores sent directly to CSUSM prior to the start of the term. US institutions can send US transcripts electronically to transcripts@csusm.edu.

Admission Requirements

  • Are or will be a high school/secondary school graduate or equivalent
  • Equivalent of a "C+" (2.5) grade point average  
  • SAT or ACT recommended but not required
  • Satisfy English Language Proficiency Admission Requirement:
  • Choose ONE of the following options:
    • 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 a high school where English was the principal language of instruction for 3 years (confirm with our International Admissions 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 score.  The minimum GPA required for conditional admission is 2.0.

Test credit accepted: Advanced Placement (AP),  A/AS levels, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) (see International Admissions office for details and other test credit accepted)

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

Office Location:

Located in the Extended Learning Building (accross from the Quad)
5th Floor #588
288 Campus Way
San Marcos, CA 92078
 
PARKING GARAGE ADDRESS:
295 June Way
San Marcos, CA 92078
 
Phone: (760) 750-4844  Fax: (760) 750-3138
 

Mailing Address:

California State University San Marcos - International Admissions
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 USA