International Students

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Financial Certification Prior to Admission

Prospective International Students

International students who wish to apply for a student visa must demonstrate financial support before a letter of admission or an “I-20” or “DS-2019” form will be issued.  Students will be required to submit I-20 Letter of Consent and Declaration of Finances via a secure online portal upon admission. Please review the Estimated Cost of Attendance page for information regarding the financial support documentation.

International Student Admission Requirements

General Requirements for All Foreign Applicants

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors or in other nonimmigrant classifications. California residents and U.S. citizens with international transcripts may be processed through the Office of International Admissions if the applicant needs to provide international transcripts for admission evaluation purposes. The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students.

Verification of English proficiency (see the Graduate Policies  chapter in this catalog), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Each applicant must have a declared educational objective (major) when the application is filed. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file before the start of the semester of admission and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California for majors that are impacted or for programs with limited openings.

International Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Applicants

Graduate applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree obtained from a recognized university. Applicants must also have the equivalent of a 2.50 grade point average, or higher, in their last two years of college-level courses.

In addition, each applicant must have a declared educational objective when the application is filed. International students on F-1 student visas may be admitted as “Conditionally Classified Graduate,” “Classified Graduate,” or “Classified Post-Baccalaureate” students. They may not be admitted as “Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate” students.

Note: Some graduate programs may require admission tests such as the GMAT or GRE and a supplemental application. Please consult the individual graduate department for any additional application or admission requirements.

Academic Records of International Students

Certificates, diplomas, mark sheets, transcripts, and test scores must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the International Admissions Office to be considered official. The International Admissions Office reserves the right to determine what constitutes an official document. Certified English translations must accompany all non-English original documents. Documents submitted are the property of Cal State East Bay and will not be returned.

Enrollment Requirements for F-1 & J-1 Visa Students

Graduate students on a student visa are required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to take a minimum of 8 units per semester that will count towards their degree as a “graduate” student, a “classified post-baccalaureate” student, or an “unclassified post-baccalaureate” student with an approved course of study.

Note: Enrollment in courses directly through Open University (University Extension) may not count for visa certification purposes. International Students interested in taking credit-bearing courses should contact Global Academy (GlobalAcademy@csueastbay.edu) for further information on the Visiting Student Program. 

International students should contact the Center for International Education (cie@csueastbay.edu) for information on matters affecting visa status, eligibility for employment, and any special academic requirements for international students.

International Admission Office

All matters pertaining to the admission of international students are handled by the International Admissions Office. Students from other countries should consult with the International Admissions Office regarding visas, eligibility for employment, and any special academic requirements.

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, “international students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other non-immigrant classifications. California residents and U.S. citizens with international transcripts are also classified as “international students” for admission evaluation purposes. Cal State East Bay uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “foreign students”. Verification of English proficiency (see below), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission.

Prospective Graduate Students

Graduate applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree obtained from a recognized university. Applicants must also have the equivalent of a 2.50 grade point average, or higher, in their last two years of college-level courses.