California State University, Monterey Bay
About California State University, Monterey Bay
Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) provides an extraordinary opportunity for international students to earn a degree at a comprehensive four-year university. Our diverse student body receives personal attention in small classes, while enjoying access to all the amenities of a safe, close-knit residential campus located on the beautiful Monterey Bay.
Living in Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay, California is a small, safe, and supportive community with amazing scenery. The campus is a short distance to beautiful beaches, mountains, and redwood forests. The area has great shopping, an excellent aquarium, abundant outdoor activities, and is a major tourist destination. Monterey is located in the center of the California coastline, making trips to famous destinations quick and easy.
Conveniently located near some of the best attractions in the U.S.
- 2.5 km to Monterey Bay beaches
- 12 km to downtown Monterey
- 50 km to Big Sur
- 105 km to San Jose/Silicon Valley
- 180 km to San Francisco
- 500 km to LA/Hollywood/Disneyland
Start Your Application
How to Apply to CSUMB
Follow the steps below to see how to get started on your application to CSUMB. Below are important dates to keep in mind when applying.
- Submit your information in the form above to receive an email with an application link.
- Once received, submit the application and the Required Supporting Materials:
- Official transcripts (and English Translations if applicable)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Financial Affidavit and bank statements
- Copy of biographical page of passport
- Pay the non-refundable $70 application fee
Fall Semester Dates:
- April 1 - Priority Application Date
- July 1 - Application Deadline
- Late August to Mid December - Academic Year
Spring Semester Dates:
- October 1 - Priority Application Date
- December 1 - Application Deadline
- Late January to Mid May - Academic Year
Applying by the priority application date increases your chances for preferred courses and housing. Applications may be accepted after the deadline on a case-by-case basis.
Fast Facts About CSUMB
- Established: 1994
- Enrollment: 8,000+
- International Students: 5%
- Average class size: 20-30 students
- Part of the 23-campus California State University (CSU), the largest four-year university system in the U.S.
- Nationally renowned Service Learning Institute
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- 13 NCAA Division II Athletic teams and dozens of intramural & club sports teams
- Lowest tuition/fees in the CSU system
- International students can take summer and winter courses at in-state tuition rates
Program Fees
Estimated Programs Fees
- Tuition & Fees (calculated at 12 units/semester) $16,647
- Health Insurance (required) $1,500
- Campus Housing (required for freshmen & sophomores) $7,200-14,200
- Meal Plan (required for select housing options) $2,800-4,600
- Approximate Total $29,875 – $35,047
Costs are approximate, and may vary by number of units taken, housing availability, personal preference, and other circumstances. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Scholarships
Scholarships
International students may be eligible for the International Student Non-Resident Fee Waiver. Recipients of this award receive a partial or full waiver for the non-resident fee portion of their tuition. You can find more information about the eligibility and application processes below.
International Student Non-Resident Fee Waiver
International F-1 degree seeking students may be eligible for the International Student Non-Resident Fee Waiver. The primary purpose of the waiver is to recognize international students who display exceptional scholastic achievements, dedication, and financial need. Recipients of this award receive a full waiver of the non-resident fee portion of their tuition, between $7,900 and $14,250 depending on the number of units taken. These awards are competitive and a small percentage of applicants will receive the scholarships. Students must reapply every year to be considered for the International Student Non-Resident Fee Waiver again.
Eligibility:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrate community involvement and/or leadership experience in extracurricular activities
- Demonstrate a history of exceptional scholastic performance (academic awards, honors, etc)
- Good academic standing at current high school or college (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Will be studying at CSUMB as an F-1 international student
- Provide a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak on your academic strengths and interests, involvement in the community, or personal qualities. (Examples of who you should ask for a letter of recommendation: teachers, school counselors, advisors, coaches, leaders of an organization you are associated with, employers, etc.)
Application Process:
- Applications will open on October 1 for the Fall semester and will close on May 1. No late applications will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed in May and the committee will notify awardees mid-May via email.
- Students must be admitted and pay their enrollment confirmation fee before June 1 in order to accept the scholarship.
- Students must enroll in a full course of study (12 units minimum for undergraduate students and 10 units minimum for graduate students) in order to receive the scholarship award.
To find out more about applying for a scholarship with CSUMB, complete the lead form at the top of the page
Admission
Admission Requirements
California State University Monterey Bay guarantees 100% admissions for all students. Learn how to apply here!
Admission Requirements
First Time Freshmen
Students applying directly from secondary school (high school) with no university credit. Must have completed high school (or equivalent) with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale. Must submit secondary school transcripts.
Lower Division Transfer
Students with less than 60 transferable university semester credits. Must meet first time freshmen requirements and carry a minimum 2.0 GPA on university credits. Must submit secondary school and all university transcripts.
Upper Division Transfer
Students with 60 or more transferable university semester credits. Must carry a minimum 2.0 GPA on university credits and submit only university transcripts. English Proficiency for all Undergraduates English proficiency requirements can be satisfied by any of the following:
- TOEFL iBT score of 61, IELTS score of 6.0, or PTE score of 45
- Transferring with college credit that meets the CSUMB General Education Oral & Written Communication (Area A2) requirement • Attending a school full-time where English was the primary language of instruction for at least three years immediately preceding admission to CSUMB
There may be alternate options for proving English proficiency. Contact internationaladmissions@csumb.edu to discuss your situation.
Service Learning
Learning Through Service
CSUMB is recognized as a national leader in service learning and civic engagement, and has earned the following distinctions:
- White House President’s Award for Community Service in Higher Education (CSUMB is the only two-time awardee)
- Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification in Community Engagement
Annual Impact:
- 2,800+ student involved
- 97,000+ hours of service
- $2.3 million economic value
Service learning is built into every bachelor’s degree as a graduation requirement.
Housing
Guarantee On-Campus Housing
- Guaranteed placement in on-campus housing for international students who apply by the priority deadlines
- Live by yourself or have up to 5 roommates (international or American) in rooms, suites, or apartments
- Choose from a wide array of amenities, floor plans, and prices options
- Some options have in-unit kitchens, so you can save money by cooking for yourself
Academic Distinction
Academic Distinction
Graduates from CSUMB go off and have amazing career paths. See where some of them end up as well as top programs of study.
Academic Distinction
Where CSUMB Students Go
Thousands of successful individuals have discovered their passion, nurtured their talents and developed their abilities at Cal State Monterey Bay. Here are just a few examples of the success our graduates have gone on to achieve.
Employers who have hired CSUMB graduates include:
- ABC Network
- Apple
- BBC Worldwide Productions
- CISCO Systems
- Discovery Channel
- Hopkins Marine Station (Stanford)
- NASA
- National Geographic
- Pixar
- Ralph Lauren
Graduate schools that have admitted CSUMB graduates include:
- American Film Institute
- Arizona State University
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- George Washington University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- New York University
- Stanford University
- Tufts University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Michigan
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
Most Popular Majors
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Kinesiology
- Biology
- Computer Science
Distinguished Majors
- Marine Science
- Sustainable Hospitality Management
- Cinematic Arts & Technology
- Global Studies
- Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy
ESL
American Language and Culture Program
The American Language and Culture Program (ALCP) provides an opportunity to learn and/or enhance English from knowledgeable, friendly (ESL) experts. The program is for students who wish to improve their English skills for professional development or academic preparation.
American Language and Culture Program
Why choose ALCP at CSUMB?
- CSUMB's International Programs Office is staffed with dedicated people, passionate about helping international students.
- You'll be part of a friendly, residential campus and have many opportunities to make friends while improving your English.
- You'll receive assistance and advice should you choose to apply for full admission to CSU Monterey Bay.
- Students can enroll in ALCP without taking the TOEFL or other English proficiency test. In addition, students who wish to study English in an academic program at CSUMB, but do not meet the language requirements may apply for both the ALCP and conditional admission to a degree program. Once students meet the English language requirements they may apply to CSUMB and begin their studies.
- The friendly staff of the ALCP will help you to adjust to life in America and American culture. We offer ample opportunities on how to succeed in the U.S. and at CSUMB.
- ALCP students have multiple possible options for housing. Housing may be either in a supportive home stay family environment, or on-campus, within easy access to classrooms, dining facilities, sports facilities and much more. Housing is dependent on the selected program, start date and availability.
