How to Apply: International Graduate

Dare to take the next step in your educational journey by joining the Wildcat Family. Chico State’s international student master’s application is open for fall (August) and spring (January) start through Cal State Apply, the application for all CSU campuses. 

Application Open Dates*

Fall (August) Start: October 1–April 1
Spring (January) Start: August 1–September 15

*Master's program deadlines vary. Some programs offer fall admission only. Please check the application deadline for your specific graduate program.

Get Started

1. Review Admissions Criteria
   Admissions requirements for graduate international students include completion of an equivalent to a US 4-year bachelor’s degree and English proficiency (if applicable). Additional exams may be required depending on the program, such as GRE.
   
   
2. Submit Your Application
   Applications to Chico State are submitted online through Cal State Apply. Visit the Help Center for application tips, troubleshooting, and more. When creating your account, please select "F-1 visa" as an international student.
   
   
3. Pay Your Fee
   There is a $70 application fee.
   
   
4. Submit Supporting Documents
   Submit all required documents within two weeks of the application deadline. Only complete applications will be reviewed. All materials submitted during the application process become University property.
   
   
5. Send official academic records by international mail/courier: Official degree certificates and transcripts from all universities attended after high/secondary school should be mailed to Chico State.
   • Applicants with an Indian bachelor's degree must submit university-attested academic records (not college-attested).
   • Applicants with a Chinese bachelor's degree must also submit a graduation certificate.
     
     
6. Upload Digital Supporting Documents
   • Professional word-for-word English translation of all academic records (if university issued in a language other than English)
   • CV/résumé, and/or other documents (if required by program)
   • Copy of passport biographical information page
   • Financial support documents (optional, not required for admission)
     
     
7. Transmit official exam scores:
   • Proof of English language proficiency
   • You only need to submit GRE scores if you are applying for the Computer Science MS and your bachelor’s degree is not from an ABET accredited school in a computer science related discipline. (Choose university code “4048” to digitally send official scores)
     
     
8. Complete additional program applications (if applicable):
   Some programs require additional online applications or document submission directly to the faculty department. Review the graduate program page for details.
   
   
9. Keep in Touch
   Make sure you add apply@csuchico.edu to your contact list. Email is our primary form of communication and how we will keep in contact with you throughout the admissions process.

Application Processing

We begin review of graduate applications once all supporting documents have been received. Some programs have a single review period for the cycle and others have a rolling admission process.

• Check Your Status
  After applying online, log in to your Portal and navigate to the Student Center to check your admission status. An Admissions Evaluator will also communicate with you by email throughout the admissions process.
  
  
• Submit Additional Documents (if requested)
  If your application is complete, we may have enough information to make an admission decision. If, after reviewing your application, it is determined we need more information, including other transcripts or test scores, we will notify you by email with instructions and a specific deadline.

• Accept Admissions Offer
  Once you have been offered admission, commit to Chico State by submitting your intent to enroll.