Contact International Admissions and Outreach
We’re here to help! Schedule a virtual appointment with an admissions advisor to receive personalized guidance on your application process.
Phone: 530-898-5415
Email: apply@csuchico.edu
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International Students
You are considered an International Student applicant if you require an F or J visa to study in the United States.
Over 300 international students from 52 nations attend Chico State each year. The cultural diversity of our students is what makes us who we are.
Who is an International Student?
Applicants who will require an F or J visa to study in the US should follow the International Admissions processes outlined on this page.
If you were born or lived outside the US, and will not need a student visa to study here,you can follow the domestic admissions process for your academic level (first-time in college, transfer, or graduate).
Your Application Process
International Freshman
Students who have or will graduate high school and have not earned college credit beyond graduation from secondary school.
International Transfer
Students who have earned college/university credit beyond secondary school graduation but have not earned a US bachelor's degree equivalent.
International Master's
Students who hold a US Bachelor's degree or equivalent and wish to complete a master's degree.
Application Periods
Applications are typically accepted for both fall (August) and spring (January) semester starts. Some graduate programs only accept applications for fall (August) start.
Submit your Cal State Apply application before the application deadline for consideration.
| Semester | Undergraduate (Freshman, Transfer, and 2nd Bachelor's) | Graduate (Master's) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (August Start) | October 1–May 1 | October 1–April 1* |
| Spring (January Start) | August 1–September 30 | August 1–September 30 |
NOTE: Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please email the Admissions Office.
IMPORTANT: Master's program deadlines vary, and some have priority deadlines. Certain graduate programs offer fall admission only. Please check the application deadline for your specific program on Cal State Apply. Details are also available on the graduate program pages.
Applicant Resources
International Student Estimated Cost of Attendance
To qualify for an I-20 form, newly admitted students must demonstrate an ability to pay the University’s estimated cost of attendance for the first academic year.
International Student Scholarships and Fee Waivers
Chico State offers a variety of financial support, either through the Wildcat Scholarships, the international office, or other support programs. These awards consider a range of criteria, including scholastic achievement, financial need, school and community service, and more. The Wildcat Scholarships application are open January to mid-February each year. Most awards are offered for one academic year beginning in the fall semester.
Academic Excellence
Chico State continues to rank nationally as a top University in a number of categories.
- Top 10
US Public University in the West
U.S. News & World Report (1998–2023)
- 4.5/5
Star Ranking for America’s Best Colleges
- Top 2%
Among US Colleges on the Social Mobility Index
The 10 Most Popular Undergraduate Majors for International Students
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- International Relations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Psychology
Chico State also has over 30 STEM-designated programs preparing students for the careers of tomorrow.
Visit Chico or Meet with Us
You can learn a lot about Chico from our website, but the best way to get to know us is by visiting campus or meeting virtually. Schedule an appointment to talk with an international admissions advisor or speak to an international student ambassador.
Quality Education at an Affordable Price
There’s a reason Chico State is considered a best value university— our tuition fees are competitively priced and alumni have high job placement rates and successful futures.
| Institution | Fees |
|---|---|
| Private University | $51,225 |
| University of California | $45,530 |
| Chico State | $17,318 |
*based on 2023/24 tuition rates and averages
Great Location in a Friendly University Town
Our picturesque campus is conveniently located right next to downtown Chico—rated one of the "Best College Towns in the US" by USA Today—and boasts natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere, all within a short drive of San Francisco.
Chico State is one of the only residential campuses within the California State University (CSU) system. This means most of our students live on, or within walking or biking distance (2km), of campus.
Chico’s cost of living is great too—housing rentals are on average 50% less than those in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions of California.
Programs for International Students
Whether English is your second language, you are the first in your family to go to university, or you are looking for structured support, we have many programs that ensure your academic success and help make Chico State easy to navigate.
ESL Support Services
Chico State is the only CSU campus with a separate center dedicated to non-native speakers of English! ESL Support Services assists students at no cost with preparing written assignments, reading comprehension, oral presentations and more.
International Student and Scholar Services
The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides personalized advising and support to help all international students navigate student visa regulations, academic policies, and general adjustment to life in the US and at Chico State.
Transfer Admission Guarantee Programs
Considering starting at a community college and applying as a transfer student? Chico State partners with a number of US community colleges to ensure a smooth transition to university study—saving students time and money.
Once You're Accepted
Are you admitted and wondering what to do next? Learn more about your next steps as a newly admitted Chico State international Wildcat!
Contact International Admissions and Outreach
We’re here to help! Schedule a virtual appointment with an admissions advisor to receive personalized guidance on your application process.
Phone: 530-898-5415
Email: apply@csuchico.edu