International Applicants

Complete and submit an online application via Cal State Apply(opens in new window)(opens in new window) by the posted application deadline along with the $70 nonrefundable application fee.

Click here to view videos of the CalStateApply Application process.(opens in new window)

F-1 or J-1 Visa

If you are an international applicant planning to study on an F-1 or J-1 visa, please apply online at Cal State Apply(opens in new window)(opens in new window) using the international application(opens in new window)(opens in new window). For information, requirements and application procedures, please visit the Office of International Admissions website.

Official Academic Documents

Any applicant with coursework or a degree from a college/university outside the United States but does not require a student visa (F-1 or J-1) must submit the academic documents listed below in order for your application to be considered for admission. We cannot make admission decisions on the basis of unofficial international documents. Third-party international evaluations cannot be used as a basis of admission.

• Submit one official transcript from all post-secondary colleges attended.
• Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an original certified word-for-word English translation.
• Applicants using a marks-based system of grading must submit university-attested semester format mark sheets and a degree certificate. 

If sending official electronic transcripts they must be sent directly from the campus or their clearinghouse to graduatestudies@csuchico.edu. 

Official paper transcripts must be received sealed in an original envelope from the issuing institution and be less than two years old. Official paper transcripts may be mailed to:

Office of Graduate Studies
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929-0875

You may email specific questions to graduatestudies@csuchico.edu or contact us at 530-898-6880.

Any applicant that will require a student visa (F-1 or J-1) should consult the Office of International Admissions for the necessary documents you will need to provide to them.

Supplementary Application Material

Carefully review Program/Department admission requirements online at Programs and Coordinators to determine if your program requires supplementary application materials (letters of recommendation, writing samples, statements of purpose, test scores, etc.). Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the Program Department. GMAT, GRE and English language proficiency test scores should be submitted directly from the testing company to CSU Chico. Incomplete applications will be denied.

English Language Proficiency Requirements (TOEFL / IELTS / PTE)

All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency. To demonstrate your English language ability, you should submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) score report to the Office of Graduate Studies. If you earned a U.S. Bachelor's or Master's degree, the English language testing requirement will be waived.

Exceptions to English Language Proficiency Requirements:
Students who have completed a degree (or three years of full-time academic study at secondary and/or post-secondary schools) in Australia, Great Britain, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United States.

Minimum English Proficiency Levels:
CSU, Chico minimum English language proficiency levels for postbaccalaureate admission are:

*Chico state's institutional code for electronic test score submission is 4048. Note: some graduate programs may require higher English language testing scores for admission.

All Applicants will receive their admissions decisions by electronic mail.