Thousand Oaks sits in the Conejo Valley, halfway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, and Cal Lutheran's campus runs up against the hills on its north side. The university was founded in 1959 and keeps a Lutheran affiliation, but students of every background enrol. International students tend to choose its graduate business, IT and economics programmes. Undergraduates get small classes and a residential campus.
Thousand Oaks, California, United States
Official website: callutheran.edu
1959
Private university, Lutheran-affiliated
Thousand Oaks, Ventura County
Graduate centres in Oxnard and Woodland Hills
$36,000 – $52,000
International students; graduate programmes cost less per year
$18,000 – $24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on callutheran.edu before you apply.
MS Information Technology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Quantitative Economics
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
Graduate business and IT programmes with evening classes.
A hillside campus in a safe suburban city.
Small undergraduate classes taught by faculty.
Local employers include Amgen, headquartered in Thousand Oaks, and firms across Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley.
IT and economics graduates move into analyst roles in Southern California.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT; STEM degrees may qualify for the extension.
Undergrad
January 15 priority
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus sits at the foot of Mount Clef Ridge, with trailheads a few minutes from the residence halls. Thousand Oaks is quiet, green and one of the safer cities in the region.
Malibu beaches are about 30 minutes away over the hills. Rent is high, and a car makes daily life much easier.
Form I-20 issued by California Lutheran University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduate applicants should aim for the January 15 priority date for fall. Graduate programmes review on a rolling basis; international students should apply at least four months before the term.
Undergraduates start in the fall. Most graduate programmes admit in fall and spring, and some add a summer start.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from California Lutheran University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
MS Information Technology, MS Quantitative Economics and the MBA are popular with international students. Graduate entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80; undergraduates are assessed on school grades.
Undergraduate international students are considered for merit scholarships at admission. Graduate students can ask about programme-level awards and assistantships.
