The California State University is not one campus but a public system of more than 20 universities, run from a Chancellor's Office in Long Beach. It is the largest four-year public university system in the country, stretching from Humboldt on the north coast to San Diego near the Mexican border. Each campus sets its own programmes and admits its own students, but everyone applies through Cal State Apply. Fees for international students are low by US standards.
Long Beach, California, United States
Official website: csulb.edu
Public university system
More than 20 across California
Chancellor's Office, Long Beach
Cal State Apply
$18,000 – $22,000
International students, typical campus, approximate
$14,000 – $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 csulb.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Engineering Management
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
One application portal for every campus in the system.
Nonresident fees well below most US private universities.
Practical, career-oriented degrees in engineering, business, nursing and teaching.
CSU graduates fill a large share of California's teaching, engineering and business jobs.
Campuses near Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and San Diego feed local tech and aerospace employers.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT, with a STEM extension for qualifying degrees.
Undergrad
Oct to early Dec
Postgrad
Varies by campus
Undergrad
Some campuses only
Postgrad
Some campuses only
Campuses cover the whole state: Chico and Humboldt in the north, Sacramento and Fresno inland, and a dense cluster around Los Angeles and Orange County.
Costs vary a lot. Living in San Jose, San Luis Obispo or Long Beach costs far more than Bakersfield, Fresno or Turlock.
Form I-20 issued by your CSU campus
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
For fall undergraduate entry, Cal State Apply usually opens on October 1 and the main filing window closes in early December, though some campuses extend it. Graduate deadlines are set by each campus and programme, often between December and April.
Every campus admits in fall. Spring entry is available only at some campuses and for some programmes, so check each campus on Cal State Apply.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from your CSU campus 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.
Computer science, business, engineering and nursing are the most requested programmes, and several are impacted with higher entry bars. Undergraduates need strong school grades; graduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and usually IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80.
Scholarships for international students are limited and set campus by campus. Most students plan to cover the full cost themselves, though some graduate departments offer assistantships.
