Fresno State is the big public university of the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive farming regions in the world. It was founded in 1911 and its Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology runs a campus farm and a commercial winery. Engineering, business, nursing and education are also large. Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks are all within a couple of hours.
Fresno, California, United States
Official website: fresnostate.edu
1911
Public, California State University system
Jordan College, with campus farm and winery
Fresno, San Joaquin Valley
$17,000 – $20,000
International students, tuition plus nonresident fees
$13,000 – $17,000
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 fresnostate.edu before you apply.
BS Viticulture
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
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 Civil Engineering
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
A commercial winery run on campus by students.
Agriculture teaching on a large university farm.
Low living costs close to three national parks.
Agriculture and viticulture graduates join growers, wineries and food processors across the valley.
Engineers work on water, transport and infrastructure projects in California.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT; STEM degrees may qualify for the extension.
Undergrad
Oct to early Dec
Postgrad
Spring deadlines
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Fresno is a large, spread-out city with hot, dry summers and cheap rent by California standards. The Tower District has the old theatres and cafes.
Weekend trips are easy: Yosemite is about 90 minutes away, and Shaver Lake and Sequoia are closer.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
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
Undergraduates apply through Cal State Apply, usually between October 1 and early December for fall. Graduate programmes set their own spring deadlines, so check each department.
Most students start in the fall semester. Spring entry is offered in some programmes, mainly at graduate level.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, California State University - Fresno issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Viticulture and enology, agricultural sciences, computer science, engineering, business and the MBA are popular. Undergraduates need good school grades and IELTS 6.0; graduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and about IELTS 6.5.
Fresno State runs a general scholarship application each year and some awards are open to international students. Expect modest amounts.
