El Camino College is a large public community college in Torrance, in the South Bay of Los Angeles, a few miles from the beach. It has one of the strongest transfer records in California, sending students to UCLA, UC Irvine and Cal State Long Beach, among others. Tuition is low, and the campus has good science, engineering and nursing facilities.
Torrance, California, United States
Official website: elcamino.edu
Public community college in California
Among the top California community colleges for transfers to UC
Torrance, South Bay Los Angeles
$9,000 – $12,000
International students, associate programmes
$20,000 – $25,000
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 elcamino.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Science in Computer Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Business Administration (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Engineering
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
A strong track record of transfers to UCLA and other UC campuses.
A large campus with modern science labs.
Beaches a short drive away.
Most international students transfer to a university after two years.
Engineering and computer science transfer students often go on to UC and CSU.
South Bay aerospace firms offer internships later on.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is a big suburban site with parking, labs and a planetarium, served by local buses.
Torrance is a safe South Bay city near Redondo and Manhattan beaches. Rent is high, like most of Los Angeles.
Form I-20 issued by El Camino College
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
El Camino accepts international applications with deadlines around June for fall and November for spring.
Classes start in fall (August) and spring (February).
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from El Camino College after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Transfer programmes in arts, computer science, business and engineering are the main options. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 5.5.
The college foundation has scholarships open after your first semester. Ask the international office.
