Golden West College is a public community college in Huntington Beach, Orange County, a couple of miles from one of California's best-known surf beaches. Most international students do their first two years here and transfer to UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach or other California universities. It also has strong nursing and digital arts programmes.
Huntington Beach, California, United States
Official website: goldenwestcollege.edu
Public community college in Orange County
Transfer agreements with UC and CSU campuses
Huntington Beach, California
$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 goldenwestcollege.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Business Administration (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Computer Science
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Digital Media Arts
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Transfer routes to UC Irvine and other California universities.
Surf beaches a few minutes away.
Digital arts and media studios.
Most students transfer to four-year universities after two years.
Orange County's tech and healthcare employers offer internships later.
Community college fees keep costs low for the first two years.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is a flat suburban site with a library, labs and a big student centre.
Huntington Beach is a laid-back beach city. Rent is high, so many students live in homestays or shared apartments.
Form I-20 issued by Golden West 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
Golden West accepts international applications with deadlines around June for fall and November for spring.
Classes start in fall (August) and spring (January).
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Golden West College 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.
Transfer programmes in arts, business, computer science and digital media are popular. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 5.5.
The college foundation has scholarships open after your first semester. Ask the international office.
