Merritt College is a public community college in the Oakland hills, part of the Peralta Colleges. It's known for its nursing and health programmes, landscape horticulture, and general education courses that transfer to UC and Cal State campuses. The hilltop campus has views across the bay to San Francisco.
Oakland, California, United States
Official website: merritt.edu
Public community college, Peralta Community College District
Transfer agreements with UC and CSU campuses
Oakland hills
$8,000 – $11,000
International students, associate and certificate programmes
$20,000 – $26,000
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 merritt.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Business Administration
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Landscape Horticulture Certificate
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
A hilltop campus with bay views.
Transfer routes to UC Berkeley and other California universities.
Historic role in Oakland's civil rights history.
Most students transfer to four-year universities.
Horticulture graduates work in landscaping and parks.
Bay Area internships are within reach.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits in the hills above Oakland, reached by bus from BART.
Oakland is diverse and creative, with rent lower than San Francisco but still high.
Form I-20 issued by Merritt 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
Peralta accepts international applications on a rolling basis. Apply about three months ahead.
Classes start in fall (August) and spring (January).
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Merritt 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, business and landscape horticulture are the main options. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 5.5.
Peralta offers some scholarships after the first semester. Ask the international office.
