Most students at Moorpark College are planning a transfer: two years here, then on to a University of California or Cal State campus for the bachelor's. It's a public community college in Ventura County, north-west of Los Angeles. The campus also runs America's Teaching Zoo, home to the Exotic Animal Training and Management programme, which draws applicants from far outside California.
Moorpark, California, United States
Official website: moorparkcollege.edu
Public community college
Ventura County Community College District
America's Teaching Zoo on campus
$9,000 – $12,000
International students, full-time, two semesters
$16,000 – $22,000
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 moorparkcollege.edu before you apply.
Associate in Science for Transfer, Business Administration
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Science, Computer Science
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Science for Transfer, Biology
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Exotic Animal Training and Management
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
A clear route into UC and Cal State universities.
America's Teaching Zoo, run by students on campus.
Much lower tuition than a four-year university.
Most students transfer to a UC or CSU campus to finish a bachelor's degree.
Zoo programme graduates work with animals in zoos, sanctuaries and film work.
Amgen and other Conejo Valley employers are close by for later careers.
Undergrad
Apply by early summer
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Apply by late autumn
Postgrad
No PG intake
Moorpark is a quiet suburban town between Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, with hills behind the campus and a dry, sunny climate.
Metrolink's Ventura County Line stops in town and runs towards Los Angeles. Rent in Ventura County is high, so many students share houses or live with host families.
Form I-20 issued by Moorpark 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
International applications have separate deadlines for fall and spring, usually several months before term. Apply early if you want the zoo programme, which has its own selective process and limited places.
Students start in August for fall or January for spring. The zoo programme admits in fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Moorpark College 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.
Business administration, computer science and biology transfer degrees are popular, alongside Exotic Animal Training and Management. Entry needs a completed secondary school education and IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 61, or an equivalent English test.
Scholarships for international students are limited. A few college foundation awards open up after your first semester, based on grades.
