Westcliff University is a private university in Irvine, in Orange County, that teaches business, technology and education at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level. Much of its teaching is online or hybrid, and on-campus classes are scheduled to fit working students. International students mostly come for the MBA and master's degrees in technology. If you are on an F-1 visa, check exactly how in-person attendance and CPT work before enrolling.
Irvine, California, United States
Official website: westcliff.edu
Private university
Irvine, Orange County
On-campus, hybrid and online
$12,000 – $18,000
International students, approximate annual tuition
$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 westcliff.edu before you apply.
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, Mar, May, Aug, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MS Information Technology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, Mar, May, Aug, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MA TESOL
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Jan, May, Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Doctor of Business Administration
DoctorateDuration
36 Months
Intake
Jan, Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Frequent start dates through the year.
Class schedules built around working students.
An Orange County base close to Irvine's business parks.
Graduates work in business, IT and teaching roles, often in California.
Some F-1 students use CPT during study; rules are strict, so confirm eligibility first.
STEM-designated master's graduates may qualify for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Westcliff has no traditional residential campus, so international students rent apartments nearby, often with roommates.
Irvine is a planned, very safe city with good buses and cycle paths, though a car helps. Beaches at Newport and Laguna are close. Rent is among the highest in the US.
Form I-20 issued by Westcliff University
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
Westcliff admits on a rolling basis for several start dates a year. Apply at least three to four months before your chosen term to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
There are multiple start dates across the year, usually in spring, summer and fall, with extra terms for some master's programmes.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Westcliff University 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.
The MBA, MS Information Technology and MA TESOL are the most common choices. Master's programmes need a recognised bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.0-6.5. Check attendance and CPT requirements for F-1 students carefully before you apply.
Westcliff offers some tuition scholarships and discounts. Ask admissions for the current terms in writing.
