International Admissions

Mr. Bryan Davis
Dean of International Programs

Mr. Joseph Gemignani
Assistant Director of International Admissions
Phone 951.343.4690
FAX 951.343.4728
internationaladmissions@calbaptist.edu

International Undergraduate Admissions

Authorization

California Baptist University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

When to Apply

Application and the completion of the file for a particular term must be made according to the following deadlines. The closing dates for receiving international student applications and all supporting documentation are earlier than for standard applications due to the additional time needed to process documents through SEVIS.

Once all admission requirements have been met and the applicant is approved for admission, a letter of acceptance and the form I-20 will be issued. All international student athletes are subject to additional criteria as outlined in CBU’s International Student Athlete I-20 Policy.

Application Procedure

To be considered for admission, international students must submit the following:

1. A completed International Student Application for Admission
2. A $45.00 non-refundable fee
3. Official transcripts
   • Official sealed copies of all academic records (including transcripts, mark sheets and grade reports, as well as graduation certificates, diplomas and/or completion certificates) from secondary schools, showing dates of attendance, courses taken, and grades received. Transfer applicants are required to submit all official college transcripts from all colleges/universities attended and accompanying documentation, as well. All records must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to CBU. Transcripts received by CBU from a third party (including the applicant) are unofficial and cannot be used for an application file.
4. Essay or Personal Statement
   • Submit a personal statement (minimum 3-5 paragraphs) responding to the following question: “What do you hope to gain from your experience as a student at California Baptist University?” Give examples from an academic, social, and spiritual standpoint.

Financial Documentation

International students must submit the Sponsor’s Commitment of Financial Support form, provided by California Baptist University, accompanied by a certified bank statement or affidavit of support indicating sufficient funds for study. Financial support must guarantee and certify funds equal to a minimum of one year of the student’s academic study at CBU. Note: International students must pay semester charges in full before registration can be completed.

Language Proficiency

Students applying from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency in order to ensure a successful experience at California Baptist University. English proficiency may be demonstrated in one of the following six ways:

1. A minimum score of 71 on the Internet Based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 527 on the Paper Based Test (PBT)
2. A minimum score of 430 on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
3. A minimum score of 16 on the English section of the American College Testing Program (ACT)
4. A minimum score of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
5. A minimum score of 48 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
6. A minimum score of 105 on the Duolingo English Test (DET) with additional verification
7. Satisfactory completion (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) of twenty-four or more transferable semester college units, including the equivalent of English 113 (English Composition), in a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction

Students who do not meet one of the above English proficiency standards will receive joint admission to the traditional undergraduate and Intensive English Program (IEP).

Admissions Status

Standard

Standard entrance may be granted to those applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a TOEFL of 71 IBT. Students admitted under Standard status may take up to 15 units their first semester.

Joint

Joint entrance may be granted to those applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.5 but who do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement; students will be granted admission to the Intensive English Program and the traditional undergraduate program. After completion of the Intensive English Program, students admitted under Joint status may take up to 12 units in their first semester of the traditional undergraduate program. 

Denial

Denial may occur when an applicant does not qualify for admission in the above categories. California Baptist University also reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who are antagonistic with the philosophy and purpose of the University.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Intensive English Program (IEP) is a full-time, pre-academic and bridge program which fosters cross-cultural exchange by providing English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to non-English speaking students in preparation for study at CBU. ESL takes place in a classroom setting, collaborating with International Student Services (ISS) on co-curricular activities outside of the classroom.

Further information on the IEP course progression and ESL courses can be located in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.