International Admissions

Mr. Bryan Davis
Dean of International Programs

Mr. Joseph Gemignani
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.

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

   • The University must receive 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. Electronic official transcripts and digital official transcripts sent from a school administrator may be accepted. 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 interests you the most about CBU and how can our programs, faculty, and location help you achieve your future goal?”

Financial Documentation

Though an admission decision can be provided before financial documents are submitted, international students must submit proof of financial support before an I-20 will be issued. Documentation verifying the applicant’s ability to meet financial obligations (tuition, fees, books, room and board, personal expenses and health insurance) for the first year is required by the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Students must send the following items before an I-20 will be issued:

• The exact amount designated to the applicant for educational purposes.
• Completion of the Affidavit of Financial Support (Sponsor Form).

Language Proficiency

Applicants applying from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency in order to ensure a successful experience at CBU. English proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• A recent official test score report with a minimum 71 IBT on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). CBU’s TOEFL institution code is 4094.
• A recent official test score report with a minimum 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• A recent official test score report with a minimum 48 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• A recent official exam score of a B2 (160-180), C1 (180-200), or C2 (200-230) on the Cambridge English Assessment Exam.
• An official test score with a minimum of 430 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
• An official test score with a minimum of 16 on the English section of the American College Testing Program (ACT).
• Completion of 24 transferable units from an accredited institution in the US with a GPA of 2.0 and the CBU course equivalent of English composition, ENG113.

Options for applicants that do not meet the English requirement: Applicants who have not demonstrated English proficiency may be granted joint/conditional admission into the undergraduate and Intensive English Program (IEP), CBU’s English as a Second Language program. Applicants who are granted joint admission will receive a form I-20 which states they have been admitted to the undergraduate program and will receive English language instruction at CBU through IEP.

All students from non-English speaking countries, upon arrival to CBU, are required to take a university placement test to ensure proper English proficiency for academic success.

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.