International Students

International Students: How to Apply

All international student paperwork can be submitted electronically via email to the email address below, however due to technology constraints paperwork may not be processed immediately. We will do our best to respond as quickly as possible to email inquiries.

Application deadlines:

Spring 2027:	Deadline to apply is November 1, 2026
Fall 2027:	Application will open on February 1st

Our spring 2027 application will open on September 1, 2026.

It's Free to Apply to Cuyamaca College

Complete the International Student Application:

Create an account as a new user and remember your “user name” and “password.”
If you do not have a Social Security Number, click on “no number.”
If you are living in your home country, be sure to click “Foreign address” before inputting your address.

You must complete the area labeled 'Major Code' with the area of study you would most like to study. The major needs to be one of the listed Cuyamaca College majors. Later, if you wish, you may change your major.

Read on for additional requirements.

Contact

Vanessa Saenz

E-mail: vanessa.saenz@gcccd.edu

Necessary Documents

The online application AND all documents are required by the deadline. If you are applying from your home country, you should submit the six documents below for admission. Transfer students should submit all eight documents. After all documents are received, a SEVIS I-20 will be issued. There is no fee to apply to Cuyamaca College.

Online Application
English Proficiency
High School Transcript (must be a high school graduate) / College Transcript
Sponsor Form
Financial Statement
Copy of Passport ID page
Copy of F-1 Visa, I-94, and I-20 (Transfer Students Only)
Transfer Form (Transfer Students Only)
Note: All students must attend a two-day orientation. Failure to attend IN FULL a two-day orientation program will result in a cancellation of your admission and I-20.

Tuition

Get the most updated information regarding tuition.

English Proficiency

Students must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

Official TOEFL score – ETS must send an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score directly to Cuyamaca College. Our ETS college code is 4252. The minimum score is iBT 45 (internet-based). Starting January 21, 2026, we will be accepting a TOEFL score of 3.5 or higher on the new TOEFL scale.
Official IELTS score - Submit official IELTS to Cuyamaca College. The minimum score is 4.5 on the academic module.
Students whose native language is Japanese ONLY may submit EIKEN test results with a minimum score grade of "(2A - 75% or higher)”. Please contact http://www.eiken.or.jp/ for more information.
Official Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) minimum score of 39.
Duolingo English Test (online) minimum score of 75
An official high school diploma or transcript issued by an institution in a country where English is the official and primary language.
Students who are attending the following language schools and have completed the coursework below may submit certificates from the schools:

Language School	Coursework
American Language Institute (ALI) at SDSU	Level EAP 105
California Language Academy (CLA)	Level 4 or higher
Connect English San Diego	College Eligibility Test (CET) minimum score of 62
Converse International School of Languages	Level 6 (High Intermediate)
College of English Language (CEL)	Level 4 (Upper Intermediate)
English Language Institute (ELI) at UCSD Extenstion	Level 107
INX Academy San Diego (Internexus)	Intensive Intermediate Intensive High / Intermediate Advanced Practical High / Intermediate Advanced
Language Studies International San Diego (LSI)	Level 4
Q International School	Mid-Advance or High Advanced level with 3.0 GPA and above

High School and College Transcript

Submit official diploma or certificate from High School/secondary school and/or transcripts from any college/universities you have attended. The documents need to be in English.

Financial Statement

Submit proof of financial support demonstrating that you or your sponsor can meet the minimum estimated tuition and living expenses. This proof must be your sponsor's bank statement or letter (original document) from their bank with the required amount $32,937 in U.S. dollars. This letter must be written in English and have a U.S. dollar amount on it. (Fees are subject to change)

Copy of Passport ID page

Submit a copy of the photo ID and expiration date page(s) of your valid passport. For transfer students, we will also need a copy of your F1 visa, copy of your I-94 card, and current SEVIS I-20.

Copy of F-1 Visa, I-94, and current I-20

FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS ONLY: Submit a copy of your F-1 visa and I-94 number print-out and the I-20 from your current or most recent school.

After Your Acceptance to Cuyamaca College

MANDATORY ORIENTATION: All students are required to attend a two-day orientation program. Failure to attend orientation will result in cancellation of your admission to Cuyamaca College. An Orientation Reservation Form will be mailed upon acceptance to Cuyamaca College.

ARRIVAL IN THE U.S.: Once a student has been accepted and has obtained an F-1 visa, the student may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date on the I-20. It is advised that the student arrive 4-5 weeks before the first day of fall semester classes and 7-10 weeks before the first day of spring semester classes in order to attend the earliest possible orientation program and locate housing. It is your responsibility to make flight arrangements which will enable you to attend orientation.