California State University, Los Angeles is a public university in USA, established in 1947. The university is home to more than 24,000 students including over 13,718 international students. Indian students constitute the largest international student body in Cal State University, LA. International students can pursue over 100 programs at California State University, Los Angeles. This includes 58 undergraduate degrees, 55 graduate degrees, and 4 doctoral programs through 8 academic schools.
To secure admission to California State University Los Angeles, students require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) for the undergraduate program. Graduate applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 (77-85%) in undergraduate program. The average tuition fee at Cal State LA is 17,720 USD (16.64 lakhs INR) per year across various academic levels. Students reportedly secure an average salary of 76,000 USD per annum (66.05 lakhs INR), demonstrating a high return on investment.
Also Check: Study in USA for International Students
Table of Contents
2.1 California State University Los Angeles Graduate Admission
2.2 California State University Los Angeles MBA Admission
2.3 California State University Los Angeles Undergraduate Admission
The table below shows some of the popular courses at California State University, LA for international Students who wish to study at California State University, LA:
| Course Name | Duration | Deadline | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science (M.S) in Computer Science | 2 years | Aug 1, 2025 – Aug 31,2025 Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 |
$14,984 | ₹12,79,933 |
| MBA in Healthcare Management | 2 years | Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | $14,984 | ₹12,79,933 |
| MBA in Business Analytics | 2 years | Feb 2, 2026 | $15,444 | ₹13,19,226 |
| Master of Business Administration (General) | 2 years | Aug 19, 2025 | $14,984 | ₹12,79,933 |
| Master of Science (M.S) in Information Systems | 2 years | Feb 2, 2026 | $21,284 | ₹18,18,079 |
| MBA in Finance | 2 years | Oct 1, 2025 | $21,284 | ₹18,18,079 |
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Graphic Design / Visual Communication | 4 years | Dec 20, 2025 | $19,760 | ₹16,87,899 |
| Master of Science (M.S) in Finance | 2 years | Oct 1, 2025 | $21,284 | ₹18,18,079 |
| Master of Science (M.S) in Healthcare Management | 2 years | Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | $14,984 | ₹12,79,933 |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Computer Science | 4 years | Dec 20, 2025 | $19,760 | ₹16,87,899 |
| Master of Arts (M.A) in Psychology | 2 years | Oct 1, 2025 | $21,284 | ₹18,18,079 |
| Master of Arts (M.A) in Sociology | 2 years | Oct 1, 2025 | $21,284 | ₹18,18,079 |
Also Check: California State University Los Angeles Accommodation
California State University Los Angeles is quite easy to get into. In 2024 around 87% of all students who applied got admission. This means 9 out of every 10 students were accepted. The chances are also good for international students. Their acceptance rate is also between 87 to 90 %. One report even said that about 7 out of every 100 admitted students are from other countries. So if you complete the basic requirements and apply on time you have a strong chance of getting admission.
California State University offers 15 master’s degrees and 5 post-baccalaureate certificate courses at graduate level. The entry for graduate programs at Cal State University is mentioned below:
Application Portal: Cal State Apply
Application Fees: 70 USD (5,803 INR)
Admission Requirements:
Documents Checklist:
California State University Los Angeles offers a 2 years full-time MBA and 16 months fully employed MBA program. The application for Cal State LA MBA is now closed for international students. International students may however apply for MBA in the next term. Mentioned below are the entry requirements for MBA admissions:
Application Portal: Cal State Apply
Application Fees: 70 USD (5,803 INR)
Admission Requirements:
Documents Checklist:
California State University offers 100 Bachelors’s degrees in 55 across 7 colleges. Some of the most popular and nationally recognized courses at Cal State LA include business, nursing and engineering. International students applying to UG programs at California State University Los Angeles, must meet the following requirements:
Application Portal: Cal State Apply
Application Fees: 70 USD (5,803 INR)
Admission Requirements:
The table below showcases the global ranking of the California State University, LA by some Prestigious Ranking Bodies for the Year 2025:
| Ranking Body | Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking | #1401 |
| QS US University Ranking | #201-230 |
| US News National University Ranking | #109 |
| CWUR National Ranking | #294 |
California State University Los Angeles has earned a steady place in national rankings. It is ranked number #109 by U S News and falls within the #201 to #230 range in the QS U S list. While its global QS rank is #1401 the university shows better performance within the country.
International students enrolled at California State University are provided financial assistance in the form of scholarships, awards, and fellowships. Some of the scholarships at California State University for international students are as follows:
| Scholarship/Funding Program | Eligibility | Award Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Student Non-Resident Tuition Waiver | International graduate students | In-state tuition rate | Limited number of waivers available. Application through College Associate Dean’s Office in spring for fall semester. |
| Graduate Equity Fellowship | Graduate students with financial need. Must have AB540 affidavit on file | Up to $1,000 per semester | Aims to increase diversity in graduate programs. Requires FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. |
| Howard C. Christiansen Endowed Scholarship | Undergraduate or graduate engineering majors. Full-time enrollment. Minimum 3.0 GPA | $5,000 | Requires FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Financial need considered. |
| National & International Scholarships and Fellowships Program (NISFeP) | All students | Varies by scholarship | Provides support for applying to off-campus scholarships and fellowships. Includes application assistance and mock interviews. |
| Graduate Assistantships (GA) & Teaching Associate (TA) Positions | Graduate students | Varies | Part-time employment opportunities. Check with academic departments for availability. |
| Travel Support Program | Matriculated graduate students presenting at academic conferences | Up to $750 reimbursement | Application required. Funds are limited and subject to availability. |
| Culminating Project Fund | Graduate students completing thesis or dissertation | Reimbursement for approved expenses | Supports research-related costs. Application through Office of Graduate Studies. |
| External Scholarships (e.g., Benjamin A. Gilman, Freeman-ASIA) | Varies by scholarship | Up to $8,000 | Opportunities for study abroad funding. Eligibility and application periods vary. |
As per the Fall 2024 enrollment data, the following demographic profile of California State University offers valuable insight for international students to make an informed decision.
| Ethnicity | Headcount | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Hispanic/Latinx | 225,946 | 48.9% |
| White | 92,741 | 20.1% |
| Asian | 71,425 | 15.5% |
| Two or More Races | 21,527 | 4.7% |
| Black or African American | 19,100 | 4.1% |
| Unknown Race and Ethnicity | 14,965 | 3.2% |
| International Student | 13,718 | 3.0% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 1,306 | 0.3% |
| Native American(s) or Alaskan Native | 884 | 0.2% |
| Gender | Headcount | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 258,550 | 56.0% |
| Male | 203,062 | 44.0% |
Also Check: California State University, LA Reviews
California State University Los Angeles provides many helpful services for international students. They offer orientation to help new students get comfortable with the campus and academic advising to guide their studies. The university also helps with visa questions and improving English skills. Students can join cultural events and get career advice to prepare for jobs. Friendly staff are always ready to support international students throughout their time at the university.
