Admission Requirements for International Students

Applications are considered year-round ("rolling admissions"). Students can be accepted into any of the 3 entry points per year (late August, mid January, and late May). Once an admission file is complete, admissions decisions are usually reached within 30 days, often less.

Conditional Admission

Cal Lutheran grants conditional admission to applicants who complete an approved English language program in the U.S. and will qualify for a English examination waiver. A very popular language program (ELS Language Centers) is available online. With four entry points per year into our graduate programs, conditional admission is an attractive option for international students.

Application Procedure

The application process includes the submission and receipt of all documents required for an admissions decision. These documents include an application, a passport sized photo, official transcripts and degree certificates or certified true copies in English of all college and university records (usually sent directly to Cal Lutheran from each institution), the applicant's statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, a financial responsibility statement, a copy of the passport information page, and payment of the application fee. Additional information may be later requested to assist with the admissions decision. Applicants may be required to submit an official transcript evaluation completed by a NACES approved company like IEE or SpanTran. 

Deadlines

The priority deadline for admission is 90 days prior to the beginning of the term of intended entry. However, due to the small size of classes, immigration requirements, and other matters, early application is strongly recommended. Under special circumstances late applications may be considered.

Eligibility

Cal Lutheran admits highly-qualified and diverse students into its graduate programs. We recognize that the backgrounds of international students often represent a wide array of personal experiences, educational preparation, professional exposure, and individual abilities. As such, each application is extensively reviewed, and all supporting material is carefully considered.

Minimum qualifications for admission include the completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution of higher learning. Other requirements include demonstration of quantitative ability, sufficient financial resources to complete the program (as required by U.S. law), and the ability to be successful in an educational environment where English serves as the instructional language. CLU does not require GRE or GMAT examinations for admission. Submission of these exams is optional. 

Conversational and academic proficiency of English is an integral part of studying at Cal Lutheran. International students are required to provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following methods. 

• Qualifying result from an approved English proficiency exam, completed within 1 year of desired start term:
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 120
  • Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT): 7
    • Register to take the Oxford ELLT Digital through our link: https://tests.oidigitalinstitute.com/rp/ellt/california-lutheran-university-4603. You can also benefit from using a discount code at checkout to purchase the test for only $80 (Oxford ELLT Digital only): USA80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 88
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a university in the U.S.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a university in a country where English is the official language of the country and in which English is the primary language of instruction. For a full list of countries and to verify eligibility please email intladmission@callutheran.edu
• Completion of an approved English language course of study
  • Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI): Level 7
    • Register here for the Oxford EAP
  • ELS Intensive English Program: Level 112
    • Learn more at www.els.edu 

Specific admission requirements are available from the program administrators. 

Housing

Full-time international students in graduate programs at Cal Lutheran may choose to apply to live on-campus in our modern, safe, and pleasant accommodations. View information concerning graduate housing at Cal Lutheran.

The Office of International Students and Scholars also provides information and housing options off-campus. 

We strongly encourage international graduate students to making housing arrangements prior to their arrival in the United States. 

Applying

Applications can be completed online or with a printed application. Many applicants begin the process on-line and follow-up the on-line application with original documents sent later by courier or by post.

Start your application

Application Checklist

• Online application, includinga a non-refundable $30 application fee 
• Official transcripts and degree certificates or certified true copies in English of all college and university records sent directly from each institution to CLU
  • Students must submit an official transcript evaluation including GPA equivalence and course-by-course listing, done by a NACES member company.  CLU recommends two providers who have offered our applicants a streamlined process for obtaining an evaluation. These are IEE and The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran). 
• Official English examination scores: Duolingo English Test (DET), TOEFL, IELTS 
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendation from community leaders, business professionals or professors, sent directly to Cal Lutheran or submitted with the application
• Financial Responsibility Statement or Official Bank Statement 
• Copy of Passport information page

Submit all materials and direct all inquiries to:

Tel: +1 805 493-3325
Fax: +1 805 493-3861
E-mail: intladmission@CalLutheran.edu