The following are frequently asked questions (FAQs) asked by students who are from outside the United States and are interested in California College of the Arts.

• Am I considered an international applicant?
• Other requirements for undergrad international admissions?
• How long will it take to receive an admissions decision?
• What is the application deadline?
• Does CCA offer an intensive English language program?
• Campus housing to undergrad international students?
• How much does it cost to attend CCA?
• Financial aid for international students?
• How do I obtain an F-1 Visa?

Am I considered an international applicant?
You are considered an international applicant if you need a Visa in order to study or live in the United States. Individuals who are U.S. citizens, green card holders, or permanent residents of the United States, regardless of where they live or go to school, are not considered international applicants.

Other requirements for undergrad international admissions?
Yes. In addition to the standard admission requirements to CCA, undergraduate international applicants must submit their proof of English language proficiency (see International Applicants).

When will I get an admissions decision?
Typically it takes three weeks upon completing your admissions application to receive an admissions decision. Remember that we need all of your documents before a decision can be made: your proof of English language proficiency, application, transcripts, essay, portfolio, and letters of recommendation.

For some international applicants we may require a telephone interview before making an admission decision. We strongly suggest that you include your email address and fax number on your application to expedite communication.

What is the application deadline?
We strongly suggest that international applicants interested in starting at CCA for the fall semester, apply before the priority deadline of February 1 in order to be considered for merit scholarships.

Students interested in starting in Spring should apply before the priority deadline of Oct. 1. CCA practices in rolling admissions, which means we continue to receive and review completed applications after the priority deadlines of Feb. 1, March 1 and Oct. 1.

Does CCA offer an intensive English-language program?
Yes, our Summer ESL and Studio Art Program provides international students an opportunity to further enhance their English language skills and ease their transition into the Bay Area and CCA.

Undergraduate students who need to improve their English skills before entering the college have the convenience of attending a language center with several locations in the Bay Area. ELS Language Centers has been conducting intensive English training since 1961.

Students are able to satisfy our language entry requirement by completing level 112 in the ELS program instead of meeting the TOEFL score requirement. In addition, the college will issue conditional letters of acceptance to ELS students who have met all other CCA undergraduate admissions requirements.

To learn more, visit ELS Language Centers or contact the assistant director of international admissions.

Campus housing for undergrad international students?
Yes. We provide on-campus housing at CCA. Our housing facilities are located on the Oakland campus.

Please see Housing for information on how to apply for campus housing.

How much does it cost to attend CCA?
Download CCA's estimated Cost of Attendance (PDF) report (revised annually).

Financial aid for international students?
International students are eligible for all merit scholarships. Undergraduate scholarships range from $7,000 to $20,000. Scholarships are issued based on the strength of a student's portfolio and academic success.

All undergraduate students meeting the priority deadline of February 1 for the fall start semester will be considered eligible. International students are not eligible for need-based financial aid.

Additional sources of financial aid for international students can be found at www.edupass.org.

How do I obtain an F-1 Visa?
First you must apply to CCA and be accepted for admission. Once you have been admitted to the college and paid your enrollment deposit, you may begin your I-20 application process.

You will first need to mail in a completed I-20 form, bank documents that show that you have sufficient funds to support your education at CCA and a copy fo the first two pages of your passport.

After the above materials have been received, reviewed, and approved, the new CCA I-20 will be created. We will send the new I-20 to the address provided on the I-20 Request form.

You will then take your new CCA I-20, the I-901 fee receipt, the original bank statement(s), and your CCA letter of acceptance to a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain a student visa (F-1) for entry into the United States.

To maintain F-1 student status, you must carry a full-time load of courses (at least 12 units) per semester.