How to Apply
Enrolling in the Program
To begin the application process, download and print the application here. Upon completion, email the application and a copy of your transcript to visit@calpoly.edu. If you have any questions about the program or application process, please email visit@calpoly.edu. We would be happy to help you through the process.
Architecture Applicants
Please include a copy of your most current portfolio with your application as the Architecture Department requires review of previous work for course placement.
Minimum Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in our program. This program is highly selective; students are required to submit a tentative course of study including a list of eight courses of interest. Courses with prerequisites will be met by evidence provided by the students from their home University.
This is not an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. All international students from non-English speaking countries registering must present a TOEFLscore of 550 or higher (using the paper version) or 213 or higher (using the computer version) or 80 or higher (using the internet version.) An average IELTS score of 7.0 is required for undergrads and 6.0 for graduate students.
When to Apply
It is best to apply 14-18 weeks before the program start-date. Please allow 2 weeks for us to review and process your application and to allow yourself ample time to make your visa and travel arrangements. Visit Visa Wait Times by Region to see how long you will wait for an F-1 visa interviews in your area.
Application Schedule
Late fee may be charged if application is submitted after suggested application date.
| Weeks before first day of class | Tasks | Spring 2013 | Summer 2013 | Fall 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Application Submission | 12/11/12 | 03/19/13 | 06/18/13 |
| 14 | Status Update from V.I.S.I.T | 12/18/12 | 03/26/13 | 06/25/13 |
| 13 | Request I-20 from International Center | 01/08/13 | 04/02/13 | 07/01/13 |
| 8 | Apply for F-1 Visa Interview | 02/05/13 | 04/30/13 | 07/30/13 |
| 8 | Application Fee Due | 02/05/13 | 04/30/13 | 07/30/13 |
| 2 | Program Fee Due | 03/12/13 | 05/10/13 | 09/10/13 |
| 1 | Arrival Date | 03/26/13 | 06/17/13 | 09/16/13 |
| 0 | First Day of Class | 04/02/13 | 06/24/13 | 09/23/13 |
| 3 weeks after | Course Fee Due | 04/23/13 | 07/16/13 | 10/15/13 |
| 12 weeks after | Last Day of Final Exams | 06/14/13 | 08/30/13 | 12/13/13 |
Note: Past due date, please inquire via email if you are in USA.
U.S. Visa Requirements
U.S. Immigration law says that if a person's main purpose in coming to the U.S. is to study in a full-time program, he or she must come on a student visa (F1). B visa holders (B1 visitors for business and B2 visitors for pleasure) and F2 dependents are prohibited by law from enrolling in a course of study unless they apply for and receive approval for a change of visa status to F-1 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
It is a difficult and lengthy process to change visa status from B1 or B2 to F1 after you enter the United States, and there is no guarantee that the change will be approved by the immigration service. In addition, a person who applies to change to F1 status may not begin studying until the change is approved.
Therefore, it is important that anyone who is planning to study full-time in the U.S. enter on an F1 student visa. If you are unsure about which kind of visa you need, we recommend you ask your local counseling source or the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. You can also contact the International Center, or visit the U.S. Department of State's websites.
V.I.S.I.T. Cal Poly