The California State University International Programs
Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of the California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs, a systemwide department operating from within the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach, California, has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 15,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option. In addition, CSU International Programs has student exchange agreements with institutions worldwide. California welcomes our international exchange students and values our reciprocal partnerships with top universities around the world.
International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time, yearlong study at a host university or special study center abroad. The International Programs serves the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, the International Programs also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments.
International Programs pays all tuition and administrative costs for participating California resident students to the same extent that such funds would be expended to support similar costs in California. CSU IP participants are responsible for all personal costs, such as transportation, room and board, living expenses, and home campus fees. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students.
To qualify for admission to the International Programs, students must have upper division or graduate standing at a CSU campus by the time of departure. Students at the sophomore level may, however, participate in the intensive language acquisition programs in China, France, Germany, Mexico and Taiwan, or the Study in English programs in Korea, Mexico, Sweden and Taiwan. California Community Colleges transfer students are eligible to apply directly from their community colleges. Students must also possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program for which they apply. Some programs also have language study and/or other coursework prerequisites.
Students can begin to explore study abroad programs, requirements and eligibility on the study abroad brochure. Incoming exchange students can begin by reviewing the list of CSU IP exchange partners to ensure their home university is on the list. If it is, students should contact the exchange coordinator at their home institution to understand the selection and admissions processes; if it is not, students are welcome to apply to the California State University as an international student.
- Australia – Griffith University, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University
- Canada – Concordia University
- Chile – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- China – Peking University (Beijing)
- France – Aix-Marseille Université, CY Cergy Paris Université, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay (ENS), ESSCA, Aix-en-Provence Campus (effective Spring 2024), Institut Catholique de Paris, Institut Polytechniques des Sciences Avancées (IPSA), Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris (ISEP), Science Politiques Saint-Germain-En-Laye, Sorbonne Université, Université d’Evry Val-d’Essonne (UEVE), Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Université Paris Cité, Université Gustave Eiffel, Université Panthéon-Assas, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Université Paris Nanterre, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne (UPEC), Université Paris-Saclay, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (formerly Paris 3), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
- Germany – Hochschule Biberach, Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart, Hochschule für Forstwirtschaft Rottenburg, Hochschule Furtwangen, Hochschule Konstanz, Hochschule Mannheim, Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen, Hochschule Reutlingen, Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, Hochschule Ulm, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen, Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, Universität Freiburg, Universität Heidelberg, Universität Hohenheim, Universität Konstanz, Universität Mannheim, Universität Stuttgart, Universität Tübingen, Universität Ulm
- Ghana – University of Ghana
- Israel – University of Haifa
- Italy – Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
- Japan – Waseda University, University of Tsukuba
- Mexico – Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro
- South Africa – Nelson Mandela University
- South Korea – Yonsei University, Korea University
- Spain – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Granada
- Sweden – Uppsala University
- Taiwan – National Taiwan University
- United Kingdom – University of Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Hull, Kingston University, Swansea University, University of Birmingham
Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing; many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California Community College transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. Additional program information and application instructions can be found on the CSU International Programs website.