CCH welcomes students from all over the world. In addition to the regular requirements, the following guidelines pertain to students applying from outside the United States:

English proficiency is required. You need to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum TOEFL score is 550 for the standard test, 213 for the computerized test or 80 for the internet-based exam. Columbia College’s TOEFL code is 7213.

(The TOEFL requirement may be waived if you have successfully completed classes for credit at another accredited English language college or university.) The College reserves the right to require a student to study English as a Second Language if it is determined that the student lacks the necessary English skills.

Students transferring from international colleges and universities must have their credentials evaluated by an independent agency; CCH determines transfer credits after receiving the evaluation. Applications for independent evaluation are available from the CCH International Students Office. All transcripts must be submitted in English or in official English translation. Students are required to submit a Notice of Intent To Transfer along with their application.

Submit a Statement of Financial Support to the CCH International Students Office. The Statement must show that you are fully supported—school fees and living expenses for a complete academic year— by funds from outside the U.S. You must secure scholarship funds, if necessary, before leaving your native country. No financial aid is available for international students from either the U.S. government or the government of any state including California.

International students must enroll for three consecutive quarters before taking a quarter off, and they must enroll full-time, taking at least 12 credits in each of the three quarters to be considered full-time students.

International students may not be employed off-campus without written approval by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) a.k.a. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the U.S. Department of Justice.

I-20AB: The College sends you the Certification of Eligibility for Student Visa (I-20AB) when the following process is complete:

1) We have received a complete application, including all the supporting materials described above (TOEFL score, transcripts in English, statement of financial support);

2) We have sent you an official letter of acceptance; and

3) We have received an advance payment of tuition of $16,820.00 (tuition for three quarters totaling $16,500.00), production insurance fees totaling $225.00 and a one time registration fee of $95.00.