How to Apply as an International Student

Transfer and
Second Bachelor
Student

Graduate
Student
(Master’s/Ph.D)

English
Language
Learner

UNDERGRADUATE FIRST-YEAR APPLICATION GUIDE

You are an international first-year (freshman) applicant if:

You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA status, and
You currently have a valid U.S. visa or will be seeking a student visa to study in the United States, and
You’ve never attended college, or all your college credits were earned before you graduated from high school.

When to apply

The best dates to apply for admission are based on the semester you want to start at CSU (fall or spring). The application opens August 1 each year for the next admission cycle.

First-year students typically start during the fall semester. Some international students choose to arrive in the U.S. and start classes during the summer semester, which begins in May or June. However, course availability and campus resources are often more limited, so it is recommended that students opt for a fall or spring start whenever possible.

Fall Start (Semester begins in August)

Early Action Deadline – To receive full admission consideration and the highest automatic scholarship review, apply before December 1st. This date is non-binding, which means you don’t have to commit to CSU if you are accepted.
Regular Decision Deadline – To receive full admission consideration and automatic scholarship review, apply before February 1st. After this date, applications for admission are considered on a rolling basis.

Spring Start (Semester begins in January)

Regular Decision Deadline – For full admission consideration and automatic scholarship review, apply before November 1st. After this date, applications for admission are considered on a rolling basis.

What we need

1.) Application and Fee

First-year students can submit an application using the CommonApplication.
There is a $50 fee to apply, or you can also submit an application for a fee waiver.

2.) Transcripts/Mark Sheets

First-year students can submit their most recent transcripts or mark sheets.
If a record is not in English, a certified English translation must accompany the official transcript.

3.) Personal Statement/Essay

This is your opportunity to tell us more about you. We look for essays to be written by you — not someone else or by an AI chatbot. This is your chance to make your application stand out and tell us who you are beyond the classroom. Within the online application system, you will be able to choose from several prompts on different essay topics.

4.) English Proficiency Test Scores

CSU accepts the following indicators of English proficiency for undergraduate applicants: TOEFL,
IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Students normally can request that their scores are
submitted directly to CSU from the testing agency. Please see our English Proficiency Requirements
for direct or conditional admissions.

TRANSFER & SECOND BACHELOR APPLICATION GUIDE

You are an international transfer applicant if:

You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA status, and
You currently have a valid U.S. visa or will be seeking a student visa to study in the United States, and
You’ve attended a regionally accredited college after graduating from high school/secondary school. If your only college classes were taken during high school, you’ll apply as a freshman applicant.

You are a second bachelor’s applicant if:

You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA status, and
You currently have a valid U.S. visa or will be seeking a student visa to study in the United States, and
You have completed an undergraduate degree somewhere other than CSU, and
You want to complete a second degree or complete additional undergraduate coursework.

1.) Application and Fee

Submit an application through the CSU Application.
There is a $50 fee to apply, or you can also submit an application for a fee waiver.

2.) Transcripts/Mark Sheets

Submit a final, official transcript reflecting graduation AND submit one official transcript per college/university you have attended or where credit was earned.
If a record is not in English, a certified English translation must accompany the official transcript.

3.) Personal Statement/Essay

4.) English Proficiency Test Scores

GRADUATE APPLICATION GUIDE

The final approval for your application is made by the CSU Graduate School, but the recommendation to admit is made by the department in which you intend to study. Departments may have requirements in addition to or more stringent than those of the University. It is critical that you review the specific departmental requirements on your department’s website well in advance of the application deadline.

When to apply

Fall Semester: August Start
Application opens at the beginning of September for the following summer and fall terms.

Spring Semester: January Start
Application opens at the beginning of February for the following spring term.

Deadline to Apply
Application deadline to apply varies by department. Check with your department to determine the deadline.

Find Your Program and Apply
Head to the Grad School website to find your program’s requirements and begin your application to study at Colorado State.

INTENSIVE ENGLISH APPLICATION GUIDE

Applications are processed on a rolling basis, as they are received. If you have any questions about your application or need help with getting started, please contact [email protected].

Intensive English Program (IEP) sessions are structured by level (1, 2, or 3).
Each term runs for eight weeks, with each level lasting for two terms. Students can apply to either term with a fall or spring start date.

Fall Semester Start Dates:
Term A begins in August
Term B begins in October

Spring Semester Start Dates:
Term A begins in January
Term B begins in March

To get started, please follow these steps:

1.) Application and Fee

Apply to the Intensive English Program using the button below.
The IEP requires a $100 application fee. Please submit payment along with your application.

2.) Create an Account

On the application page, click “Create an account” under the section titled “First-time users”.
Enter your information, including email address, name, and birthdate. You’ll then be asked to create a password.

3.) Start your Application

Once your account is activated, select “Start New Application”. Select the term (date) you wish to apply for and select the Non-Degree option (example: Fall 2026 Non-Degree). Do not select any other options.
Once you have selected the Non-Degree option, you can begin your application and choose your entry term (Term A or B for fall or spring).

4.) Submit your Application

Along with your application, you’ll be asked to submit your previous school materials, including your unofficial transcripts and/or a leaving certificate or diploma. Contact us if you have any questions regarding these documents.
Complete each section and submit your application.