Undergraduate Application Guide
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 admissions cycle.
Some international students also choose to arrive in the U.S. and begin classes during the summer semester, which begins in May-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 Semester (August start)
First-year students typically start during the fall semester.
Early action date (non-binding)
Submit a completed application file by December 1 to receive full admission consideration and automatic scholarship review by December 31. This date is non-binding, which means you don’t have to commit to CSU if you are accepted.
Regular decision date
Submit a complete application file by February 1 to receive full admission consideration and automatic scholarship review by February 28. After this date, applications for admission are considered on a rolling basis.
Spring Semester (January start)
Regular decision date
Submit a complete application file by November 1 for full admission consideration and automatic scholarship review. After this date, applications for admission are considered on a rolling basis.
What we need:
1. Application
- Submit an application using the CommonApp. There is a $50 fee to apply, or you can also submit an application for a fee waiver.
2. Transcripts
- Submit your most recent transcripts or mark sheets. We will ask for additional materials if necessary. All decisions are provisional until a final, official transcript verifying graduation is received.
3. Personal statement
- Your personal statement, commonly called an essay, is your opportunity to help us understand what makes you unique beyond your grades and transcripts. Your personal statement will be reviewed during your admission decision, for consideration for any competitive majors, and international scholarships.
English Proficiency For Direct Admission
TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test (DET) results are the preferred indicators of English proficiency for undergraduate applicants. For applicants seeking direct admission, the requirements are as follows:
| Clear Admission | |
|---|---|
| TOEFL IBT* | 72 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| Duolingo (undergraduate only) | 110 |
Alternative measures of English proficiency and additional information can be found here.
Immigration documents: Obtain your I-20
Immigration Information
You will complete the immigration information as part of your application to CSU. The link to the Immigration Information Form will be sent via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently for communications from international@colostate.edu. Here you will specify:
- Your sources of financial support and an affidavit of support from a family member or friend
- Your address
- Your current US visa status, if applicable
- Information about your dependents
If you are a returning student or applying to the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program, you will submit the Immigration Document Request Form to ISSS instead.
Financial Support Documents
Immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019) can only be sent to admitted students* whose financial support information has been received, verified, and approved. CSU does not offer scholarships which cover the full cost of attendance, so it is required that students show financial support equal to or exceeding their program’s estimated expenses.
I-20 Immigration Document for F-1 Students:
In order to be issued an I-20 immigration document, a student’s financial documentation must demonstrate the ability to pay the full cost of attendance for one full academic year. Please see the Estimated Expense Form for more information on cost of attendance.
Copy of Passport
- A copy of the ID page of your passport will be needed before the Office of International Programs can issue your immigration documents.
- If you are bringing dependents (a spouse or children), copies of their passports will also be needed.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the start of your program.
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.
Apply to the Intensive English Program
Semester-long IEP sessions are structured by level (1, 2, or 3) and scheduled on semester basis following the CSU academic calendar. Students can start their IEP program at any semester.
The application for our Intensive English Program is free and easy. To get started, please follow these steps:
- Create your application using the ‘Apply Now‘ button below
- 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.
- 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 2023 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:
- Intensive English – 1st Session (begins in August for the Fall term and January for the Spring term)
- Intensive English – 2nd Session (begins in October for the Fall term, March for the Spring term)
- Complete each section and submit your application!