How to Apply

Please ensure you follow these steps carefully to complete your application.

1. Complete the Application. Fill out the Merced College International Student Application form online.
2. Payment: Submit a processing fee of $100.00 in U.S. currency using the credit card payment form online.
3. Financial Support Documentation: Complete the Guarantee of Financial Support form. Upload a recent bank statement from your parents or sponsor that demonstrates sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least one year. The minimum amount required is $22,000. This estimate covers a minimum enrollment of 12 units, as well as books, insurance, and living expenses, bringing the typical total cost for a student to approximately $21,000 – $22,000 per calendar year.
4. English language proficiency: Submit a copy of your official TOEFL score (minimum of 45 iBT/450 PBT) or IELTS score of 5.0 may be considered. If applicable, you may also provide proof of completion of college-level English at a U.S. institution, such as an official transcript. Successful completion of our Merced College English Language Institute (15-week program) allows you to enroll in Merced College’s credit classes.   
5. Autobiographical essay: Write an essay approximately one page in length, that discusses your educational background, special interests, reason for applying to Merced College, and your educational goals after completing your studies at Merced College.
6. Letter of recommendation: Include an academic letter of recommendation that supports your educational achievements and goals.
7. High School records: Submit high school records and transcripts, translated into English online.  College transcripts from all U.S. colleges or universities if you have previously attended.
8. Health insurance: Obtain health insurance coverage for studying in the U.S.  Health care in the United States is costly, and there are no free medical facilities. Merced College requires all International Students to have health insurance. You must provide proof of existing health and accident policy or purchase insurance recommended by our office upon arrival.  Proof of any existing health insurance must be submitted before the semester begins.  If you need additional information about insurance options, please contact our office.

To be accepted as an international student at Merced College, you must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English at a level that will allow you to complete college work successfully.

To verify your level, we ask you to provide us with a score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 450 on a Paper-Based Test,  or 45-46 on the Internet-Based Test (iBT).  An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.0 or better may be considered.

This requirement may be waived if you come from a country that uses English as the primary language and that students receive academic instruction in English at all levels of education. See list of countries where TOEFL score may be waived. If you are from one of these countries and completed your schooling in that country, we can exempt the English proficiency requirement.

Merced College English Language Institute (MCELI) in person or online prepares students for successful college study and effective English communication.  After completing this intensive English program successfully, students can be approved for admission to Merced College credit classes.