How to Apply

1. Complete Merced College International Student Application form and send it via email to internationalstudent@mccd.edu.
2. A processing fee of $100.00 U.S. Currency using the credit card payment form.
3. An official affidavit of financial support to show proof (such as a recent bank statement referencing your parents or sponsor) that you have sufficient finances to pay for your tuition and living expenses for at least one year, $20,000 minimum.  The minimum enrollment of 12 units, books, insurance and living expenses plus tuition and fees bring the typical student’s total costs to approximately $20,000 – $21,000 per calendar year.
4. A health examination from a physician is required and must include current immunization dates and verified tuberculosis (TB) clearance.
5. An autobiographical essay (approximately one page) that describes your education, special interests, reason for applying to Merced College, and your educational goals after completing your studies at Merced College.
6. A letter of recommendation (academic) which supports your educational achievements and goals.
7. Graduation from a secondary school that is equivalent to an American high school. Official records and transcripts, translated into English, must accompany your application. A transfer clearance form is required if you are presently attending another educational institution in America.
8. Official college transcripts from all U.S. colleges or universities if you have previously attended.
9. Coverage for health insurance. In the United States health care is expensive, and there are no free medical facilities. Merced College requires all International Students to have health insurance. Students must provide proof, in English, of existing health insurance which is equivalent to the Merced College supported International Student health and accident policy or purchase insurance through our office upon arrival. Proof of any existing health insurance must be provided prior to the time of registration. Insurance coverage for the year through our office is $1,237 and for one semester is $618.50.   For more information please go to www.studentinsuranceusa.com and select “Merced College.”

To be accepted for admission 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 successfully complete college work.

To verify your level, we ask to provide us a score of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 450 Paper-Based Test,  or 45-46 on the Internet Based Test (the equivalent of ESL level 109), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score 5.0 , or EIKEN 2A or better.

This requirement may be waived if you come from a country that uses English as the primary language  in its educational system. See list of countries where TOEFL score may be waived.

Note: If your TOEFL score is less than 450(PBT)/45-46(iBT) you may register in Merced College English Language Institute (MCELI) classes.