International Students Services

Claremont Graduate University is authorized under federal law to enroll international students with nonimmigrant visas. Graduates of colleges or universities outside of the U.S. who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree may apply for admission to Claremont Graduate University. Requirements for admission include records of academic distinction and an ability to read, write, and speak rapid idiomatic English with a high degree of facility.

International students who enroll at CGU are responsible for adhering to the requirements stated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS). As a part of these requirements, admitted international students must prove their ability to support themselves financially for at least the first year of study by submitting a completed Affidavit of Financial Support form and providing verification of the statements made on the affidavit. These documents are required in order for the University to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019). Admitted international students are encouraged to visit www.cgu.edu/international for information on Obtaining an I-20 (or DS-2019) to CGU.

I-20 / DS-2019 Requirements

 Once you have been admitted you will need to submit the following In order to obtain an I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Student/Scholars) to CGU:

• A $200 deposit ($750 USD for Management and Financial Engineering program; more information in your acceptance folder).You may pay your tuition deposit online at www.cgu.edu/Admissions.You will need your 6 digit student ID which can be found on the deposit card located inside your acceptance folder.

• An Affidavit of Financial Support*, found online at http://www.cgu.edu/intlforms.

• Financial Proof*, (i.e. bank document, letter from sponsor, etc.), of the statements made on the Affidavit of Financial Support.

*Feel free to first scan and email both of these documents to international@cgu.edu, or fax it to (909) 607-7285

 If you currently have a SEVIS record, you will need for your school or university to complete the “Transfer Form”, found online at http://www.cgu.edu/intlforms, and to transfer your current SEVIS record. You will have until 15 days from the first day of classes, to complete your transfer I-20/DS-2019.  This means that you will need to have submitted your Deposit, Affidavit of Support, Financial Proof, and registered for courses before the 15 days have expired.  If your Visa is expired, and you plan on traveling outside of the US before starting at CGU, you will need to use our CGU I-20 to apply for a new visa at your U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Third-Party or Sponsored Students

 Students who are being sponsored by an organization or government agency must be aware of their sponsoring agency’s regulations on payment of tuition and fees. Students who need the University to bill their sponsor directly should contact the Student Accounts Office each semester to ensure proper billing.

Medical Requirements

All admitted international students are required to complete a Graduate Medical History Report. Medical clearance is required of all international students before registration. In addition, all international students are required to show proof of health insurance, or purchase the Claremont Consortium’s insurance plan, throughout their time at CGU.

The Student Health Service on campus provides health services to all Claremont Colleges students. Student Health Service includes an inexpensive immunization program (including tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella) and a tuberculin skin test. New students who have not completed the required tests should make arrangements to visit the Student Health Service for immunization soon after their arrival.

Global Communications Course (GCC) or Academic Writing & Speaking Program

 Students meeting the minimum admissions requirement on the TOEFL/IELTs, but who do not score high enough on these tests to be considered English proficient, are required to complete the Global Communications Course (GCC) upon enrollment in their first semester. Fall admits may elect to attend the optional Academic Writing & Speaking Program in the summer semester as an alternative to taking GCC. These programs provide intensive instruction in American English academic discourse to strengthen the ability of international students to succeed in graduate-level courses. Students have weekly tutoring sessions with graduate students to work on individual needs.

International Academic Probation (AP) Policies

 CGU Academic Rules

• Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or above (cannot graduate with less than a 3.0)

• Students should not be allowed to carry a less than minimum GPA for more than one year

• Students may not have more than 2 incompletes on their record

  • Incompletes that push the student over the 2 maximum limit must be completed by the following semester. All others may be replaced within one year.

 “Extra” International Academic Requirements (for Students on F or J Visas)

• International students must continuously make “satisfactory academic progress” towards their degree. Students who fail to meet this requirment must have their immigration record terminated by the university.

• Incompletes represent an individual’s voluntary inability or unwillingness to attend class and/or complete assignments – inexcusable for international students. 

  • Incompletes should be “replaced” by the next semester, but must be completed no later than one year after they are earned

  • Incompletes that push the student over the 2 maximum limit must be completed by the following semester

• International students must register for and complete a full-time study course load (8 units OR continuous registration/doctoral study). Students who drop below full-time enrollment must be terminated by the school.

  • Incompletes count against the full-time requirement. Therefore, if a student registers for 8 units, and earns even one incomplete in this semester, they have dropped below a full time course load and must be terminated.

 
Sample Scenarios