INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
CIHS Welcomes International Students
Both Online And In-Person
Study Online At CIHS
CIHS is approved by its accrediting body, WSCUC, to offer all degree programs both in-person (via the I-20 process) and through distance education online for all countries.
Online international students are able to complete their desired CIHS program virtually and attend classes online from anywhere in the world, without having to physically come to the U.S. to attend CIHS.
As a result, online students can save money on travel and living expenses in the U.S., and they do not need to obtain an I-20 or an F-1 student visa to study at CIHS.
Study In-Person At CIHS Via The I-20/F-1 Visa Process
CIHS is also authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students and issue I-20 SEVIS forms to eligible international applicants seeking F-1 visa status who wish to take in-person classes on the CIHS campus. This includes international students coming from outside the U.S. and those who are already in the U.S. attending other SEVP-approved schools but wish to transfer to CIHS.
To be issued an I-20 by CIHS, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency and show that they or their sponsor(s) have sufficient financial funds.
Important Notes:
I-20 International Students enrolled under the F-1 visa status are not eligible for CIHS’ tuition deferment plan. These students must pay their quarterly tuition in full at the time of registration for that quarter’s classes.
All CIHS students pay tuition and other related fees per course each quarter they enroll in.
Due to U.S. Federal Regulations, all F-1 visa students must attend CIHS full-time each quarter taking two full credit academic courses. One of these courses must be an on-campus class per quarter. In addition to that one on-campus class, they must take an additional course, which may be an online class.
Prior to applying to CIHS, international applicants seeking an I-20 must check with their program director first about the availability of full-time in-person classes for the degree program they wish to enroll in.
CIHS is only able to accept and issue I-20s to M.A. and Ph.D. international applicants at this time (on a limited basis).
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PROCESS & HOW TO APPLY
Required International Admission Application Materials (Admission Checklist):
1) A completed online application.
2) Non-refundable international admissions application fee ($100).
3) Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts-with proof of degree completion-e-mailed directly from the issuing institution to CIHS at admissions@cihs.edu. Official course syllabi may also be required for possible transfer of credit upon departmental approval and in compliance with CIHS’ Transfer Credit Policy.
If your transcripts and academic records are not in English, you must submit an official, notarized, word-for-word, literal translation for all academic records (transcripts and diplomas) along with the documents in the original language. Translations can be done in your home country by any bona fide translating agency.
Transcripts issued by foreign universities that don’t follow the U.S. grading system must be sent to one of the following approved foreign credential evaluation agencies for a detailed course-by-course evaluation: www.ierf.org OR www.wes.org OR www.ece.org OR www.spantran.com
Transcripts submitted by e-mail (preferred method) should be sent to:
admissions@cihs.eduTranscripts submitted by mail should be sent to:
California Institute for Human Science
Admissions Office
701 Garden View Court
Encinitas, CA 92024
4) Two letters of recommendation (for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants) and one letter of recommendation (for B.A. applicants) from individuals who can address your academic and/or professional qualifications. There are 2 ways to submit the letter(s) of recommendation:
The person recommending you may use the Letter of Recommendation Online Form
OR
Ask your recommender to email your recommendation letter to admissions@cihs.edu with your name in the subject line.
5) A personal essay in which you explain the reason(s) for seeking admission to CIHS. The essay should show evidence that you have read the CIHS website, understand CIHS’ statement of mission and goals, and have some knowledge of the field of study of the program for which you are applying. Explain how this program could add to your academic background and help you fulfill professional and/or personal goals. Suggested length of narrative: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, Font Size 12. Approximately 250-500 words. Applicants may exceed this limit if needed.
6) A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. (for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants ONLY)
7) A representative term paper or another sample of academic or professional writing or publication(s). (for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants ONLY)
For tips on how to choose a writing sample, click here.
8) English Proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must submit a satisfactory English test score in one of the following English proficiency tests:
IELTS-Academic: 6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT: 79 or higher (CIHS TOEFL School Code is D107)
Cambridge CEFR: C1 Level or higher (CEFR= The Common European Framework of Reference)
Duolingo: 110 or higher
Pearson Test of English (PTE)-Academic: 53 or higher
9) International applicants seeking an I-20 (for F-1 Student Visa Status) must also submit the following items:
A current bank statement, within the last 3 months, showing at least $55,340 USD or its foreign currency equivalent. The bank statement must be official, on bank letterhead, and in the student’s name or in the sponsor’s name.
Affidavit of Support signed by the student and the sponsor. To download the form click on the Affidavit of Support Form.
Copy of the applicant’s passport biographical (name) page.
Married applicants who wish to bring their dependents (spouse and children), must submit additional documents as stated in the above Affidavit of Support Form.
Note: CIHS will only issue an I-20 after 1) you have been accepted into a degree program as a full-time student, 2) have met our English language requirement, 3) and have shown adequate financial support as stated above. Once you receive your I-20 from CIHS, you need to pay the I-901 fee at www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html then apply for an F-1 student visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. To help you prepare for your F-1 student visa interview, we suggest you do a Google search on “how to prepare for the F-1 Student Visa Interview”.