California State University Monterey Bay

  • Seaside (California)
  • United States of America
English

At a glance

1994

Est.

7.5k

Students

70%

Acceptance rate

6k$

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

200€ reward

Exclusive wearefreemovers incentives: Apply through us, pay the exact same tuition, and still get money back. Includes Cashback + Go-Together + Referral Rewards.

Available subjects

English-taught
  • 📊 Accounting & Finance
  • 🌾 Agriculture & Forestry
  • 🫀 Anatomy & Physiology
  • 🦴 Anthropology
  • 🏺 Archaeology
  • 🎨 Art & Design
  • 🧬 Biological Sciences
  • 📈 Business & Management Studies
  • 🧪 Chemistry
  • 📡 Communication & Media Studies
  • 💻 Computer Science & Information Systems
  • 🌋 Earth & Marine Sciences
  • 💹 Economics & Econometrics
  • 📚 Education & Training
  • 📖 English Language & Literature
  • 🌿 Environmental Sciences
  • 📜 History
  • 🏨 Hospitality & Leisure Management
  • 🏛️ Law
  • 🗣️ Linguistics
  • 🔢 Mathematics
  • 🌐 Modern Languages
  • 🎭 Performing Arts
  • 🤔 Philosophy
  • 🌐 Politics & International Studies
  • 🧠 Psychology
  • 🏛️ Social Policy & Administration
  • 👥 Sociology
  • 🏀 Sports-related Subjects
  • 📊 Statistics & Operational Research
  • 🕊️ Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies

About

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a diverse, innovative, and student-centered university located on California’s beautiful Central Coast. With an inspiring coastal campus just one mile from the beach, CSUMB offers students the opportunity to study for a semester or year. Students can immerse in American culture, advance their academic goals, and enhance English proficiency skills. The campus provides a safe, close-knit environment along with a variety of clubs and activities that enrich student life.

Students at CSUMB benefit from an affordable, accessible education guided by mentorship and inspired by the university’s unique coastal setting. The region’s natural beauty creates opportunities for hands-on learning that extend beyond the classroom, from the ocean to the surrounding landscapes. Small classes and a supportive community allow for personal attention and meaningful connections between students and faculty.

The university emphasizes experiential learning, including undergraduate research opportunities and real-world applications that help students build practical skills and prepare for their future careers. International students are fully integrated into campus life, living and studying alongside American students and participating in campus clubs, organizations, and activities within a diverse and inclusive community.

Recognized for its commitment to student success and social mobility, CSUMB provides a transformative educational experience that empowers students to achieve their goals. With its welcoming campus community and strong focus on learning by doing, CSUMB offers an environment where students can thrive and prepare for a lifetime of opportunity.

Academic calendar

All semesters. One profile.

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Fall semester

Third week of August

Mid-December

⚠️ Application deadline:

June 1

Spring semester

Third week of January

Mid-May

⚠️ Application deadline:

November 1

Prerequisites

Are you a fit for this university?

Create a profile and instantly check your eligibility against this institution’s entry standards.

English

CEFR level
B2
Accepted certificates
TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, Duolingo 95, PET 45, or at least 3 years previously taught in English.

2.7 GPA

A minimum GPA equivalent to 2.7 on a 4.0 scale is typically required. Applicants slightly below this threshold may still be considered if supported by strong academic progression, relevant coursework, or an exceptional extracurricular profile.

Expense breakdown

Housing

1,100 USD/mo

Food

800 USD/mo

Transport

100 USD/mo

Leisure

350 USD/mo

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

6,000 USD

Living expenses (5 months)

An estimation of what your living expenses could be. You can go cheaper or more expensive, depending on your lifestyle

11,750 USD

Travel & trips

The cost of reaching the destination, having a little bit of fun travels while you're there, and coming back. Again, this varies on your adventurous spirit and spending capabilities

2,000 USD

Estimated semester cost

19,750 USD

wearefreemovers discount

up to 200 EUR

wearefreemovers discount

up to 200 €

wearefreemovers partners directly with universities to make studying abroad more affordable. By applying through us, you keep the official university tuition and get exclusive cashback and referral bonuses.

Cashback

100€

Referral

50€
per person

Go together

up to
50€

Lifestyle

Life in

Seaside

Accommodation

You can check more about California State University Monterey Bay’s on-campus accommodation here.

Social and extracurricular activities

More information can be found in the “Get to Know CSUMB” Section of the Next steps at this link.
Some student testimonials can be found on our Instagram.

Visa and immigration

Students will come on an F-1 visa. More information on how to apply for the visa is in the next steps link that will be received after admission.

Climate

Fall semester

Third week of August

Mid-December
🌡️ 10°C to 22°C

Late-summer sunshine gradually welcomes the cool Pacific fog. Autumn is mild and often dry, with ocean breezes keeping things refreshingly chilly.

Spring semester

Third week of January

Mid-May
🌡️ 9°C to 21°C

Rainier winter months fade into a gentle, green spring. Expect cool mornings turning into bright yet breezy afternoons, often under that iconic coastal haze.

Campus location

Video