How to Apply

1. Complete Merced College International Student Application form online.
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, $22,000 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 $21,000 – $22,000 per calendar year.
4. English language proficiency requirement by exam: Send a copy of the official TOEFL score 45 iBT/450 PBT or IELTS 5.0.   If applicable, completion of college-level English at a U.S. institution. 
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) that supports your educational achievements and goals.
7. High School Official records and transcripts translated into English, must accompany your application. Official college transcripts from all U.S. colleges or universities if you have previously attended.
8. A complete health examination upon arrival. A signature from a physician is required and must include current immunization dates and verified tuberculosis (TB) clearance. Submit this report to the ISS office when you arrive at Merced College.
9. Coverage for health insurance upon arrival. 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 that is equivalent to the Merced College supported International Student health and accident policy or purchase insurance recommended by our office upon arrival.  Proof of any existing health insurance must be provided before the time of registration.  If you would like some insurance information, please contact us.

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 (the equivalent of ESL level 109), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score 5.0 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. In the MCELI class, you will learn the English language to be ready to take college courses.