Cal Poly Pomona
Study at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, located just 48 kilometers east of Los Angeles. Cal Poly Pomona is a premier American institution that transforms international students into global leaders. Rooted in CPP’s signature “Become by Doing” philosophy, featuring world-renowned, top-ranked programs in engineering, business, science, hospitality management, and many more. Here, your education goes far beyond standard lectures. You will jump straight into hands-on labs and collaborative projects, working alongside expert faculty mentors to solve real-world challenges.
Beyond the classroom, CPP offers a safe, welcoming, and deeply supportive campus community where you will immediately feel at home. CPP also makes campus living stress-free by offering a variety of modern, well-maintained, and affordable housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Every aspect of campus life is designed to surround you with a culture of care that helps you adapt to university life in the United States.
Why Study at Cal Poly Pomona?
Real-world experience through hands-on labs, projects, and internships
Prestigious programs in engineering, business, science, education, hospitality management
Low tuition costs
Nation's #1 polytechnic for economic mobility.
Campus sits near Los Angeles and Orange County, providing direct access to major tech and business hubs.
Programs
Study Abroad (Semester @ CPP)
Cal Poly English Language Institute (CPELI)
International Visiting Scholars & Professionals Program
Study in Pomona, California
One of the best things about Cal Poly Pomona is the location. Nestled right between LA and Orange County, the campus puts you in the middle of everything Southern California has to offer. In under an hour, you can be hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, snowboarding at Mt. Baldy, or soaking up the sun at the beach. When you want a taste of city life, Downtown LA is just a quick drive or train ride away, giving you easy access to incredible food, concerts, and museums. At CPP, you get a top-tier education alongside a lifestyle where mountains, beaches, and the energy of a global city are just part of your weekend plans.
Programs at Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona offers international students flexible study options through both academic and English language pathways. Students can choose from semester based study at CPP or intensive English study through the Cal Poly English Language Institute, while visiting scholars & professionals can work with faculty on an approved research topic.
Semester @ CPP gives international students the opportunity to study alongside American students at Cal Poly Pomona for one or more semesters. The program lasts 17 weeks per semester and allows students to enroll in coursework across a wide range of academic areas at the university. Students earn official Cal Poly Pomona transcript credits for completed courses, which can support academic progress and future degree plans.
The program is ideal for students who want a true U.S. university experience in a structured and academically rigorous setting. Tuition is charged per semester, with a standard full-time load based on 12 credit units.
The Cal Poly English Language Institute offers an intensive English learning experience for students who want to improve their language skills and prepare for academic study in the United States. The program includes structured instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with each term designed to provide focused language development in an immersive environment. Students also benefit from cultural activities and opportunities to connect with peers from around the world, helping them build confidence in both academic and everyday communication.
The institute is a strong option for students seeking to strengthen English proficiency before entering a degree program or other university study. Program lengths vary by term, with the summer session lasting approximately 8 weeks and spring/fall terms lasting about 17 weeks.
Global Education Institute at Cal Poly Pomona welcomes international university faculty, staff and other working professionals from all over the world to join our International Visiting Faculty and Fellows Program. The purpose of the program is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences. The program participants enter the United States on a J visa. The participants will have the opportunity to experience an authentic American university life and engage in academic research and cultural exchange with Cal Poly Pomona faculty, staff and students so as to enhance their personal and professional growth. The program length is flexible from three months to one year. International university students can apply for this program as well.
Cal Poly Pomona welcomes international students and visiting scholars to study alongside American students and faculty through Semester@CPP and the International Visiting Faculty and Fellows Program. Students can choose from more than 80 academic programs across a wide range of fields, including engineering, business, science, hospitality management, agriculture, environmental design, education, and many more.
Participants can earn credits toward their degree while benefiting from CPP’s renowned hands-on learning approach, which combines academic theory with practical experience. International students also receive dedicated support through the International Center, which offers advising, campus resources, and programs designed to help them adjust to student life in the United States.
Read about all the programs here.
Explore the full list of programs and courses in the CPP Catalog.
Dates & Prices at Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona offers Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. The Fall and Spring semesters each run for about 17 weeks, while the Summer term through the Cal Poly English Language Institute lasts about 8 weeks. For the International Visiting Scholars and Short-Term Programs, start times and length of program depend on the agent and participants.
Fall Semester
Start of term: Mid-August
End of term: Mid-December
Application deadline: Mid-May*
Spring Semester
Start of term: Mid-January
End of term: Mid-May
Application deadline: Mid-October*
Summer Term (English Program)
Start of term: Early June
End of term: Late July
Application deadline: Early-March*
* Please note that the application deadline is the school’s official date. We recommend applying at least a few months in advance to ensure you have enough time to meet admission requirements, complete application documents, and arrange a student visa. Do not hesitate to submit your application if you are applying late, and we will assist you.
Prices for Studying at Cal Poly Pomona
Calistudies’ close partnership with Cal Poly Pomona means that we help you free of charge with your entire application to the school, as well as applying for a visa and student financing. Below are the school’s estimated costs.
- Tuition (24 credits): $11,800
- Housing expenses: $900 to $1,200 per month (depend on room types)
- Living expenses: $800 to $1000 per month
- Health insurance: $150 per month
- Textbooks and class supplies: $570 per year (included in the English and Visiting Programs)
- Application fee: $175
Total estimated cost: $32,534 per year.
- Tuition (12 credits): $5,900
- Housing expenses: $900 to $1,200 per month (depend on room types)
- Living expenses: $800 to $1,000 per month
- Health insurance: $150 per month
- Textbooks and class supplies: $285 per semester (included in the English and Visiting Programs)
- Application fee: $175
Total estimated cost: $16,267 per semester.
- Tuition: $2,950
- Housing expenses: $900 to $1,200 per month* (depend on room types)
- Living expenses: $800 to $1,000 per month
- Health insurance: $350
- Application fee: $175
Total estimated cost: $6,875 – $7,875
Financing Your Studies
Scholarships and Loans for Studying in the USA
There are several ways to finance your studies in the USA, including scholarships, grants, and student loan programs. In many cases, these options can help cover tuition fees, living costs, insurance, and travel.
Learn more about how to finance your studies in the USA.
No scholarships are available for international students. Only degree students can apply.
International students with F-1 visas are allowed to work, but only in on-campus jobs. During the semester, they can work up to 20 hours per week. Work authorization must be obtained.
Housing at Cal Poly Pomona
Living on campus makes it easy to stay connected, get involved, and access everything you need to succeed. Cal Poly Pomona offers several different housing options, such as Residential Halls, Residential Suites, and University Village depending on your needs.
Features include:
- Double or triple occupancy
- Study room, laundry room, recreation room, and kitchenette
- Bedroom furnished with bed, bookshelf, desk, chairs and dresser
- 10, 14, or 19 meal plan required
- Staffed by Residence Hall Advisors and a Residence Hall Coordinator
Features include:
- Three Floor Plans
- Living room, kitchenette, and full-size bathroom
- Bedroom furnished with bed, bookshelf, desk, chairs and dresser
- Living room/kitchenette furnished with sofa, chair, tables, refrigerator, and microwave
- 10, 14, or 19 meal plan required
- Staffed by Residence Hall Advisors and a Residence Hall Coordinator
Community Features:
- Apartments house four students, with either two or four bedrooms options
- Furnished bedrooms, living room, and dining room
- Refrigerator and stove/oven are provided in kitchen
- Meal plan purchase is optional from Campus
- Swimming pool, basketball courts, computer lab and recreation center and free laundry room
- Barbeque and picnic areas
- Staffed by Professional Coordinators and Resident Advisors 24 hours a day
Apply to Cal Poly Pomona
Start Your Application
Submit your interest and we’ll get back to you with more information or help you start your application. Free of charge and no obligation.
To be admitted to CPP:
- International students must be 18 years of age or older and meet the academic and English language requirements for their chosen program.
- Undergraduate study generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Advanced-level study typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Some programs may have additional placement or program-specific requirements.
- Students who do not meet the English requirement may be eligible for pathway options (if available).
Non-native English speakers can demonstrate proficiency through:
- TOEFL: Scale 4
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 95
- CEFR: B2
- DAAD Certificate
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- TOEIC: 785 (Listening min. of 400 and Reading min. of 385)
- Danish High School Completion of English A or English B
- A student may qualify for a waiver of English proficiency proof if he/she attended high school or university for at least three years where English is the medium of instruction.
