Certificate Programs: How to Apply

In order to receive an I-20, you must meet the minimum score required for your certificate as listed on the UCLA Extension program page. View the minimum scores for each certificate program.

Test Scores

Upload test scores from the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or iTEP Academic-Plus (must show an original test date that is less than two years old).

or

Waiver

International applicants may be exempt from the English language proficiency test requirement if one of the following criteria are met:

• Are a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or English-speaking Canada, and English is your native language
• Have studied for a minimum of four years at a high school, college, or university in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or English-speaking Canada
• Have earned a graduate level degree from a college or university in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or English-speaking Canada
• Have completed UCLA Extension's Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP) Level 107 (or higher) with earned grades of A- (or higher) in the two core subjects, and will complete ESL X 433C as required*

Download Waiver Form (pdf)

Supplemental English Courses

International students whose test scores are below 100 on TOEFL iBT, 7.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 5.1 on the iTEP Academic-Plus will be required to take one or two supplemental English for International Students courses based upon the following:

Each English course counts toward the 12 units of courses that you are required to take each quarter as an F-1 student. English courses are worth four units each. You may enroll in one English course per quarter plus two certificate program courses.

Make a clear, readable copy of your passport biographic page containing your your name, birth date, expiration date, and the bottom two lines filled with letters and numbers.

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If you are currently in the U.S. without an F-1 visa and want to change your current visa status to F-1, you will also be required to upload:

• Completed Change of Status Form (pdf)
• A copy of your most recent I-94
• A copy of your current Visa

Though we strongly recommend that you return to your home country and obtain an F-1 student visa. 

Official copy of high school or college transcripts. English copy must be included with foreign language transcripts.

Each transcript submitted must display each course you took during your studies and the grade you received. Diplomas and/or Certificates of Completion will not be accepted in lieu of a transcript.

You and/or your sponsor are financially responsible for your educational and living expenses for the duration of your program and must provide financial certification meeting the minimum funds as listed in the table below. This is valid for the students as well as for the educational and/or living expenses of your dependents who will accompany you.

Calculation of Financial Support

Each applicant is required to show a minimum of $26,300 USD to fund school tuition and living expenses while an F-1 student enrolled at UCLA Extension. Proof of an additional $7,600 for a spouse and/or $5,000 for each child is required for F-2 dependents.

You are required to have health insurance for the duration of your studies. Health insurance fees are paid each quarter. New students are required to purchase health insurance and upload proof of payment. 

To purchase health insurance and view policy details, visit the Relation Insurance Services website or call (877) 246-6997 to speak to a representative.

Purchase Health Insurance

To provide proof of your own health insurance, you must submit the Health Insurance Waiver Form and provide documentation showing proof of coverage.

Download Health Insurance Waiver Form (pdf)

If you plan to bring any dependents with you (spouse or children), the following must be provided for each family member:

• Name (as it appears on passport)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Country of citizenship
• Passport photo copy
• Copy of marriage/household certificate (spouse); or copy of birth certificate (child)

Find your status below to learn how you can study in Los Angeles.

Students without an F-1 visa who wish to study in the U.S.

For 2022 Winter and Spring quarters, UCLA Extension International Programs will be offered in a hybrid (online and in-person) format. Students without an F-1 visa, who wish to study in the U.S. and enroll in one of our hybrid format programs, will meet U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) eligibility requirements for an I-20 form to obtain an F-1 visa.

How does it work?
Hybrid programs will include at least one in-person class meeting over the course of the quarter. The number of in-person meetings may increase as public health orders permit. Even though you will be living in Los Angeles, most of the courses within your chosen certificate program will be offered in an online format. Learn about our online instruction methods.

How to enroll:
Follow the application process as outlined. All new international F-1 students who arrive in the U.S. for Winter and Spring quarters 2022 will be automatically enrolled in at least one in-person class meeting for the quarter.

Download new F-1 visa student Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)

Transfer Students

Students who are already in the U.S. with an F-1 visa can transfer to UCLA Extension and maintain F-1 status. Transfer students are not required to participate in an in-person class to maintain their visa status at this time.

Continuing Students in the U.S with F-1 visa

Current UCLA Extension students living in the U.S. with an F-1 visa are not required to participate in an in-person class at this time. You may enroll in fully online courses for Winter and Spring.

Continuing Students Outside of the U.S. with F-1 visa

Current UCLA Extension students living outside the U.S. may enroll in fully online courses for Winter and Spring quarters and maintain F-1 status. If you wish to re-enter the U.S., please contact us for instruction at 310-825-9351 or iso@uclaextension.edu.  When in-person classes resume in full, you may be required to re-enter the U.S. to maintain F-1 status.

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Download Frequently Asked Questions for International Students (pdf)