العربيةStudy abroad at Bakersfield
Overview
Country
United StatesPopulation
415,000
Universities
3
Summer / Winter Temperature
Summer: 23°C–37°C / Winter: 4°C–15°C
Why study at Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a thriving inland metropolis and the agricultural and energy capital of California's San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, located just 1.5 hours north of Los Angeles. Known for its rich country music heritage ('Bakersfield Sound'), year-round California sunshine, and rapid economic growth in renewable energy, aerospace, petroleum, and agro-business, Bakersfield is home to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB - founded in 1965, comprehensive public university of the 23-campus CSU system with over 11,000 students). CSUB is renowned for its School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (NSME - offering ABET-accredited Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, and Electrical Engineering), School of Business and Public Administration (BPA - AACSB-accredited), and School of Arts and Humanities. Degrees are taught 100% in English with prestigious US accreditations (WASC, AACSB, ABET). International students benefit from significantly lower living and housing costs compared to coastal California (Los Angeles/San Francisco), sunny weather, and direct F-1 / I-20 Student Visa support.
Fees
Tuition fees in Bakersfield for international undergraduate students at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) range between $17,500 and $20,500 per academic year (calculated at $420 per non-resident unit plus basic CSU tuition fees), making it one of the most affordable public university options in California. Postgraduate Master's programs range from $16,500 to $19,800 per year. On-campus student residence suites (Student Housing East) cost between $700 and $1,100 per month (inclusive of meal plans and utilities), while off-campus student apartments along Stockdale Highway, Gosford Road, and Downtown range from $650 to $1,150 per month. General monthly living expenses range between $850 and $1,450.
Cost of Living
| Category | Cost (US dollar) |
|---|---|
| University on-campus student residence (CSUB Student Housing East - monthly) | $890 |
| Rent, 1-bed private apartment in Downtown Bakersfield / Westchester | $1,125 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment along Stockdale Hwy / Gosford Rd (near CSUB) | $900 |
| Utilities (electricity, AC cooling, gas, water - off campus) | $200 |
| Internet (fiber optic high-speed home broadband unlimited - Spectrum/AT&T) | $63 |
| Mobile phone plan (high 5G data & calls - T-Mobile/Verizon) | $53 |
| Monthly public transport & GET Bus transit pass (Free/Discounted for CSUB students) | $35 |
| Monthly grocery & dining budget (Trader Joe's / WinCo / ALDI / Target) | $425 |
| Coffee / Beverage in café near Marketplace / Stockdale | $5 |
| Cinema ticket (Maya Cinemas Bakersfield / Edwards) | $13 |
Admission requirements
Secondary School Diploma / Transcripts & Cal State Apply
Certified secondary school graduation certificate and official transcripts with certified English translation, evaluated through the Cal State Apply international application portal (GPA 2.5–3.0+ equivalent; SAT/ACT optional).
English Language Proficiency (TOEFL iBT / IELTS / Duolingo)
TOEFL iBT (minimum 61+ for undergraduate; 79–80+ for graduate), IELTS Academic (6.0+ for undergraduate; 6.5+ for graduate), Duolingo English Test (95–105+), or PTE (44+).
Student Visa
International students require a US F-1 Student Visa. Upon academic admission and verification of financial documentation (bank statement certifying first-year tuition and living expenses), CSUB's International Students and Scholars (ISS) office issues the official Form I-20. The student pays the SEVIS I-901 fee, completes the DS-160 online visa application, and attends the F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
How to Study
Choose your degree program at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB).
Submit your application via the official Cal State Apply portal with academic transcripts and English scores.
Receive your official Acceptance Letter and submit financial declaration to obtain Form I-20.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online.
Complete the DS-160 form and book your F-1 Visa appointment at the US Embassy.
Fly to Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield (BFL) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX - 90 min with direct Amtrak/shuttle connection to Bakersfield), check into your residence, and attend international orientation.