Higher education in Los Angeles, California 2025

Higher Education in Los Angeles. Guide for foreign students

Los Angeles serves as a beacon for higher education, offering bachelor and master's programs in diverse fields, from applied to creative. Envision your academic journey right in this iconic locale of the Pacific Coast with the flavor of the California Dream. Often associated with its stunning beaches, surf culture, and Hollywood glamour, Los Angeles is much more than that: one of the prime education cities in the United States with some of the leading universities in the country.

The Rich Tapestry of Education in Los Angeles

Los Angeles stands as a sparkling educational hub, which holds many alternatives for an eager student, including 40 public and private universities and colleges. The University of California and California State University have several campuses throughout the metropolitan area and allow prospective students to choose from a variety of higher education options in Los Angeles.

Prospective students can choose different paths to become a part of the esteemed universities in Los Angeles.

These pathways include direct entry into the freshman year after high school graduation, completion of a pre-university preparatory program, transfer from another educational institution, or further studies in master's or doctoral programs after earning a bachelor's degree. Unique preparatory programs are offered for any category of students to enable them to gain admission to universities in the United States.

Preparation Programs for Higher Education in Los Angeles

• Pathway: Pathway ranks as the preferred pre-university preparation program among foreign students. It operates in collaboration with specific universities, readying applicants for admission to their chosen institutions. Notably, Pathway boasts a concise duration of just 1 or 2 semesters and provides a direct pathway into the second year (or second semester) of study at the selected university. Prerequisites for admission include a high school diploma and a successfully completed language test (minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL scores ranging from 61 to 79).
• Foundation: The Foundation program is designed for the applicants who do not need any academic preparation but would like to improve their English. This program is more focused on language test preparation rather than university admission. Such programs generally span three or four semesters, equivalent to one academic year. Entrance requirements usually include a secondary school diploma and any language test that has been passed with a minimum of 5.0 in IELTS or 70-80 in TOEFL.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): This is an intense two-year pre university program, covering 6 subjects, which gives enough opportunities to apply for admission into various international universities. Although the program is long-term, the curriculum compensates with a deep knowledge offered with a guarantee of admission into top universities. Admission requirements include the completion of students' high school education with a language test score of at least 5.5 in IELTS or TOEFL scores ranging from 40 to 45.
• Pre-Masters/Pre-MBA: Intended for individuals with a prior higher education degree who aspire to earn a master's or doctoral degree at U.S. universities. The program duration varies from 1 to 2 semesters, contingent upon English proficiency levels. Admission prerequisites encompass a bachelor's degree, a successfully completed language test (IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL scores of 550 PBT / 213 CBT / 81 IBT), and a minimum of 2 years of managerial work experience for Pre-MBA candidates.

Top Educational Institutions in Los Angeles for Foreign Students

The proximity of approximately 40 institutions of higher education, including three University of California campuses and seven CSU system campuses, as well as several private universities, has made Los Angeles an attractive city. UCLA and USC are excellent research universities in the city, but the latter is particularly notable for its international institutions and admits more than 7,000 international students in a year.

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is another very big college in Los Angeles. Well known for science and engineering, it manages the Palomar Observatory and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, designing and building spacecraft for NASA's robotic missions. The student population is less than 1,000 undergraduates and around 1,200 graduate students. Caltech provides one of the toughest curricula in the USA, and its commitment to academic excellence has led to 17 alumni and 18 faculty members being awarded Nobel Prizes.

Furthermore, institutions like the Otis College of Art and Design and the American Film Institute are noteworthy for cultivating future industry talent, while many major Hollywood studios provide short courses in various creative disciplines including  acting, directing, cinematography, editing, animation, and more, providing aspiring artists and filmmakers with valuable opportunities for skill development and networking.

How can foreign students apply for higher education in Los Angeles?

The process of applying to colleges and universities in Los Angeles as a foreign student can seem intricate, but thorough preparation and a focus on the details can lead to a fruitful experience. Below is a summarized guide to the application steps for higher education institutions in Los Angeles:

Research and Select Institutions. When looking for colleges and universities, you need to research different institutions in Los Angeles, focusing primarily on those programs matching your desired academic interests and future career goals. Focus on the city, program specifics, general school reputation, and availability of financial help.

Admission Criteria. Examine the admission criteria for each institution thoroughly. Common requirements include academic records, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), recommendation letters, a personal essay, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers). Each institution may have specific requirements, so it's essential to carefully read their admissions guidelines.

Financial Considerations. Evaluate the tuition, housing, and living expenses for each institution. Further, explore the scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for foreign students because many universities in Los Angeles offer financial assistance to ease the financial burden.

Application Process. Fill out your college applications with careful consideration for different deadlines. Be sure that you submit all the documents and pay the fees that your school requires for the application.

Visa Process. Upon receiving the acceptance letter, you need to apply for a student visa (F1) to study in the US. This includes filling out a student visa application, paying the required fees, and taking an interview at an embassy or consulate in your home country.
Arrival and Orientation. Once the visa has been obtained, arrangements will be made for further processing of the travel to Los Angeles. Most colleges have a special orientation for international students with the aim of getting them acclimatized to their new environment and to the new academic atmosphere.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university? Subjects, employer value, percentage of employment in the first year after graduation?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.