Higher education in Los Angeles, California 2024

Higher Education in Los Angeles. Guide for foreign students

Los Angeles stands as a beacon for higher education, offering bachelor's and master's degrees across a diverse range of fields, from applied to creative disciplines. Envision your academic journey unfolding in this legendary Pacific Coast locale, where you can immerse yourself in the spirit of the California Dream. Often associated with its stunning beaches, vibrant surfing culture, and Hollywood glamor, Los Angeles is more than its entertainment industry fame. It boasts the status of a significant educational hub in the United States, home to some of the country's top universities.

The Rich Tapestry of Education in Los Angeles

With over 40 public and private universities and colleges, Los Angeles is a thriving educational hub with a plethora of choices for students. The University of California and California State University have multiple campuses across the metropolitan area, providing a wide array of options for higher education in Los Angeles.

Prospective students can pursue different paths to become 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 preparation program, transferring from another educational institution, or pursuing master's or doctoral programs following a bachelor's degree earned in Russia. For each category of students, tailored preparatory programs are available to facilitate entry into U.S. universities.

Preparation Programs for Higher Education in Los Angeles

• Pathway: Pathway ranks as the preferred pre-university preparation program among international 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: Designed for applicants who do not require academic preparation but need to enhance their English proficiency, the Foundation program focuses on language test preparation rather than university admission. Foundation programs typically span 3 or 4 semesters, equivalent to one academic year. Prerequisites include a high school diploma and a successfully completed language test (minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or TOEFL scores ranging from 70 to 80).

• International Baccalaureate (IB): This comprehensive pre-university program covers a span of 2 years and encompasses the study of 6 disciplines. It offers the opportunity to gain admission to many international universities. Although the program is long-term, it compensates with the depth of knowledge acquired and a virtual guarantee of acceptance at leading universities. Admission requirements include a high school diploma and a successfully completed language test (minimum IELTS score of 5.5 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 Universities in Los Angeles for International Students

Los Angeles boasts approximately 40 higher education institutions, including three campuses of the University of California (UC) and seven campuses of the California State University (CSU) system, along with numerous private colleges and universities. The city's premier research universities include the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). Notably, USC has consistently enrolled the highest number of foreign students, exceeding 7,000 annually.

A prominent position in Los Angeles' education landscape belongs to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Renowned for its excellence in the exact sciences and engineering, Caltech owns the Palomar Observatory and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, responsible for launching NASA's robotic spacecraft. Caltech boasts an intimate student body, with fewer than a thousand undergraduates and approximately 1,200 graduate students. Its rigorous curriculum, characterized by compulsory courses, is renowned as one of the most challenging among technical universities in the United States. The institution's academic rigor has yielded impressive results, with 17 Caltech alumni and 18 professors receiving Nobel laureates.

Speaking of education in Los Angeles, one cannot overlook institutions dedicated to nurturing future stars. Notable among these are the Otis College of Art and Design and the American Film Institute. Moreover, nearly all major Hollywood studios offer short-term courses in various fields, including acting, directing, cinematography, editing, animation, and more, providing aspiring artists and filmmakers with valuable opportunities for skill development and networking.

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

Applying to higher education institutions in Los Angeles as a foreign student can be a complex process, but with careful planning and attention to details, it can be a rewarding endeavor. Here is a general outline of the steps involved in applying to colleges and universities in Los Angeles:

Research and Choose Schools. Start by researching colleges and universities in Los Angeles and identifying the ones that offer programs aligned with your academic and career goals. Consider factors like location, program offerings, reputation, and available financial aid.

Admission Requirements. Review the admission requirements for each school. These typically include submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers). Each institution may have specific requirements, so it's essential to carefully read their admissions guidelines.

Financial Planning. Calculate the cost of tuition, housing, and living expenses for each institution. Explore scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities for international students. Many colleges and universities in Los Angeles offer scholarships and financial aid to help mitigate the expenses.

Application Submission. Complete the application forms for the schools of your choice and pay attention to deadlines, as they can vary among institutions. Ensure that all required documents and fees are submitted as per their guidelines.

Visa Application. Once you receive an acceptance letter from a school, you'll need to apply for a student visa (typically an F-1 visa) to study in the United States. This process involves filling out a visa application, paying the required fees, and attending an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

Arrival and Orientation. After securing your visa, you can plan your arrival in Los Angeles. Many schools offer orientation programs for international students to help them acclimate to the new environment and educational system.

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.