Santa Monica College (SMC) in Santa Monica, California, offers associate/transfer pathways and an Intensive English Program for international students.
Admission requirements and application documents
Prepare your passport, transcripts, financial documentation, a $75 application fee, and a minimum 500-word essay for the academic program. English proficiency requirements per the 2026 documentation: IELTS 5.0, Duolingo 75, or PTE 39; the college also accepts other methods of proof.
Students are typically 18 years of age or older; 16–17-year-old applicants must have graduated from high school and meet the college's guardianship requirements. The IEP does not require proof of English proficiency for admission or an essay like the academic program.
International tuition for Fall 2026 – Summer 2027
| Expense item | USD |
|---|---|
| Enrollment + non-resident tuition + surcharge | 486/unit |
| 24 units over two semesters | 11,664/academic year |
| Mandatory insurance | 2,310/year + 196 before the first term |
| Health and activity fees estimated for two semesters | 125/year |
| Total budget required by the college for Fall–Spring | 34,000 |
| Intensive English Program | 1,000/month, excluding other fees |
The $34,000 budget includes various estimated expenses, not just tuition. Taking extra units, summer sessions, or the IXD program will change this total.
English proficiency and intake terms
The IEP is for F-1 students, involves 20 hours/week of in-person instruction, and has monthly start dates. The college calculates tuition based on the number of months enrolled per semester, not a monthly payment plan.
Spring 2027 academic: term begins February 16, 2027; application deadline for those outside the US is January 5, and for F-1 students already in the US is January 15. Check the latest schedule and I-20 processing times before applying.
International admission terms · Application documents · English proficiency · Tuition and budget · Intensive English Program
Cross-checked on October 12, 2026. Annual tuition is listed in each table; please verify directly before submitting.
School selection counseling and application preparation
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