Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate

Program overview

Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate is a program program in general studies at California State University, East Bay, a public institution in Hayward, California, United States, founded in 1957.

First-year tuition is listed at 9,000 USD and the application fee at 150 USD. The earliest intake currently open is Jun 2027.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 51,800 USD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Costs differ sharply between public and private schools and between states. The I-20 states the school's estimate of tuition and living costs, and your funds evidence should match it. Read the school's cost page and the official student visa pages for the fees that apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in the United States

Our directory lists 199 program programs in general studies at 70 schools in the United States. Their median first-year tuition is 29,600 USD, and the middle half cost between 15,120 USD and 43,300 USD.

At 9,000 USD, Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate is 70% below the median, in the most affordable quarter. The full range runs from 1,795 USD to 81,500 USD.

• All general studies courses in the United States

Lower-cost program options in general studies

If budget matters, these program programs in general studies have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United States.

Plan for the Jun 2027 intake

Working back from a Jun 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. Fall (August or September) is the main intake and Spring (January) is the second. Graduate deadlines are often several months earlier than the start date.

Entry requirements and documents

California State University, East Bay sets the exact entry requirements for Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate. For a program, applicants usually need the following.

Most schools accept TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo and set their own minimums. Graduate programmes may also ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though many programmes have made these optional.

• Your most recent academic transcripts and certificates.
• A statement of purpose.
• References, and a CV where work experience is relevant.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: F-1 student visa

Students from India need a F-1 student visa to study in the United States. U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) decides the application.

An F-1 visa is for full-time academic study at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The school issues a Form I-20 and the visa itself is decided at a consular interview, so a consistent study plan and clear finances matter more than the paperwork volume.

• Shortlist SEVP-certified schools and complete applications. Check test requirements such as GRE, GMAT or English tests programme by programme.
• After admission and proof of funds, the school issues the Form I-20.
• Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 online visa application and pay the visa application fee.
• Book and attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring the I-20, passport, financial documents and admission papers.

• Study in United States: full visa guide
• U.S. Department of State: Student visa
• Study in the States (DHS)

After you graduate

Students may be eligible for optional practical training in their field of study, with an extension for certain STEM degrees. Conditions apply, so read the official rules and speak to your school's designated school official.

Scholarships at California State University, East Bay

Check the eligibility rules for each scholarship before you apply. Some are applied automatically, others need a separate application.

• Global Excellence Scholarships: $14,000 USD
• Global Honors Scholarships: $2,800 USD

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate?

First-year tuition is listed at 9,000 USD. Living costs are extra; California State University, East Bay estimates 42,650 USD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is 150 USD. It is paid once per application and is not refunded after the school receives the application.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Jun 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Visiting Students Program - Undergraduate a degree?

It is listed as a program. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.

Which visa do I need to study in the United States?

You need a F-1 student visa, decided by U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to California State University, East Bay, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

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