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California Institute of Advanced Management

International Admissions

Thank you for your interest in graduate study at CIAM. No matter where you’re coming from, your experience at CIAM will prove intellectually challenging, while also enriching both personally and culturally. We are dedicated to your success—in the classroom, your career, and your experience here in the US.

At California Institute of Advanced Management, it's easy to enroll in our programs. Start with completing the online application and our experienced support staff will walk you step-by-step to complete the next steps until you are ready for the start.


All applicants to CIAM will be provided an equal opportunity for admission regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. The degree programs at CIAM are hybrid, providing students with the opportunity to engage in both on-campus and online learning. 

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least one year of professional experience is required.

CIAM is committed in providing an equitable and accessible experience for all applicants. We value a diverse community, and therefore our admissions policies are designed to attract students with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Candidates for admission are evaluated holistically based on their merits and potential to succeed at CIAM. For admissions decisions, we use information from academic performance, work experience, leadership positions, extracurricular interests, unique talents, and the personal interview. We consider the applicant, not just a GPA or standardized test score. Efforts are made to match the candidate’s expectation with that of the CIAM MBA program design.


Student applications are not reviewed until the application is 100% completed and the (non-refundable) application fee has been paid.

Learn How Your Application is Considered

Applying to CIAM involves five simple steps, listed below:

Step 1: Connect with our Admissions Counselors

  • Our friendly admissions team is here to help guide you throughout your application and to help you acomplish your educational goals. Please call us toll free at +1 (866) 295-5118 or email us at [email protected]

Step 2: Start Your Application Online 


Step 3: Submit Required Documents

  • Your dedicated admissions counselor will provide guidance on what documents you will need for your application.

Step 4: Schedule an Admissions Interview

  • Instructions for the admissions interview will be provided after you submit your completed application.

Step 5: Prepare to Start Your Classes

  • Our Student Success department will work with you on selecting the right courses and help prepare you for success here at CIAM.

Start Your Application

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Students applying to CIAM must submit a complete application package, which includes: 

  • Application – All students who wish to apply to CIAM must complete an admissions application. The application is available on the CIAM website or by clicking here. The application must be complete, or it will not be reviewed for consideration.  
  • Application Fee – All applicants must pay an application fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00 USD) with the admissions application. If the fee does not accompany the admissions application, the application will not be processed. The application fee is non-refundable. Applicants may submit payment within the online application form here. 
  • Preliminary Interview – All applicants must complete a preliminary interview with the Office of Admissions as part of the application process. The purpose of this interview is to help ensure a match between the candidate’s expectation the CiAM MBA program design. This can be conducted on campus or online.   
  • Current resume  
  • Transcripts – All applicants must submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions. Official transcripts from institutions outside of the United States will only be accepted if they have been evaluated by a member in good standing of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or another nationally recognized credentialing service. 
  • Statement of Purpose – All applicants must submit a 300-500-word statement of purpose indicating why they wish to study at CIAM, how studying at CIAM would help them accomplish their personal/professional goals, how the program would empower them to give back to their community and sharing their unique life story and experiences.  
  • Final Interview - After you have submitted a complete admissions application, the Office of Admissions will contact you to schedule a final interview. This can be conducted on campus or online.

In addition to those listed above, international students must also submit the following materials: 

  • Copy of their passport (and the passport of any dependents, if applicable) 
  • Affidavit of Financial Support - International applicants must submit an Affidavit of Financial Support form to show proof of funding, which must meet a minimum indicated on the form. By signing the Affidavit of Financial Support form, the student certifies that the sufficient financial resources will be available to cover all expenses for the duration of his/her study at CIAM, as well as obtain and maintain adequate health insurance coverage throughout enrollment at CIAM. A student who will be accompanied by a spouse and/or children must submit additional support of $4,000 for spouse and $3,000 for each child. If the certificates are issued in a language other than English, the student must attach a certified English translation. 
  • Bank statement showing financial capability - Bank statements must be dated within six (6) months of the intended start date. Please submit bank statements of an account(s) that does not have restrictions on your ability to withdraw money to pay for tuition and living expenses in the U.S. If the account is in another person's name, the student must provide a relationship document (e.g., birth certificate, household registrar, etc.). We do not consider investment or retirement accounts.   
  • Proof of health insurance – International applicants are required to have health insurance while attending CiAM. If you choose to purchase International Student Insurance, the minimum coverage must provide: 1) Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness per policy year, 2) Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000, 3) Medical evacuation to your home country in the amount of $50,000
  • If you have been employed and will be employed during your study at CIAM on CPT, please provide the proof of the health insurance sponsored by your employer confirming that you have at least the equivalent minimum coverage as stated above. 
  • Evidence of English language proficiency – Options to demonstrate English language proficiency are listed in the English Language Proficiency Requirements section

Download Application Checklist

English Language Proficiency Requirements

International graduate applicants, who graduated from an institution in a non-English speaking country, must demonstrate English-language proficiency.

International applicants can meet CIAM’s English Language Proficiency Requirement by meeting one or more conditions below:

  • Attended an educational institution within the United States for one (1) year or more and earned a bachelor’s degree or higher (not a certificate). 
  • Attended an institution in a country where the native language is English for one (1) year or more and earned bachelor’s degree or higher (not a certificate). 
  • Attended an institution outside the United States for one (1) year or more and earned bachelor’s degree or higher (not a certificate) where the official language of the institution was English for ALL coursework. 
  • Attended and successfully completed a CIAM-approved English Language Program in the United States. Please contact the Office of Admissions for an approved list of English programs. 
  • Earned an acceptable minimum score on a recognized standardized English proficiency exam. CIAM currently requires a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT, 530 on the TOEFL PBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, 58 on the PTE Academic, 3.8 on the iTEP, or 105 on the Duolingo English Test. Test scores must be no more than two (2) years old at the time of application to CIAM.

COUNTRIES EXEMPT FROM ENGLISH EXAM

You are Eligible to Waive the English Language Exam if you attended an institution in a country where the native language is English for 1 year or more and earned a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from that institution.


Below is a list of countries CIAM accepts for the English Exam Waiver:

  • American Samoa
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Grand Cayman
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Puerto Rico PR
  • Trinidad/Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • U.S. Pacific Trust

Download English Requirement Exemption Form

International Admissions FAQs

  • Do you offer information sessions?

    Yes. We regularly offer sessions and prospective student events throughout the year. In addition, you can contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] to schedule a personal visit.

  • How do I apply?

    At California Institute of Advanced Management, it's easy to enroll in our programs. Start with completing the online application and our experienced support staff will walk you step-by-step to complete the next steps until you are ready for the start.


    Click here to begin your application.

  • Do you allow students to attend part-time?

    Yes, domestic students have the option to enroll as full-time or part-time students. Full-time enrollment typically constitutes a course load of 6 or more units in a term (2 courses). International students are required to maintain full-time enrollment throughout the duration of their degree program.

  • When can I apply?

    CiAM offers rolling admissions so there’s always a future term available if you meet the application deadline. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 626.350.1500 or [email protected] for detailed instructions on how to apply.

  • How long does it take to hear back about acceptance to the program?

    We usually respond immediately, but we will appreciate if you email [email protected] to update us about your progress. You are always welcome to call 626.350.1500 or email us to speak with our dedicated Admissions Specialists.

  • My work experience is less than a year. Can I still apply to CIAM?

    If your work experience is less than a year, please submit an admission petition to the Dean’s Office to request a waiver. The Academic Council may be involved for evaluation and recommendation, please contact Office of Admissions at [email protected] or call 1(626)-350-1500 for more information.

  • Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT?

    No, candidates for admission are evaluated holistically based on their merits and potential to succeed at CiAM. For admissions decisions, we use information from academic performance, work experience, leadership positions, extracurricular interests, unique talents, and the personal interview. We consider the applicant as a whole individual, not select parts such as GPA or GRE/GMAT test scores. Efforts are made to match the candidate’s expectation with that of the CiAM program design. Please contact Office of Admissions at [email protected] or call 1-626-350-1500 for more information.

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