| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location:
Santa Monica, California (Los Angeles area)
Close to the beach, and just a short drive from Hollywood, downtown LA, and major attractions.
Type:
Public community college
Founded:
1929
Website: N/A
Associate Degrees (A.A., A.S.)
Certificates in career technical fields
Transfer Programs – SMC is known for having one of the highest transfer rates to:
University of California (UC) campuses, especially UCLA and UC Berkeley
California State University (CSU) system
Private universities (e.g., USC)
Popular Programs:
Business Administration
Computer Science
Film Production
Graphic Design
Nursing
Environmental Science
Psychology
SMC is super popular with international students—over 100+ countries are represented.
Support includes:
International Education Center
ESL classes
Transfer counseling
F-1 visa support
In-state: ~$1,200/year (CA residents)
Out-of-state/international: ~$9,000–$10,000/year
Living expenses in LA (housing, food, etc.): ~$18,000–$22,000/year
Modern campus with great facilities
Student clubs, athletics, arts & cultural events
Access to beaches, LA nightlife, entertainment industry
Public transportation available (Metro, buses)
Great for students looking to transfer to top 4-year universities
Strong academic support services
Diverse and inclusive campus community
Ideal location in Southern California
Would you like info on:
The application process for international students?
Specific majors or transfer pathways?
Campus housing or scholarships?
Anthropology
Art History
Communication Studies
English
History
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Gender Studies
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Marketing
Management
International Business
Global Trade & Logistics
Computer Science
Computer Programming
Cybersecurity
Web Development
Database Applications
Information Systems Management
App Development
Film Production
Film Studies
Animation
Broadcasting
Journalism
Photography
Digital Media
Post-Production
Graphic Design
Interior Architectural Design
Studio Arts
Fashion Design
Interaction Design (Bachelor’s degree – B.S.)
Nursing (RN Program)
Health Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Nutrition & Dietetics
Public Health
Kinesiology
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
Mathematics
Physics
Astronomy
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Science
Global Studies
International Relations
Asian Studies
French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and other language courses
Early Childhood Education
Cosmetology
Sustainable Technologies (Solar Energy, Recycling, etc.)
Respiratory Therapy
Technical Theater
SMC offers full General Education (GE) programs that allow students to transfer to:
UC System (e.g., UCLA, UC Berkeley)
CSU System (e.g., Cal State LA, CSUN)
Private and out-of-state universities
Associate in Arts (A.A.)
Associate in Science (A.S.)
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT)
Certificates of Achievement
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interaction Design
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interaction Design |
4 years |
~$10,800/year (for international students) |
Santa Monica College, located in Santa Monica, California (just west of Los Angeles), is one of the most popular community colleges in the United States for international students. It has students from over 100 countries and is especially known for its university transfer programs, beautiful campus, and supportive international student services.
SMC offers Associate Degrees, Certificates, and one Bachelor’s degree (in Interaction Design). Most international students come to SMC to:
Complete General Education (GE) requirements
Earn an Associate Degree
Then transfer to top universities like UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, and others to complete a Bachelor's degree
SMC is famous for having one of the highest transfer rates to UCLA and other UC campuses.
Business Administration
Computer Science
Film & TV Production
Graphic Design
Engineering
Psychology
Nursing
Environmental Science
Animation & Game Design
If you need to improve your English skills, SMC has English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to help you transition into college-level courses.
Tuition for international students: around $10,000 per year
Living expenses (housing, food, transportation): $18,000 – $22,000 per year
Health insurance (required): around $2,000 per year
Books & supplies: about $1,200 per year
SMC doesn’t have on-campus dorms, but the college helps students find:
Homestays with local families
Shared apartments
Student housing near campus
International students apply for an F-1 student visa. SMC supports you with:
Admission letter (I-20 form)
Visa guidance
International student orientation
Academic advising and counseling
Dedicated International Education Center (IEC)
Academic and immigration advising
Career counseling and transfer workshops
Cultural activities and student clubs
Just a few minutes from the beach
Access to LA's entertainment and tech industries
Safe, vibrant campus with a diverse community
Clubs, sports, arts, film festivals, and more
Decide if you're applying for:
Associate degree (transfer or career-focused)
Certificate program
Bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design
Basic requirements for international students (F-1 visa):
Must be at least 18 years old OR have completed high school/secondary education
Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Financial documentation
Copy of passport
You’ll need to submit:
Completed Online Application via SMC's international portal
Copy of your passport
High school transcripts (translated into English)
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or completion of an English language program)
Bank statement or financial sponsor letter showing minimum funds (~$30,000 USD for one academic year)
Application fee (usually around $75 USD)
If transferring from another U.S. school: SEVIS transfer form and current I-20
You must meet one of the following:
TOEFL iBT: 45 or higher
IELTS: 5.0 or higher
Duolingo English Test: 75 or higher
Or complete ESL at a partner language school
If you don’t meet the requirement, you can still be admitted through an ESL partner school pathway.
Apply online at: SMC International Admission Page
Upload all documents through the portal or email them to the International Education Center
If accepted:
You’ll receive an admission letter and Form I-20
You’ll use the I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Schedule a visa interview
Bring your I-20, passport, admission letter, and financial documents to the interview
Once your visa is approved:
Make travel plans to arrive in Santa Monica before the semester starts
Attend International Student Orientation
Register for classes, take placement tests if needed, and meet your academic counselor
Santa Monica College offers multiple intakes throughout the year:
Fall Semester
Starts: Late August
Major intake for new students
Application deadline: Usually mid-June
Spring Semester
Starts: Late January or early February
Application deadline: Usually early November
Summer Session (optional, fewer courses)
Starts: June
Application deadline: Around April
Most international students begin in Fall or Spring for full program options and support services.
To apply as an international (F-1 visa) student, you must meet the following:
Be at least 18 years old by the time classes begin OR
Have completed high school/secondary education (equivalent to U.S. Grade 12)
Submit high school transcripts or diploma
Must be in English or translated into English
Required for most programs unless exempt. Accepted test scores:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 45
IELTS Academic: Minimum 5.0
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 75
iTEP: Minimum 3.0
Completion of ESL at partner language schools is also accepted
If you don’t meet the English requirement, you can take ESL courses or come through a language school pathway.
Must show financial support of at least $30,000 USD to cover:
Tuition (~$10,000/year)
Living expenses (~$18,000–$22,000/year)
Health insurance, books, etc.
Submit:
Bank statement (within last 6 months)
Sponsor letter (if someone else is funding you)
A valid, unexpired passport is required for I-20 and visa processing
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD) |
When to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SMC Foundation Scholarships |
Enrolled students with GPA 2.5+ and at least 6 completed units |
$500 – $2,000+ |
February – March (each year) |
|
Global Citizenship Scholarship |
International students involved in global citizenship or service |
~$1,000 |
Spring semester |
|
Latino Center/Adelante Scholarship |
Open to international students who meet program criteria |
N/A |
Spring semester |
|
STEM Scholarships (via Foundation) |
For STEM majors (science, tech, engineering, math) |
N/A |
Spring (check announcements) |
|
Transfer Scholarships (SMC Foundation) |
Students planning to transfer to 4-year universities |
$1,000 – $3,000+ |
Late Spring |
|
External Scholarships (via IEC or website) |
Open to all students, including internationals |
N/A |
Year-round |
Facility Type |
Details |
Estimated Cost (USD/Month) |
Estimated Cost (USD/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Housing |
Not available (SMC does not offer on-campus dormitories) |
– |
– |
|
Homestay (Private Room) |
Live with a local American host family, includes meals and utilities |
$1,100 – $1,500 |
$13,000 – $18,000 |
|
Shared Apartment |
Shared room in a student apartment, may or may not include utilities |
$900 – $1,400 |
$11,000 – $17,000 |
|
Private Apartment |
Individual room or studio near campus, higher cost, more independence |
$1,500 – $2,200+ |
$18,000 – $26,000+ |
|
Student Housing Services |
SMC partners with student housing companies to help students find nearby accommodations |
N/A |
N/A |
SMC has a very international student-friendly atmosphere, with students from over 100 countries. You'll be part of a global community where cultural exchange is celebrated and support is readily available. It’s a great place to make friends from all over the world.
While SMC doesn’t have on-campus dorms, the main campus is modern, clean, and located just minutes from the beach. You’ll find:
State-of-the-art facilities
Science and computer labs
Art studios and performance spaces
A planetarium and fitness center
On-campus dining, bookstore, and quiet study spots
SMC offers over 60 student clubs, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural, social, and recreational clubs. Some examples:
International Students Club
Anime and Gaming Club
Black Collegians and Adelante Programs
Sustainability Club
Business Club
Film Production and Media Clubs
If you don’t see a club you like, you can even start your own!
The college hosts workshops, film screenings, career fairs, cultural festivals, leadership retreats, and social events throughout the year. As an international student, you can attend:
Global Citizenship events
Transfer fairs and university reps visits
Fun social trips (Disneyland, Santa Barbara, museums, etc.)
Language exchange meetups
SMC has a strong athletics program. You can:
Join varsity teams (football, soccer, basketball, etc.)
Use the on-campus gym and fitness center
Take recreational fitness classes (yoga, dance, kickboxing, etc.)
International students receive excellent support through:
International Education Center (IEC)
Immigration and visa advising
Academic counseling and tutoring
Mental health services
Career and transfer support
Being located in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica is a dream location:
Close to beaches, shopping, and entertainment
Near Silicon Beach (tech hub with internship opportunities)
Access to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and more via public transport
You get the mix of academic growth, personal development, and a true Southern California experience.
Unlike universities that offer full degree programs with structured placements, Santa Monica College is a community college, so it doesn’t provide formal “placements” like job guarantees after graduation. However, SMC offers strong career services, internships, and university transfer options that can lead to excellent job opportunities down the line.
SMC’s Career Services Center helps students build skills and connect with job opportunities:
Resume & Cover Letter Assistance
Mock Interviews
Job & Internship Search Tools
Career Counseling
On-campus job fairs with employers
Access to Handshake, an online platform where students can find internships and part-time jobs
International students on F-1 visas can work on-campus (up to 20 hrs/week) and may qualify for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) for work after graduation.
Students in fields like film, business, IT, design, and STEM often get internships through:
Faculty connections
Career fairs
Industry partnerships
Independent search with support from the Career Center
SMC’s location near Silicon Beach, Hollywood, and downtown LA gives students access to industries like:
Film & media
Tech & startups
Business & finance
Fashion & design
Health sciences
Most students at SMC use it as a launchpad to transfer to top universities like:
UCLA
USC
UC Berkeley
Cal State campuses
After completing a Bachelor’s degree, international students can apply for OPT and begin working in the U.S. That’s often the path toward long-term employment and even H-1B sponsorships.
No direct job placements, but strong internship and job support
Excellent career resources and workshops
Opportunities for CPT/OPT work authorization
High transfer rates to top universities where long-term career paths begin
The acceptance rate at Santa Monica College (SMC), USA is very high — generally considered to be 100% for most applicants, including international students.
SMC is an open-access public community college, which means:
It accepts all students who meet the basic admission requirements
There’s no SAT/ACT requirement
There are no strict GPA cutoffs
No cap on the number of admitted international students
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria (like being 18 or having completed high school, and showing English proficiency if needed), you’re likely to be accepted.
You must provide:
High school graduation or equivalent proof
English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.)
Proof of financial support (~$30,000 USD)
Valid passport
Once your documents are complete, the International Education Center processes your admission and issues your I-20 for a student visa.
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
United States
Just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Beach
About 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Near popular LA neighborhoods like Venice Beach, Westwood (UCLA), and Hollywood
Located in Silicon Beach — home to many tech companies, startups, and creative industries
