International Applicants
What you need to know when you apply to Pitzer College as an international student
Apply With the Common App
“If you want a school that allows you to explore a lot of fields and build community with great people who are not only interested in the same things as you but also who can argue on some hard topics, apply to Pitzer.”
Tienwadee (Dew) Tungkaplin '27
Hometown: Thailand
Theatre major, Environmental Analysis minor
Represented in our student body - international students make up 9.6% of our inclusive campus community.
Learn with Purpose
Pitzer connects ideas to action. Guided by a commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and intercultural understanding, students take on real-world challenges through research, fieldwork, and global learning.
Our inclusive campus community is home to students from 39 countries, offering diverse, global perspectives both in and outside of the classroom.
Important Dates
| Apply As | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 |
| Early Decision II | January 6 |
| Regular Decision | January 6 |
International Student Spotlight
Isa Iqbal ’26 was a high schooler when he started addressing injustice in Pakistan.
Inspired by the Pitzer ethos
Though Iqbal’s social justice work started before attending Pitzer, he said the college’s atmosphere of social justice and community engagement were important factors in his decision to apply.
Read Isa's Story
Dixinyao (Moonlight) Zhu ’17 was awarded 2025 Young Alumni Achievement Award. Read her story.
Build confidence with systems of support
Pitzer College alumna Dixinyao (Moonlight) Zhu ’17 earned a B.A Degree in self-designed International Relations major with a Media Studies minor. In this video, Moonlight reflects upon the pivotal role Pitzer's International Scholars Program played in developing her confidence within.
Learn more about the International Scholar's ProgramInternational Application Information
| Item | Requirements |
|---|---|
| English Language Test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, DuoLingo) | Required for Non-Native English Speakers |
| Common Application | Required |
| $70 App Fee or Fee Waiver Request | Required |
| Pitzer Writing Supplement (Common Application) | Required |
| Teacher Recommendations | One Required |
| School/College Report | Required |
| Mid-Year Report | Required |
| Official Transcripts | Required |
| Interview | Optional |
| SAT or ACT Scores | Not Accepted Pitzer College has a test-free policy through the 2025-2026 application cycle. |
If English is not your first language, we ask that you show your English language skills.
You must submit one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test (iBT)
- TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- DuoLingo Test (DET)
- English Language Test Waiver
You must submit official scores or be granted a waiver to apply. Pitzer does not accept alternate tests (e.g. paper-based TOEFL). However, you may include them in your English Language Test Waiver.
Required Scores
We require a minimum score of 5.5 iBT, 7.5 IELTS, or 135 DET. For TOEFL taken prior to January 2026, we require a minimum score of 105 IBT.
If you score in the following range, you must take a two-course combination made for international students in your first semester:
- 5 iBT (100 iBT for TOEFL taken prior to January 2026)
- 7 IELTS
- 130 DET
International Scholars Program
If you qualify in all ways except English proficiency, you may be eligible for the International Scholars Program.
Qualification requirements:
- Achieve at least a 4 iBT, or 6.5 IELTS, or 115 DET
- Or submit an English Language Test Waiver. You must be notified that you will be considered for the International Scholars Program.
- Pitzer Accepts the TOEFL iBT Test:
- Institution Code: 4619
- TOEFL iBT minimum score: 5.5
Register to take the TOEFL iBT TEST
You can arrange the optional interview in two ways:
- Virtual interview with Pitzer admission staff or an alumni interview (if it’s available near you)
- Interview with InitialView for a Pitzer Admission staff member to review later
Note: Do not sign up for InitialView if you are doing an on-campus interview or are attending high school in the United States. Your InitialView interviewer will not be able to answer questions about Pitzer.
- No more than four AP and IB credits (combined) will be granted.
- Four credits may be granted for an IB diploma.
- Credit for exams may be awarded only for higher-level exams—with a score of at least five. Credit is given for a ratio of 4 semester units per exam.
- If certification diploma is not completed, individual courses or exams may receive credit.
- We will not award credit for subsidiary exams.
- IB credits apply toward the 32-course graduation requirement. You cannot use them to meet an educational objective requirement.
- Credit may be rescinded if you take courses that duplicate or significantly overlap the IB courses.
International Student Financial Aid
- Complete our Pitzer International Financial Aid Application (PIFAA) for need-based financial aid.
Please do not fill out the CSS Profile or FAFSA. - Admitted international students must submit a statement of financial responsibility.
Financial Aid Information
Learn more about your financial aid options as an international student.
Connect with an Admission Counselor
Our admission team is here to support you every step of the way during the admission process. Connect with us!
Join a Collaborative, Supportive Community
“Pitzer is one of those places that sticks with you. Everyone is supportive and collaborative. It doesn't feel like a competition in any way.”
Omar Mnfy ’27
Hometown: Egypt
Computer Science major
Ready to Start Your Pitzer Journey?
Upcoming Admission Events
Exploring Before Declaring
Admitted Students: Learn why not knowing your major is actually a Pitzer advantage.
Science with Purpose
Admitted Students: Learn what it means to do science in a values-driven liberal arts setting.
Contact Us
Have questions about your application? We're here to help!