International Students | California College of Music

California College of Music:
A Top Music School in the USA for International Students

"A Top Choice For Music Colleges in California"

For aspiring musician looking to study at a prestigious music school in the USA: At California College of Music (CCM), we welcome international students from all over the world to join our vibrant and diverse community in Los Angeles, California.

HOW TO APPLY

Why Choose CCM?

Advantages of Our Programs:

World-Class Education: At CCM, we offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to help you master your craft. Our programs are led by experienced industry professionals who have worked with some of the biggest names in music. Whether you're interested in performance, production, songwriting, or music business, our courses are tailored to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in today’s music industry.

Diverse Student Body: As a music school in the USA for international students, CCM prides itself on creating a multicultural environment where students from various backgrounds can learn from one another. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different cultures, broadening your musical horizons and enriching your educational experience.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our campus in Los Angeles is equipped with the latest technology and resources to support your studies. From recording studios to practice rooms, you'll have everything you need to hone your skills and produce professional-quality music.

Prime Location: Located in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring musicians. You'll be just a stone's throw away from iconic music venues, studios, and industry professionals. Being in LA also means that you’ll have access to a wealth of cultural experiences, making your time at CCM both educational and inspiring.

Start Dates & Deadlines

Winter Quarter 2025

APPLICATION DUE DATE: Dec 29, 2024

STUDENT ORIENTATION DATE: Dec 30, 2024

CLASSES START: Jan 6, 2025

LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL: Jan 13, 2025 (Late Application Fee: $70)

TUITION PAYMENT DUE DATE: Jan 17, 2025

LATE TUITION ACCEPTED UNTIL: Jan 24, 2025 (Late Tuition Fee: $100)

Spring Quarter 2025

APPLICATION DUE DATE: March 30, 2025

STUDENT ORIENTATION DATE: March 31, 2025

CLASSES START: April, 7 2025

LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL: April 14, 2025 (Late Application Fee: $70)

TUITION PAYMENT DUE DATE: April 18, 2025

LATE TUITION ACCEPTED UNTIL: April 25, 2025 (Late Tuition Fee: $100)

Summer Quarter 2025

APPLICATION DUE DATE: June 29, 2025

STUDENT ORIENTATION DATE: June 30, 2025

CLASSES START: July, 7 2025

LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL: July 14, 2025 (Late Application Fee: $70)

TUITION PAYMENT DUE DATE: July 18, 2025

LATE TUITION ACCEPTED UNTIL: July 25, 2025 (Late Tuition Fee: $100)

Fall Quarter 2025

APPLICATION DUE DATE: Sep 28, 2024

STUDENT ORIENTATION DATE: Sep 29, 2024

CLASSES START: Oct 6. 2025

LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL: Oct 13, 2025 (Late Application Fee: $70)

TUITION PAYMENT DUE DATE: Oct 17, 2025

LATE TUITION ACCEPTED UNTIL: Oct 24, 2025 (Late Tuition Fee: $100)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO TRANSFER SEVIS RECORD

International students who are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa at another institution who wish to transfer to CCM must complete the Notice of Intent to Transfer SEVIS Record form. Please complete the first part of the form by yourself, and then submit it to the international student advisor at the institution you are currently attending (or most recently attended). The second part of the form must be completed by the International Student Advisor and/or Designated School Official of the other institution, and then emailed to the Director of Admissions of CCM at admissions@ccmla.edu.

International students who are also interested in potentially transferring credits to CCM should contact the admissions department at admissions@ccmcollege.com for more information. CCM reserves the right to accept or reject credits earned at other institutions of higher education. Official evaluation for incoming transfer credit will only occur after you receive an Acceptance Letter & Offer of Admission and present an official transcript from an eligible post-secondary institution.

International Applicants

Photo ID: Submit a high-resolution scan of your Driver’s License, State ID, or US Passport photo page.
Academic Transcript: Submit a transcript from your highest level of education to prove you have graduated from high school (or the equivalent).
Proof of English Proficiency: Provide a TOEFL (IBT) score of 50 or above, IELTS 5.0 or above, TOEIC 600 or above, CEFR Level B2 or above.
A diploma or official transcript from a high school or post-secondary institution will serve as Proof of English Proficiency from international students where English is their native speaking language.

International Student Support

At CCM, we understand that moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. That’s why we offer comprehensive support services tailored specifically for international students. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with everything from the application process and visa requirements to finding accommodation and adjusting to life in the USA.

Visa Assistance: We provide guidance on obtaining the appropriate student visa for your studies in the USA. Our admissions team will work with you to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and support to make the process as smooth as possible.

Orientation and Integration: Upon arrival, you'll participate in an orientation program designed to help you settle in and feel at home at CCM. You'll meet other international students, get to know your professors, and learn about the resources available to you on campus.

Language Support: If English is not your first language, we offer language support services to help you succeed in your studies. Whether you need help with academic writing or conversation practice, we’re here to assist you.

Cultural Activities: We believe that a well-rounded education includes exposure to different cultures and experiences. That’s why we organize regular cultural events, trips, and activities that allow you to explore Los Angeles and connect with your peers.

How to Apply

Applying to CCM as an international student is a straightforward process. Start by submitting an online application, a portfolio or audition video, and any other required documents. Our admissions team is available to guide you through each step and answer any questions you may have.

Scholarships: We offer a range of scholarships options to help make your education more affordable. Be sure to explore these opportunities as you plan your studies at CCM.

Join a Global Network of Musicians

By choosing California College of Music, you’re not just enrolling in a music school in the USA for international students—you’re joining a global network of talented musicians who are shaping the future of the music industry. Whether you aspire to be a performer, producer, or music entrepreneur, CCM provides the education, resources, and connections you need to turn your dreams into reality.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our programs and start your journey at California College of Music.

Newly Admitted

Now that you have been accepted into a program at California College of Music, you will need to apply for an F-1 Visa. Below are the steps you will need to take:

To receive a form I-20 you will need to provide the following documents to CCM.

1.A) Submit a recent Bank Statement

Submit your bank statement to admissions@ccmla.edu that shows you will be able to afford tuition and the cost of living (approximately $1000 per month) in the United States while you study at CCM. If you have a financial sponsor who will be paying your tuition and living expenses, you provide their bank statement as well as a Letter of Financial Support.

1.B) Make your Initial Tuition & Fees Payment to CCM.

You must make a payment via PayMyTuition. Your 1st quarter tuition & fees amount is located on your initial financial ledger which will be included in your Acceptance Package.

Once you have submitted the SEVIS I-901 fee, International applicants must fill-out and submit Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visas Application for temporary travel to the United States. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State's website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant's eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. Be sure to print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Form DS-160 is the Visa Application which can be found at the following link:https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Interview are required for visa applicants. You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, so you should apply for your visa as early as possible. F-1 visa for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have received notification from a U.S. Consulate that you have a visa.

If denied, be sure to ask the consular officer for the exact reason (and section number of the law) underlying the denial. If you can correct the problem, you can start over and submit a new application.

If confirmed, you can arrive in Los Angeles not more than 30 days prior to the start of your program.

Be sure to gather and prepare the following required documents before you attend your visa interview:

Valid passport - your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States
Form DS-160 confirmation page
I-901 application payment receipt
Form I-20 - CCM will provide you with the original Form I-20. Be sure to sign this Form before attending the interview.
Official Letter of Acceptance & Offer of Admission - provided by CCM
Receipt & Balance Statement - provided by CCM
Bank Statement - to show how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs
Evidence of your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a student visa.

Post-Completion

F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits) and make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward completion of their program. To maintain SAP, international students must attend at least 80% of the scheduled class hours in every course during each quarter and receive a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Failure to maintain full-time enrollment during your program will result in severe consequences for your F-1 status. F-1 students are not allowed to drop below full-time enrollment at any time.

Any international student leaving the country for either travel or vacation must have the back of their Form I-20 endorsed by the designated school official (DSO).

However, before the DSO can endorse travel, an international student must provide the flight itinerary departing and arriving from LAX International Airport. Both the departure and arrival dates into LAX International Airport must be within the two week break period between quarters. International students are expected to stay until the Last Day of Instruction (Friday of Week 11) and must return for the First Day of Instruction (Monday of Week 1).

F-1 students are allowed an additional 60-day grace period after their program completion date to prepare for their departure from the U.S., transfer to another U.S. school/degree program, or change their visa status in the U.S. During the grace period, employment or full-time study is not allowed. Upon departure from the U.S. during these 60 days, the F-1 visa status automatically expires and you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. to reclaim the rest of your grace period.

F-1 students may not work off campus during their program at California College of Music. However, upon completion of at least a 12-month program, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (Post Completion).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to eligible F-1 students interested in engaging in employment in the U.S. directly related to their field of study. F-1 students are eligible for an initial 12 months of OPT per higher degree level achieved.

California College of Music has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country, and in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.

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California College of Music:
A Top Music School in the USA for International Students

"A Top Choice For Music Colleges in California"

Why Choose CCM?

Advantages of Our Programs:

How do I apply?

Start Dates & Deadlines

Transferring your SEVIS Record to CCM

Forms & Links

Housing Placement Services

Other Documents Needed

International Student Support

How to Apply

Join a Global Network of Musicians

Newly Admitted

1. Obtain Form I-20

2. Review the U.S. Department of State's Visa Page

3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

4. Complete Form DS-160

5. Schedule A Visa Interview

7. Receive your F-1 Visa

6. Attend Your Visa Interview

8. Attend your Student Orientation

Post-Completion

Full-Time Enrollment

Address Reporting

Traveling While Enrolled

Program Completion

Employment

paymytuition faqs.

how to make a payment.

paymytuition customer service.

California College of Music: A Top Music School in the USA for International Students

"A Top Choice For Music Colleges in California"

Why Choose CCM?

Advantages of Our Programs:

How do I apply?

Start Dates & Deadlines

Transferring your SEVIS Record to CCM

Forms & Links

Housing Placement Services

Other Documents Needed

​​​​​​​​​​

International Student Support

​

​

How to Apply​

​

Join a Global Network of Musicians

​

Newly Admitted

1. Obtain Form I-20

2. Review the U.S. Department of State's Visa Page

3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

4. Complete Form DS-160

5. Schedule A Visa Interview

7. Receive your F-1 Visa

6. Attend Your Visa Interview

8. Attend your Student Orientation

Post-Completion

Full-Time Enrollment

Address Reporting

Traveling While Enrolled

Program Completion

Employment

paymytuition faqs.

how to make a payment.

paymytuition customer service.

California College of Music:
A Top Music School in the USA for International Students

How to Apply