BS

Microbiology

Learn more about studying Microbiology as an international student.

Add application

Add an application for this program to manage progress and next steps.

Add this program to your longlist or shortlist to track your options.

Image reflecting the subject area of Life & Natural Sciences, relating to the program.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo university logo

Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    40,049USD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    1201-1400

Program overview

What California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo says about their program:

Microbiology is an undergraduate program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • International applicants must submit the online application.
  • Cal Poly does not accept applications for undergraduate transfer students with less than 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units).

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2

    2) or equivalent.

English proficiency

English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

English proficiency waivers

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

We're still gathering required grade information for this program

Check back soon, or visit the official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Official secondary-school transcripts/academic records are required.
  • Cal Poly may request an international academic evaluation; first-year applicants are not automatically required to submit one.
  • International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless an official waiver applies.

Selection

  • Cal Poly evaluates applicants by declared major and considers college-preparatory coursework, weighted 9th–11th grade GPA, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
  • The campus is impacted and admission is competitive in every undergraduate major.

Tests and examinations

  • ACT and SAT scores are not used in the CSU admission process.
  • English proficiency is required for applicants whose native language is not English

    TOEFL iBT 80 (tests before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (on/after that date), IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 115.

  • An English-proficiency waiver may be requested after at least three years at an institution whose language of instruction is English.

How to apply

  • Cal State Apply

    Fixed deadline
    Application fee70.00 USD
    Fee waiverNot stated for this route

Scholarships at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

  • Cal Poly Scholarships

    Official page

    University-wide and college-based scholarships offered by Cal Poly. International students are directed to financial and scholarship resources, and applicants are considered for most university-based scholarships through the admissions process where eligible.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,422
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,908
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$255
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$70
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$54
Monthly public transport pass$60
Monthly grocery basket$350
Books and study supplies (monthly)$93
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$12
Gym membership$43

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and calpoly.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

USA student visa requirements