A Path to the University of California
The Community College Pathway is designed for international students to strengthen their English language proficiency and develop the academic skills needed to succeed in U.S. universities.
The program provides a clear path to transfer to a California community college, where students can complete the coursework required to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a UC campus or other four-year university.
Program Benefits
Through the Community College Pathway, international students can prepare for transfer to leading U.S. universities through a cost-effective pathway. English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS) are waived and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are not required.
- Transfer to a UC as a third-year student
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in a more affordable way
- Develop academic and language skills
- Get one-on-one academic support, progress monitoring and transfer planning
- Participate in academic success seminars, cultural adjustment workshops, community college tours and enrichment activities
Program Details
Students enter through a rigorous academic preparatory program, complete a series of courses at our partner colleges and, upon successful completion of program requirements, transfer to a UC campus.
- Apply to the Academic Engagement Track as a Community College Pathway student.
- Complete one quarter in UC Davis CPE’s Academic Engagement Track.
- Transfer to a partner community college.
- Complete 60 semester units of transferable credit over two years.
- Apply to a UC campus or another four-year university.
- Begin your junior year on the path to earning your bachelor's degree.
Program Requirements
Students must complete one quarter of the Academic Engagement Track, offered in the spring and fall. It is designed for students whose English level is intermediate (i.e., iBT 70, iELTS 5.5, TOEIC 780, Duolingo 95, CEFR B2) or higher.
If you are unsure of your English level, please contact us at [email protected]. We will provide you with a short online diagnostic test to identify your level. Please note that the Community College Pathway does not require any official test score for admission.
To transfer to one of our partner community colleges, you must have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age.
To transfer to a designated UC campus, you must complete 60 credits at a partner college (minimum GPA of 2.8). Successful admission to a community college and a UC requires following a path of prescribed coursework and successful academic progress. Learn more about the California community college Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG).
Access to Academic and Cultural Support
Students receive academic advising, including help acclimating to U.S. academic culture. Lectures, workshops and individual meetings are offered quarterly to ensure successful adaptation to living abroad at UC Davis. Topics have included university academic skills for success, time management, preparing for exams, making friends in the U.S., leadership skills and increasing comprehension, pronunciation tips and more.
