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Pepperdine University

Non-Degree International Applicants

Close up of a Seaver international student

Non-Degree Definition


Non-degree status provides the opportunity for students to take courses or special programs for credit without formal admission or matriculation into the University. Students may apply for enrollment under non-degree status if they are not pursuing a degree but intend to have credits received from the University transferred elsewhere, or desire to take courses for personal enrichment only.

Important Information

  • Pepperdine does not offer an ESL program, an exchange program or a pathway program for gaining formal admission to the University.
  • An international student in visitor visa status (B1/B2, Waiver/ESTA) is not eligible for non-degree enrollment.
  • Pepperdine does not issue a Form I-20 to international non-degree program students.

Types

Traditional

The "traditional" non-degree application is available to a person who is not pursuing a degree, but who wishes to receive academic credits for possible transfer to another institution.

Audit

The "audit" non-degree application is available to a person who desires to take courses only for personal enrichment, without receiving academic credits.                                                                   

Non-Degree Tuition Cost

There is no financial assistance available for non-degree students. Traditional non-degree students must pay the full cost of tuition which varies between part-time or full-time status. See the current tuition cost here. Auditing non-degree students are required to pay a $100 fee for each class in which they are enrolled. Faculty/Staff Tuition Remission does apply to the non-degree program.

Other Information

  • Admission for non-degree work is for one term only. Students must reapply for each term that they wish to enroll in a class.
  • Admission decisions for the non-degree program will be sent out on a rolling basis, as files complete.
  • Non-degree students may not register until the first day of classes, thereby selecting from the classes that remain open after the fully enrolled students have registered. Non-degree students may not advance register.
  • Non-degree students will receive a transcript of their completed classes (with letter or pass/fail grades).
  • Students who withdraw from all of their courses prior to the end of the add/drop period, will be charged the withdrawal fee as stated in the Academic Catalog.

  • On-campus housing is not guaranteed for non-degree students.

Applying


How to Apply

Non-degree applicants must submit their application through the online form below and submit any necessary supplemental materials.

When to Apply

Spring Term

Application Deadline: December 10

Fall Term

Application Deadline: August 10                             

Summer Term

Application Deadline: April 15                                                            

Application Requirements

  • All non-degree applicants must have graduated from high school. (Does not apply to the Malibu High School Partnership Program)
  • The non-degree application (see link below) and all supporting documents must be received by the Office of Admission no later than two weeks prior to the start of classes for the term requested.

Application Process

  Step 1: Submit Application

Non-Degree Application

(Non US Citizen) Please note: Pepperdine does not issue I-20s for international students participating in the non-degree program.

  Step 2: Submit Supplemental Materials

Traditional - International

  • International Non-Degree Application
  • Official High School Transcripts
  • Official College Transcripts (if applicable)
  • English Proficiency
  • Academic Recommendation
  • SAT I or ACT (if less than 30 college units completed)
  • Immigration Documents - copy of passport, visa, and a current I-20 or immigration document granting current nonimmigrant status.
  • Immigration sponsor letter
    • Letter from your designated school official (for F-1 students) authorizing enrollment for a specified period and number of credits
    • Letter from your visa-sponsoring organization or employer authorizing enrollment for a specified period and number of credits

Audit-International

  • International Non-Degree Application
  • English Proficiency
  • High School Transcript(s)
  • Immigration Documents - copy of passport, visa, and a current I-20 or immigration document granting current nonimmigrant status.
  • Immigration sponsor letter
    • Letter from your designated school official (for F-1 students) authorizing enrollment for a specified period and number of credits
    • Letter from your visa-sponsoring organization or employer authorizing enrollment for a specified period and number of credits

Transcript Submission Instructions