Peralta Colleges

Office of International Education

Apply Now!

Applying to the Peralta Colleges is easy and 100% digital! All new students must obtain a Peralta Student ID and then submit our digital international student application along with the required documents. Contact us at anytime you would like our help 🙂 

Steps to Apply | Application Checklist | Deadlines | Concurrent/Non F-1 Students | Majors

Step 1:

Create OpenCCC Account & Obtain a Peralta Student ID

  • Select your home campus:  

Berkeley City College | College of Alameda | Laney College |  Merritt College 

  • Create an OpenCCC Account
  • Sign into OpenCCC, select Start an Application, and follow the steps to complete an OpenCCC International Application

Under current visa type, unless you have an F-1 visa, select “OTHER or NONE” and check the “no visa yet” box.

STEP 2:

Set Up Your Peralta Email Account

  • Locate your Peralta email address and password and password sent to your personal email
  • Wait for at least 24 business hours and use this information to activate your Peralta Email Account

Step by Step: How to log in to your Peralta Email Instructions (pdf)

STEP 3:


Submit a Peralta International Student Application

  • Check your Peralta email account for login credentials to the Global Peralta System (GPS). An international student account will be created for you automatically. Please do not create your own account!
  • Once logged in, select an application: Overseas (for new students outside the U.S.) or Transfer (for students in the U.S. who already have an F-1 visa)
  • Select Apply Now and follow the steps to submit a Peralta International Student Application
*If you do not have login instructions to the International Student Application, email international@peralta.edu 
Change of Status students must meet with an international advisor prior to applying

International Student Application Checklist

  • $50 Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
  • Bank Statement $21,924 USD
    • For the Summer & Fall 2020 Terms
  • Diploma: High School/Secondary and/or University
  • Official Transcripts: High School/Secondary and/or University 
  • Medical Examination (pdf)
  • Passport Bio Page
  • Personal Essay 

Other Items

  • Affidavit of Support (Form I-314) (Optional) 
  • Test Scores (Optional): 
    • Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or iTEP scores
  • Transfer Students must also submit:

Deadlines to Apply

Semester (Dates) Overseas Transfers (Already in U.S. on F-1 Visa)
Spring (January-May) November 15 December 15
Summer (June-July) April 15 May 15
Fall (August-December) June 15 July 15

Concurrent F-1 and Non F-1 Applicants

If you are currently an F-1 student at another U.S. institution and would like to take a class at one of our colleges, please complete Step 1 of the International Student Application Process, and email the following items to international@peralta.edu.

  • Peralta Student ID
  • Passport Bio Page
  • Current I-20

Students on other visas such as J-1/B-2 may enroll in classes. Please complete Step 1 and come to our office with your legal documents.