Pepperdine University (佩珀代因大学) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
Direct Answer
Pepperdine University, known in Chinese as 佩珀代因大学, is a Christian university in California that integrates academic excellence with Christian values. For an international student looking into options in the United States, a Pepperdine University international student guide can help clarify what programmes exist, how the application process works, and what costs to expect. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background, helping you understand entry requirements and programme structures at this institution without making any admission or visa promises. When you reach out, you will receive a follow-up within one business day, and all guidance is grounded in the university’s official public information rather than speculation.
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University was founded and endowed by George Pepperdine in 1937. Its main campus sits in Malibu, California, and the university maintains additional locations across Southern California and internationally, including West Los Angeles, Calabasas, and Irvine. The institution is a member of the West Coast Conference and fields 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams.
The university is organised into several schools: Seaver College, Caruso School of Law, Graziadio Business School, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, School of Public Policy, and College of Health Science. Across these schools, Pepperdine offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programmes.
Programmes and Degree Offerings
Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences provides undergraduate and graduate degrees across more than 43 fields. Students can pursue a range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes within this college. The School of Public Policy offers a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and joint degree programmes at the graduate level. Caruso School of Law delivers a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), joint degrees, and certificate programmes for graduate students.
The College of Health Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) delivered on campus, as well as a Clinical Nurse Leader Entry-Level Master’s programme leading to a Master of Science (MS), also taught in person. Graziadio Business School runs an Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in a blended format. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology provides several doctoral pathways: an online EdD in Organizational Leadership, a face-to-face PhD in Global Leadership and Change, and a face-to-face PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
Caruso School of Law also structures several joint degree options that are delivered on campus. These include a JD/MBA with Graziadio Business School, a JD/MDR, a JD/MDiv, and a JD/MPP with the School of Public Policy. Each joint programme has its own structure and admission requirements, so applicants should review the current details on the law school’s official pages.
Entry Requirements and Admission Considerations
Admission requirements vary by school and programme level, and Pepperdine University evaluates applicants holistically within the framework of its Christian mission. Because the institution does not publish a single set of entry criteria that applies to all international students across all schools, you need to check the specific requirements for the programme you are interested in. Academic transcripts, standardised test scores where applicable, English language proficiency evidence, and personal statements are typical components of a complete application, but the exact thresholds and required documents depend on the faculty and degree level.
For graduate programmes such as the JD, MBA, MPP, EdD, PhD, PsyD, or DBA, prior academic performance, relevant professional or research experience, and alignment with the programme’s objectives all carry weight. Joint degree applicants often need to satisfy the admission standards of both participating schools. Because requirements can shift between intake cycles, the most reliable reference is always the current official page for your chosen programme and the formal offer letter you receive.
Costs, Fees, and Financial Planning
Tuition fees at Pepperdine University vary by school, programme, and delivery format. The university does not publish a single flat rate that covers all international students across every faculty, and research materials do not contain specific dollar amounts for any programme. You should expect that professional degrees in law, business, and health sciences carry different fee structures from undergraduate programmes in Seaver College. Living costs in Southern California, particularly near the Malibu campus, also need to be factored into your budget.
When you plan financially, use the official tuition and fee schedules posted on each school’s website as your primary source. UNILINK can help you understand typical cost categories and point you toward the right official pages, but the final numbers always come from the institution’s current published rates and your offer documentation.
Application Process and Timeline
Applying to Pepperdine University means submitting materials directly to the specific school that houses your programme. Each school sets its own deadlines, required forms, and supplementary items. International applicants should begin gathering transcripts, test results, and recommendation letters well before the deadline, and should account for extra processing time if credential evaluation or visa documentation is needed.
After submission, the review timeline depends on the programme and the volume of applications in that cycle. Once a decision is made, the university communicates the outcome and, for admitted students, issues the documents needed for visa steps. Because application windows and procedures can change, always confirm the current timeline on the official admissions page of the school you are targeting.
International Student Considerations
International students holding F-1 status should note an important regulatory change effective from 15 September 2026. Instead of being admitted for “duration of status” (D/S), F-1 students will receive an I-94 with a fixed expiration date. Additionally, the grace period following programme completion will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. These changes affect how you plan your stay and any post-completion activities, so factor them into your timeline when you prepare to study at Pepperdine.
The Office of International Student Services at Pepperdine provides guidance on maintaining status, employment authorisations, and other compliance matters. For the most current interpretation of these rules and how they apply to your specific situation, refer directly to that office and to official government sources.
Waves Weekend and Campus Life
Waves Weekend 2026 is scheduled for 9–11 October 2026 at Alumni Park. This event offers a glimpse into campus traditions and community life at Pepperdine. For international applicants considering the university, such events can provide a sense of the environment, though attendance is not part of the formal admission process.
FAQ
Q1: What types of programmes can international students pursue at Pepperdine University?
International students can apply to bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programmes across Seaver College, Caruso School of Law, Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the School of Public Policy, and the College of Health Science. Offerings include a BSN, an MS in Nursing, a DBA, an online EdD, a PhD, a PsyD, an MPP, a JD, an LLM, and several joint degree combinations. Each school sets its own admission criteria, so you must review the specific programme page for current entry requirements.
Q2: Does Pepperdine University publish a single tuition fee for international students?
No, the university does not publish one uniform tuition fee that applies to all international students. Costs differ by school, degree level, and delivery format. Professional programmes in law, business, and health sciences typically have fee structures distinct from undergraduate degrees in Seaver College. You should consult the official tuition schedule on the relevant school’s website and use the figures provided in your offer letter as the authoritative amounts.
Q3: What English language proficiency evidence does Pepperdine require?
The research materials do not specify a single English language score threshold that applies across all schools and programmes. Each admitting school or programme may set its own minimum scores for tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, or may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency. To find the requirement that applies to your chosen degree, check the international admissions section of the specific school’s official page.
Q4: How does the F-1 regulatory change in September 2026 affect new students?
Starting 15 September 2026, F-1 students will no longer enter under “duration of status.” Instead, the I-94 will show a fixed expiration date, and the post-completion grace period will shorten from 60 days to 30 days. This means you need to be more precise in planning your programme end date and any optional practical training or departure arrangements. Pepperdine’s Office of International Student Services can help you understand how these rules apply to your individual circumstances.
Q5: Can UNILINK guarantee admission to Pepperdine University?
No. UNILINK provides application information and support based on your background, but it does not guarantee admission, progression, or any specific outcome. All admission decisions rest with Pepperdine University and are subject to the institution’s current entry requirements and selection processes. The only binding confirmation of admission is the official offer documentation issued by the university.
信息来源
- Pepperdine University – Christian University in California
- Pepperdine University – Become a Part of Pepperdine
- Pepperdine University – Degree Programs and Majors
- Pepperdine University – Office of International Student Services
- Pepperdine University – Apply to Pepperdine University
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.