Golden West College

Golden West College (GWC) is located in Huntington Beach, California, one of the safest neighborhoods in Orange County. Perfectly positioned for both education and enjoyment, the campus is just a 15-minute drive from popular attractions such as Huntington Beach, Disneyland, and Angels Stadium, and only 40 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. GWC services a diverse student body and enjoys close ties to its neighboring city of Westminster, famously known as "Little Saigon," with a thriving Vietnamese and Asian American community.

Academically, GWC boasts one of the highest transfer rates in Orange County through its Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programs, with top transfers to California State University (CSU) Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, and University of California, Irvine. International students can choose from popular programs including Business, Computer Science, Biology, and Pre-Nursing, as well as career-oriented programs like Automotive Technology and Cosmetology.

Students applying to Golden West College as an international student on F-1 status or seeking an F-1 visa must apply using the International Student Application. Get started on your application today!

Application Requirements

We encourage you to prepare the documents for admission before beginning your online application. All documents are subject to review, and you may be asked to submit additional documentation.

• Proof of English Proficiency
• Transcripts
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Financial Document
• Affidavit of Support Form
• $55 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Copy of Your Passport
• Transfer Students: Additional Documents Required

Deadlines

• Summer semester is currently offered only on case case-by-case basis due to limited availability of in-person classes. We encourage you to apply for the Fall semester instead. Summer application may be deferred to the Fall semester.
• Students planning to apply for a change of status in the U.S. must apply by the overseas applications deadline.

Fall Semester

• Overseas - July 15
• Transfer (already in the U.S.) - August 15

Golden West College (GWC) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). GWC is currently drafting its Institutional Self-Evaluation Report (ISER) for the next comprehensive review that will occur in spring 2026.

Golden West College is accredited by the following agencies

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• California Board of Registered Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)

Golden West College offers programs which are approved by

• California Board of Registered Nursing, Continuing Education Provider
• The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the nursing program is Continuing accreditation.
• The GWC Nursing program, located at 15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647, 714-892-7711, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
• Approved as Certified Course Presenter by the Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.)
• National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification training.