How to Apply - International
About 1,500 international students from more than 100 countries study at San Francisco State University. SF State is strongly committed to international education and to providing quality support and services for international students and scholars. Explore our campus virtually now, then apply for admission as an undergraduate or graduate student.
Applicants interested in improving their English language skills may study at the American Language Institute before being admitted to SF State.
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On This Page . . .
- Who Is an International Student?
- How to Apply
- When to Apply
- Costs
- Financial Loans or Scholarships
- Office of International Programs
- About San Francisco
- More information for International Applicants
Who Is an International Student?
An international student is a student who plans to study at SF State on a non immigrant visa.
How to Apply
International students should apply on-line through California State University application web site CSU Mentor. Click on International Admissions Application. Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to send an application to San Francisco State University.
- CSU Mentor (online application site)
When to Apply
Undergraduate Application Periods
Fall semester 2012 (August - December)
Application filing period: Begins October 1, 2011; Ends May 1, 2012
The following majors will not be accepting applications after November 30, 2011: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts, Child and Adolescent Development, Cinema, Dietetics, Environmental Studies, Health Education, Industrial Arts, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Journalism, Kinesiology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Visual Communication Design.
Required document deadline date: June 15, 2012
Spring semester 2012 (January - May)
Undergraduate application filing period: August 1, 2011 - September 30, 2011
Required documents deadline date: November 1, 2011
The following undergraduate majors will not be accepting applications for Spring 2012 admissions: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Child and Adolescent Development, Cinema, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Dietetics, Environmental Studies, Health Education, Industrial Arts, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Journalism, Kinesiology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Visual Communication Design.
For more information about impacted majors visit http://admissions.sfsu.edu/impaction.
(Post)Graduate
Application deadlines vary for graduate programs at San Francisco State University. The application filing period for Fall begins October 1 and the application filing period for Spring begins August 1. Application to graduate study at SF State is a two part process. Applicants must apply to the University and to the specific graduate program. Please visit the Graduate Studies web site to learn about individual graduate program deadlines and additional academic department application requirements.
Costs and Fees
The Financial Statement Form shows the most current costs for attending San Francisco State University. These include University fees, tuition fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal/transportation and medical insurance for the academic year or for two semesters.
Graduate programs in the College of Business, Public Administration, Human Sexuality and the College of Education Ed.D in Educational Leadership Program charge additional Graduate Program or Professional Program fees. For complete information on Fall 2011 fees for Non-Resident and International students, please visit the Bursar's Office website at:
http://www.sfsu.edu/~bursar/fall2011/fees/nonres_fees.html
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial tuition fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed tuition fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees and/or the Campus.
Financial Loans or Scholarships
There are scholarships available to continuing and currently enrolled international students at SF State. International students are not eligible for United States federal or state financial aid. Check the Office of International Programs (OIP) Financial Assistance Web page for more information.
Office of International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) assists international students who would like to apply to SF State. Once a student is enrolled at SF State, OIP helps students adjust to life at the University and in the United States. The OIP offers orientation programs, workshops on important topics, and one-on-one counseling on immigration, academic, employment and financial matters. Throughout the year, OIP sponsors social, cultural and recreational activities that will enable you to make new friends and get the most out of your stay at SF State and in California.
OIP employs courteous, multilingual staff members who are sensitive to the needs and concerns of international students and eager to help make your stay enjoyable, comfortable and safe.
For further information, please visit the OIP web page or contact the OIP at (415) 338-1293/oip@sfsu.edu. OIP is located in the Administration building, Room 458A on the SF State main campus.
About San Francisco
Visit SFGate.com or the Convention and Visitors Bureau to find out about all the wonderful places you can explore while attending SF State.
