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)
A paper application is also available to download, print and mail to the International Admissions Office. If you are unable to apply on line, download the paper version of the International Student Application.
When to Apply
Undergraduate Application Periods
Fall semester 2010 (August - December)
Application filing period: October 1, 2009 - May 1, 2010
Required document deadline date: June 15, 2010
The following majors have an earlier application deadline of November 30, 2009: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Broadcasting and Radio/TV, Cinema, Dietetics, Industrial Arts, Industrial Technology, Interior Design, Journalism, Nursing, Psychology, and Social Work.
(Post)Graduate
Application deadlines vary for graduate programs at San Francisco State University. The application filing period for Fall begins October 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
The tables below show typical University fees, tuition, and cost of living expenses.
Example Tuition and Fees per Semester
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
|---|---|---|
| *Tuition is calculated at $372 per unit for international students. The example assumes 12 units/semester for undergraduate and 8 units/semester for graduate students. Graduate students in the College of Business will be charged a MBA/MSBA Program Fee at a rate $1,200 for full-time students (6.1 or more units) and a MBA/MSBA Professional Fee at a rate of $210 per semester unit in addition to State University fee, local fees and nonresident tuition. Graduate students enrolled in the Ed.D. doctoral program in Education Leadership will be charged State University fees of $4,695 for full- time enrollment in addition to local fees of $357 and nonresident tuition. | ||
| *The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. 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 fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees. | ||
| Registration Fees | $2,370 | $2,838 |
| Tuition* | $4,464 | $2,976 |
| Total cost per semester | $6,834 | $5,814 |
| Total cost per 2 semesters (one year) | $13,668 | $11,628 |
Estimated Living Costs
| Room and board | $11,970 |
|---|---|
| Books and supplies | $1,734 |
| Personal expenses | $3,114 |
| Transportation | $1,272 |
| Health Insurance | $1,160 |
| Total Living Costs | $19,250 |
Total Estimated Costs per Academic Year
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
|---|---|---|
| *Individual costs; for dependents (spouse or child) add $5000 per dependent. | ||
| Example tuition and fees | $13,668 | $11,628 |
| Estimated living costs | $19,250 | $19,250 |
| Total estimated annual costs* | $32,918 | $30,878 |
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.
