Bulletin

INTERNATIONAL (FOREIGN) STUDENTS

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, "foreign students" include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications. The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on TOEFL Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least eight weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

San Francisco State University considers applications and accepts qualified applicants for admission to the university according to the International Student Application Calendar. Applications for the fall semester are accepted November 1 to March 1 for the semester beginning the September of the following year. Applications for fall may be obtained in September or early October. Students who are overseas may apply for a fall semester only. International students already in this country may be eligible to apply for admission to a fall or a spring semester. Applications for spring are available during the month of June to be submitted August 1-30 for acceptance for the spring semester which begins the following January.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those with limited openings.

All post-baccalaureate students on F-1 visas must be formally admitted and enrolled in a classified graduate degree program. They may not be enrolled in the university in non-degree or unclassified status.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION CALENDAR

Semester Request Application from SFSU Submit Application to SFSU

January 1995 June 1-30, 1994 August 1-31, 1994
(Spring 1995)

September 1995 September 1-30, 1994 November 1, 1994-March 1, 1995
(Fall 1995)

January 1996 June 1-30, 1995 August 1-31, 1995
(Spring 1996)

September 1996 September 1-30, 1995 November 1, 1995-March 1, 1996
(Fall 1996)

Any student who is a permanent resident (holds an Alien Registration Card or endorsed I-94) is not subject to the International Student Application Calendar and may apply on The California State University application form, subject only to the same program deadlines as United States citizen applicants. Students in this category must submit with their application a copy of their Alien Registration Card or endorsed Form I-94 showing INS approval of Permanent Resident application.

The university does not have general scholarships or financial aid for foreign students. Therefore, the student must present satisfactory evidence that s/he will have adequate funds to meet financial needs at the time of enrollment at the university. Currently the State University Fee and related mandatory fees are $896 plus $246 per unit for each semester. Undergraduate students are required to enroll in at least twelve units per semester. Graduate students must enroll in nine units per semester.

The following is an estimate of the cost of one year's attendance as a full-time student:

Undergraduates Graduates
12 units 9 units

Tuition $ 5,904 $ 4,428
Fees 1,838 1,838
Books and Supplies 600 600
Meals and Housing 7,400 7,400
Personal/Health/Transportation 2,515 2,515

Total $18,257 $16,781

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

Complete and return the printed application, using extra sheets if needed.
When applying, the student must submit official, original transcripts or documents, and must list on the application the names of all certificates, diplomas, degrees, titles, or licenses received and the schools which s/he has attended. All documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Photocopies without originals will not be accepted. All documents must show grades received, examinations taken, and identify passing and maximum grades. The student must be qualified to enter a university in his/her own country and have an outstanding scholastic record from an accredited school. Applicants who are presently attending a college or university in the United States must, in addition to their foreign records, submit official transcripts of all work completed and in progress as soon as possible after applying for admission.
All applicants for admission to the university must pay a $55.00 application fee. The application fee is not refundable nor can it apply toward a later application for admission.
All undergraduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, are required to earn a minimum score of 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Individual California State University campuses may require a higher minimum score. Achieving the minimum score shall be evidence of the applicant's English competency at a level which will allow the applicant to participate satisfactorily in and benefit from university study.

To be admitted to a campus as a postbaccalaureate or graduate student, an applicant who does not possess an American baccalaureate degree from a post-secondary institution must receive a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL. Appropriate campus authorities may prescribe a higher minimum score, based on such campus factors as the nature of the instruction offered, availability of instruction in English as a second language, student enrollment demand, and availability of funds.

There are no exceptions. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements should not apply.

The TOEFL is typically administered four times a year: January, March, June, and October. Specific information regarding the exact testing dates, testing centers, fee, and registration is available from: Test of English as a Foreign Language, Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey 08541. It is the student's responsibility to request that test results be sent to the Admissions Office, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, California 94132.

No action is taken on applications for admission until all requested materials have been received by the Admissions Office. Students are admitted only upon receipt of the official Notice of Admission from the Admissions Office. Students should not confuse confirmation of housing or correspondence with academic departments with official admission to the university.

Type of Visa

San Francisco State University is on the approved list of the United States Department of Justice to admit non-immigrant students and is authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to these students.

Students from abroad, on receipt of the San Francisco State University Admission Form I- 20, should secure a non-immigrant student (F) visa. Admission Forms I-20 are not issued by the Division of Extended Education (summer sessions and extension). Subsequent to admission, foreign students must be enrolled continuously every semester, carrying a full course of study (twelve units for undergraduates and nine units for graduates).

Health Insurance

International students (F and J visas) are required to show evidence of health insurance coverage in order to be permitted to register for courses. Renewals are checked each semester in order to re-register, unless the insurance policy is purchased annually. For additional information, students should contact the Student Health Center at 338-1932.

Bulletin 1994-96 Table of Contents, SFSU Home Page

last modified January 10, 1995