This marks the first time that SFSU has been ranked No. 1 for international students. The University was No. 2 in each of the previous five years.

The rankings are based on the most recently completed academic year, 2004-05. The number of international students at SFSU last fall was 2,157. While the University's international student population has more than doubled since 1994, it has decreased somewhat the past two years. This fall there are 2,016 international students at SFSU, representing 94 countries.

Yenbo Wu, SFSU director of international programs, attributes the decrease -- which reflects a nationwide trend -- to stricter federal regulations in obtaining student visas. As a result, more foreign students are seeking to study abroad in such other English speaking countries as England, Canada or Australia.

"We are working hard to reverse this downward trend," Wu said, noting SFSU's extensive efforts to recruit international students. "The education of foreign and domestic students alike benefits from their presence on campus."

Leng Chao, of China, transferred from Santa Rosa Junior College to SFSU this semester and recently changed her major from business administration to hospitality management.

"San Francisco State University is a college that is full of opportunity and diversity to provide students a wonderful atmosphere for education," she said. "It's my pleasure to be part of the academic program in SFSU because I've met wonderful and enthusiastic instructors and students as well."

Last fall, matriculated international students at SFSU represented 99 countries of origin. The University remains a top destination for students from Asian countries. They comprised nearly 75 percent of the University's international student body. Japan topped the list with 442 students, as it has since SFSU began tracking countries of origin in 1994. The other top countries of origin were Taiwan (216 students), South Korea (136), mainland China (128), and India (102).

Business administration remained the most popular field of study (282 students), followed by computer science (112), international business (94), accounting (78), and teaching English to speakers of other languages (78).

Of the 1,917 matriculated international students, 697 were graduate students.

Matriculated students do not include those enrolled through SFSU's College of Extended Learning or American Language Institute, as well as some other short-term students and scholars.

For detailed nationwide data on international students, visit the Institute of International Education's Web site.

For more information on SFSU international programs, call (415) 338-1293 or visit the Office of International Programs Web site.

-- Matt Itelson