Visa Information:

International Students are required to apply for a student visa (either F1 or J1)

Why should you come and study with us?

Students in the program are able to experience all of San Francisco State University's unique amenities with a quick and simple admission process. You'll be able to travel the beautiful city of San Francisco using an included transit pass, experience the diversity of the University's campus and hear from our guest speakers during campus events.

Study opportunities:

The University's motto is Experientia Docet — Experience Teaches. Professors come to the classroom with a wealth of industry knowledge. They leverage that experience to give students the real-world examples of what they can expect when their getting started in industry.

University faculties from which students can choose classes include:

College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Lam Family College of Business
College of Education
College of Ethnic Studies
College of Health and Social Sciences
College of Science and Engineering

Scholarship possibilities for international students:

Scholarships for international students are only available for degree students who study over 1 year. Short-term study programs do not qualify for scholarships.
Please check out our World of Students webpage for different scholarship opportunities. You will find the information in the upper section "Tipps & Tricks".

Internships:

One semester study abroad students cannot participate in internships. Paid/unpaid internships and volunteering available based on eligibility. (minimum 1 year study)

Application Deadline:

SFSU is operating on rolling admission. That means that there is no clear deadline for neither fall nor spring. However, we recommend students to turn in their application:
for Fall - until the 1st of June
for Spring - until the 1st of October
Please contact the World of Students team in case of late applications.

Application requirements:

• Language certificate: for example TOEFL iBT 70, DAAD certificate (B2), IELTS 6.0 (of course other tests are accepted as well)
• Transcript in English
• Master students: English bachelor's certificate in English including all courses taken. Students applying for graduate courses must demonstrate a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
• Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months after your stay in the USA)
• Consent Release Form
• Immunization Requirement Form
(However, this document must be submitted later in the application process.)
• Course wish list (This document must be submitted later in the application process.)
• Financial Statement*

*This is to show that you have the financial means to afford a semester abroad in the USA. For this, SFSU requires an official confirmation from the bank in ENGLISH (e.g. “we hereby confirm that person xy has an amout of ... USD on their bank account.). This document can also be issued for your parents.

Orientation:

Orientation is mandatory for all international students and takes place at beginning of the semester.

Examperiod:

Throughout the term students will have to turn in several assignments (such as presentations, essays, etc.). But the main exam period is in the last week of the semester.

Accessibility:

Yes

Working while studying:

F-1 students are not allowed to work while studying in the USA, with the only exception of on-campus jobs. These jobs are, however, very limited.