Your First Steps to Success at San Francisco State University
Start your American college career in our culturally-rich community. U.S. News ranked San Francisco State University (SF State) as one of the top 16 “Most Diverse National Universities” in the United States. We offer an exciting opportunity for international high school seniors and graduates to join our student body. Our Foundation program provides an opportunity to kickstart your studies by earning credits toward an SF State degree. Students who successfully complete high school with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and pass all courses will meet SF State undergraduate admission requirements.
Experience SF State
International students get a taste of SF State by taking academic courses and learning online. With help from the Center of Global Engagement (CGE) staff, students can take up to eight courses from a wide variety of subjects including English, math and liberal arts. Students will earn credits that can be transferred and count toward undergraduate degree requirements at SF State.
Aim for Admission to SF State
Three tracks are open to high school seniors or high school graduates and will prepare students to transfer academic credits into SF State degree programs.
-
Academic Foundation Year (Full-time)
Take four SF State credit-bearing courses online for two terms. -
Academic Foundation Year (Part-time)
Take SF State credit-bearing courses online at your own pace. -
English + Academic Foundation Year
Enroll in the Online English for Academic Preparation program. Upon meeting the requirements for a TOEFL waiver, enroll in Academic Foundation Year (full time or part time).
For eligibility and details, see Courses & Tracks.
Land on Your Feet
Acclimate to life as an SF State student. Immerse yourself in SF State student life by attending virtual events, activities, joining a club, making friends and building community. Learn about the diverse, multicultural and dynamic city of San Francisco through virtual tours, guest speakers and more from the comfort of your home.
Remote Learning
Take SF State courses online from the comfort of your home or any location. Courses will be conducted in both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
Student-Centered Support
Ensure an easier enrollment process by working with an experienced international student advisor. Attend workshops to help you prepare an SF State undergraduate application. Work with your advisor to map our your undergraduate study plan. Get personal support to help you prepare for a degree at SF State.
Center for Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement provides international students and professional groups unparalleled access to pursue rigorous academic education, cutting-edge professional development and enriching cultural exploration at an American university.
SF State Campuses
The main campus is located in a quiet and safe neighborhood near the Pacific Ocean. The Downtown Campus is located in the heart of the business district, near financial institutions, including Bank of America and BlackRock; social media companies, including Twitter, Pinterest and Yelp; and new economy companies, including Airbnb and Uber.