Conditional Admission
International students who are academically qualified to apply for admission to the University but have an insufficient score on the TOEFL or IELTS can study for at least one full semester at the American Language Institute (ALI), SF State's intensive English program.
You can study until you have satisfactorily completed the recommended level of English courses and received a TOEFL Waiver, OR obtain the required TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score.
After you meet the English requirement, you can apply to San Francisco State University degree programs or apply to Academic Certificate Programs.
To know if you are academically qualified to apply to the University, submit the Conditional Admission/Eligibility Form (PDF) and your academic documents when you apply to the ALI.
Program Requirements
| Program | Grade Point Average (GPA) | English Proficiency Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree Programs | International Freshman: 2.5 GPA or B- average in academic courses completed after 9th grade International Transfers: 2.0 overall college GPA in all transferable courses (impacted majors may require a higher GPA) |
500 ITP 61 iBT 6.0 IELTS See additional acceptable English proficiency exams |
| Academic Certificate Programs | Business Administration: 2.5 GPA, completed at least 56 units of university coursework International Business: 2.3 GPA, completed at least 56 units of university coursework Holistic Health Studies: 2.0 GPA, completed at least 56 units of university coursework Hospitality and Tourism Management: 2.3 GPA, completed at least 56 units of university coursework and 2.5 GPA in business, management or hospitality courses Liberal and Creative Arts: 2.5 cumulative GPA in high school Paralegal Studies: 2.5 GPA, completed at least 60 units of university coursework |
500 ITP 61 iBT 6.0 IELTS See additional acceptable English proficiency exams |
| Graduate Degree Programs | Minimum Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA in earned undergraduate degree or last 60 semester (90 quarter) units completed. GPA requirements may differ by program department. |
550 ITP 80 iBT 6.5 IELTS See additional acceptable English proficiency exams. Higher English proficiency scores may be required by program departments. |
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