Nomination Form

Study Abroad @ SF: How to Apply

Apply to Study Abroad @ SF once your nomination is accepted, and plan your academic experience at San Francisco State University. You can study for one or two semesters and choose from a wide range of courses. Review the application steps, required documents and deadlines to get started.

Application Information

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: May 15
  • Spring: Nov. 15

Semester Dates

  • Spring 2027: Jan. 25 to May 21, 2027
  • Fall 2027: Aug. 18 to Dec. 27, 2027

Dates are from start of classes to the end of exam period. Orientation is held the week before classes start.

  • Tuition Fee:
    • $7,020 for 12 units (undergraduate or graduate non-business)
    • $5,265 for 9 units (graduate non-business)
    • $7,749 for 9 units (graduate business)
    • Plus applicable program fees
  • Estimated Cost of Living:
    • $12,550
  • Estimated Total Expenses:
    • $19,570 (campus option)
    • $17,815 (graduate non-business)
    • $20,299 (graduate business)
  • Note:
    • Students from partner universities may qualify for a tuition discount depending on the terms and conditions of the agreement.
    • Estimated total. Fees subject to change. Cost of living may vary. Textbooks are not included in the tuition fee.
    • See Academic Tuition and Fees for a full breakdown.

Step 1: Submit the nomination form

You, your partner university or your recruiting agent can submit the Nomination Form. Once we receive, review and approve the nomination, we will email the application directly to you and copy your home institution.

Nomination Form

Step 2: Complete the application

After your nomination is approved, we will send you a link to the application.

In the application, you will select your program category:

  1. Study Abroad @ SF (undergraduate level): You may apply with or without a bachelor’s degree. You will take undergraduate courses and must enroll in at least 12 units.
  2. Study Abroad @ SF (post-baccalaureate or graduate level): You must have a bachelor’s degree before starting at SFSU and meet the graduate study eligibility requirements. You will take graduate courses. Review the SFSU Bulletin to confirm prerequisites. Graduate courses are numbered 700 and above. Fees are of $861 per unit.
  3. Study Abroad @ SF (post-baccalaureate business): You must have a bachelor’s degree and meet the graduate study eligibility requirements. You will take graduate business courses only. Courses are offered through the Lam Family College of Business, including accounting, decision sciences, economics, finance, general business, information systems, international business, management and marketing. Review the SFSU Bulletin for prerequisites. Graduate courses are numbered 700 and above.

Step 3: Submit required documents

a) Financial certification

Show proof of funds for your education and living expenses during your studies at SFSU. See the Financial Affidavit for details.

b) Passport information

Submit a copy of your passport biographical page with your full legal name and date of birth.

c) Academic transcripts

Submit transcripts with your overall GPA from all schools attended. If you have not attended a university, submit your high school transcripts. If documents are not in English, include a certified English translation. Transcripts are used for advising and course placement. Graduate applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

d) English proficiency

Submit proof of English proficiency. Accepted options include:

Test scores

Faculty or staff recommendation (partner universities only)

Waiver or exemption

e) Visual or audio image release form

f) Student consent for release of information

This form allows SFSU to share information with your home university.

Step 4: Complete the preliminary course wish list

Submit the preliminary course wish list with up to eight courses you are interested in. List courses in order of preference and review prerequisites before submitting. Find course details in the SFSU Bulletin.

Preliminary Course Wish List

Not all courses are offered each term. Fall schedules are available in April and spring schedules in November. See the SFSU Class Schedule.

Course numbers indicate level:

  • 100 to 299: Lower division
  • 300 to 699: Upper division
  • 700 and above: Graduate

The preliminary wish list is not required for admission. After you are admitted, we will contact you with next steps to submit your course preferences.

Undergraduate Study

  • You must have a high school diploma or be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
  • Submit transcripts in English to support advising and course placement
  • Meet English proficiency requirements:

Graduate Study

  • You must have a bachelor’s degree
  • You must have a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate degree or in your last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units
  • Submit transcripts in English to support advising and course placement
  • Meet English proficiency requirements:

For campus option only

If you are studying on campus with a F-1 or J-1 visa, you must purchase CSU- or SFSU-approved health insurance through United Healthcare.

Estimated health insurance rates

  • Fall 2026: $740 or $821
  • Spring 2027: $809

Links

For campus option only

Enrollment in the SFSU College of Professional & Global Education is not the same as admission to the University. If you are accepted into a full-time program and need a visa, you will receive a I-20 for F-1 student status (university partners who request J-1 student status will receive a DS-2019). You must maintain full-time enrollment while you study at SFSU.

The registration policy applies to tuition and mandatory or miscellaneous fees. Optional fees are not refundable.

Tuition and fees are finalized and posted after the last day to drop with a full refund, as listed in Important Dates. You must pay all fees by the deadline listed in the Academic Calendar.

If a third party is paying your fees, they must submit an authorization to bill letter to cgeadmin@sfsu.edu. SFSU will send invoices after the census date. Charges will appear in your student center until payment is received.

To withdraw from a class or program, contact the Center for Global Engagement at globaled@sfsu.edu.

Study Abroad @ SF

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