San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University, located in the heart of Northern California, is one of the most sought-after places to study in the United States. Students are drawn to its world-class academics, diverse campus community, and unbeatable San Francisco location.
Why choose San Francisco State University
For social mobility
U.S. News & World Report has ranked San Francisco State University 8th in the nation for social mobility in its 2024 Best Colleges list.
Student organizations
Clubs include fun topics like Anime, K-Pop, and Ultimate Frisbee; academic topics like Marketing and Cyber security; as well as cultural and religious associations.
Alumni have won Oscars
As well as 16 Oscars, SF State alumni have also won: 54 Emmys, 22 Pulitzers, 10 Grammys and 12 Tonys.
About San Francisco State University
Located in the city of San Francisco across two campuses, San Francisco State University (SF State) is one of the most desirable places to study in America. In a globally influential city that’s also home to some of the world’s biggest tech companies, students have the chance to build the connections and experience that will transform their careers.
SF State students frequently go on to outstanding careers in film, business, the law, medical science, education, entertainment, and the tech industry – with a significant number also heading to local companies such as Apple, Google, Wells Fargo and Oracle.
At the heart of its success are market leading departments like the Business faculty (top 5% nationwide – AACSB accredited (only applied to top 5% courses) and film school. With 22 Pulitzer Prizes, 54 Emmy and 16 Oscar winners and NASA astronauts among the alumni, SF State students know that with hard work, success can be theirs too.
San Francisco, California
Long known for its eclectic culture and diversity, San Francisco is a place where international students can feel very much at home. Due to its relatively small size, the city is also easy to get around, and cycling is a very popular method of transport.
Iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown will be the backdrop to your university life. Stroll the streets of Downtown, relax in Golden Gate Park and nearby Lake Merced, or check out the famous San Francisco Zoo – the possibilities are endless.
Studying in San Francisco arguably brings you closer to the heart of the global tech industry than anywhere else in the world. The city itself is the home of Twitter, Airbnb, Uber and Lyft, but it is also within easy reach of Silicon Valley, where the headquarters of Apple, Facebook, Google and Adobe can be found. SF State students are often able to find internships or employment with these (or similar) companies when they graduate.
In other fields, San Francisco is also home to 30 international financial institutions and six Fortune 500 companies, as well as being a national hub for marketing, design and biotechnology. Whatever your skills and abilities, you’ll have the chance to start a great career.
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco,
CA 94132
Your campus life
SF State is ideally situated in uniquely beautiful areas of San Francisco. The main campus is located just east of Lake Merced, a quiet and picturesque area of the city with acres of parkland for relaxation.
- The main campus is situated on more than 144 acres in a safe, quiet corner of San Francisco just 1.6 km from the Pacific Ocean.
- Mashouf Wellness Center facility includes a mix of social and recreational spaces: a two-court gym, a large multi-purpose activities court (MAC), pools for both competitive and recreational swimming, a spa, cardio / fitness areas, a running track, a lounge, and meeting rooms.
- The campus is very secure with the presence of campus security and the police department. The ‘SafeWalk Service’ escorts students, faculty, and staff during evening/night hours upon request.
Accommodation
Living on-campus
Residents of SF State have described living on campus as a rewarding and enjoyable experience. SF State is positioned in an ideal San Francisco area – residents are within close proximity to public transportation and bike routes. SF State Housing offers move-in ready, pre-furnished bedrooms and unfurnished bedrooms, which allows residents to bring their own furniture.
For students 19 and under, SF State has residence halls with bath and apartment-style 1 – 3 bedroom/ 1-2 bathroom units.
For students 19 and over, SF State has a wide array of low- and high-rise apartment-style housing ranging from 1 –4 bedrooms/ 1-2 bathroom apartments.
Homestay
StudentRoomStay
International students are encouraged to live in personally matched homes with local families to get a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. We provide students with a welcoming family and a place to call home while pursuing their education. SRS Concierge specializes in providing safe, easy and world-class homestay experiences.
Your experience at San Francisco State
Known for being one of the most diverse colleges in America, SF State is bound to make international students feel at home. It is also part of the California State University system, meaning it offers low tuition fees for overseas students.
Athletics
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 10 intercollegiate sports programs to 350 students: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s track & field, volleyball and wrestling.
Intramural Sports
The Intramural Sports program offers structured sport leagues for SF State students, faculty and staff geared to promote fair play, positive social interaction, effective communication, and healthy lifestyles in a safe and fun environment. Intramural Sports offered include basketball, outdoor soccer, indoor soccer, volleyball, and flag football.
200+ clubs and societies
Whatever your interests, you can find a sports club for you at SF State. Options includes Jiu Jitsu, volleyball, indoor basketball, soccer, rugby, tennis, badminton, cricket, water polo, surfing, swimming, MMA, wrestling, cheer, dancing, gaming, climbing, golf and billiards. Students also run more than 200 clubs from politics to religious organisations.
Associated Students group
The Associated Students group offers hundreds of community-oriented resources, events, services, scholarships, internships & student jobs, and is dedicated to the empowerment of SF State’s diverse student body, and committed to social justice & shared governance. They sponsor programs in cultural and social justice, events and entertainment, education and equity, and specialized community programs.
Industry links
SF State offers students the opportunity to live and breathe the air of the world’s most popular city for technology start-ups. Apple, Twitter and Google are all headquartered in and around the city.
Graduates
There is a big focus on what comes after your studies. SF State students frequently go on to pursue careers in film, business, law, entertainment and the tech industry. A significant number also had to local companies such as Apple, Google, Wells Fargo and Oracle.
Pathways at San Francisco State University
International Year One Program (IY1)
The University Pathway Program is designed for students with an IELTS score of 5.0+. This program allows students to take credit-bearing SF State general education courses alongside additional academic and English language courses. The carefully selected credit-bearing courses allow first-year students to discover new topics and further explore already strong subjects. Once International Year One is completed, students proceed directly to their second year of degree study at SF State.
Liberal Creative Arts | Ethnic Studies | Science |Engineering | Health/Social Sciences | Business | Education
Pre-Sessional English
SF State also offers a Pre-Sessional English Program for students with an IELTS entry of 4.0-4.5, which helps to enhance the comprehension and usage of the English language and academic skills required for university-level studies. After successfully completing the assigned Pre-Sessional term(s), students will progress to the International Year One Pathway Program (IY1). Upon successful completion of IY1, students will be admitted to SF State.
Business Finance
The Finance concentration teaches students to recognize, understand, and attain the skills necessary to be successful in the world of finance.
Biology Marine Science
This program offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of marine environments and the organisms that reside there.
Undergraduate degrees
Explore the range of undergraduate degrees at San Francisco State University and and start your journey to becoming a great graduate.
Fees
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Pre Sessional English (12 weeks)** | January, May, August – $11,990 |
| Pre Sessional English (6 weeks)** | January, May, August – $5,995 |
| International Year One | IELTS 5.5 Entry – January, May, August – $26,000 IELTS 5.0 Entry – January, May, August – $28,500 |
| *Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin fee. Stated fees for International Year One do not include tuition applicable for degree course continued at the university. Pre-sessional English (PSE) fees are in addition to your pathway fee and is not available on all pathways. If PSE is required, you will progress onto the pathway programme once this has been successfully completed. Contact our admissions team for more information. | |
Scholarships at San Francisco State University
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Frequently asked questions
All US universities have set language proficiency requirements for admission. Oxford International recognises the importance of meeting these standards to ensure students can excel in their academic pursuits. That’s why we’ve developed programmes designed specifically for international students who do not meet this requirements. These programmes are structured to equip students with the essential language skills and academic foundation necessary to succeed at universities throughout the US Our comprehensive offerings include intensive language training, academic preparation, and tailored support, ensuring students can transition confidently into their chosen university.
Student life in the US is marked by a lively campus culture, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Students can participate in a broad spectrum of clubs and organisations, including academic and professional societies, sports teams, and cultural groups. The US education system promotes a balance between academic and social life, encouraging students to take part in events, volunteer work, and networking opportunities. Furthermore, campus facilities such as libraries, recreational centres, and dining halls are designed to provide a comfortable and enriching experience for students.
International students are allowed to work part-time on-campus jobs up to 20 hours per week, during their study in the US. Please speak to representatives from your program of study for additional information, policies, and/or limitations. You may only proceed when authorized by your program and a university DSO.
Students may not work off-campus and could face termination of their I-20 and violation of their visa status and program if working off-campus illegally. Additionally, international students do not qualify for “work-study” jobs on campus.
Yes, Oxford International students can access a variety of scholarships. These will depend on your chosen programme and university. For more detailed information navigate to your chosen university or reach out to our team.
Students should plan to have a laptop computer or tablet that can reliably connect to the internet and be used for word processing, presentations, and online research. Most U.S. universities use Learning Management Systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard) to organize course materials, submit assignments, and engage in discussions. In some cases, students may also need access to Zoom for hybrid or online synchronous courses.
Applying to study abroad can be daunting, but at Oxford International, our team of student advisors is here to make it easy for you. From day one, we’re here to guide you through every step. With over 30 years of experience helping international students worldwide, you can trust us to give you the advice you need, so you can make the best decisions.
First, you’ll choose a university, centre, or international college where you want to study. Whether you apply alone or with our support, we’ll provide you with a conditional offer within 24 hours. Once accepted, you’ll need to confirm your tuition payment method.
Our student experience team will then guide you through webinars and comprehensive guides on visa applications, accommodation booking, and preparing for your stay.
Applying is easy, you can apply online via our online application form. If you feel stuck at any point reach out to our team and we can guide you through the entire process.
No additional cost or separate application is required for eVisas.
Studying in the US provides international students with world-class educational facilities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a multicultural environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
You can secure your offer by making a payment as detailed in the ‘How do I Pay’ section. This will ensure that a place will still be available for you, and we are able to issue you with a CAS in order for you to make your visa application.