San Francisco State University

  • San Francisco
  • United States of America
English

At a glance

1899

Est.

23k

Students

90%

Acceptance rate

6.2k€

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

350€ reward

Exclusive wearefreemovers incentives: Apply through us, pay the exact same tuition, and still get money back. Includes Cashback + Go-Together + Referral Rewards.

Available subjects

English-taught
  • 📊 Accounting & Finance
  • 🫀 Anatomy & Physiology
  • 🦴 Anthropology
  • 🎨 Art & Design
  • 🧬 Biological Sciences
  • 📈 Business & Management Studies
  • 🧪 Chemistry
  • 🏛️ Classics & Ancient History
  • 📡 Communication & Media Studies
  • 💻 Computer Science & Information Systems
  • 🌍 Development Studies
  • 🌋 Earth & Marine Sciences
  • 💹 Economics & Econometrics
  • 📚 Education & Training
  • 🧪 Engineering Chemical
  • 🏗️ Engineering CiviI & Structural
  • 💡 Engineering Electrical & Electronic
  • 🛠️ Engineering Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing
  • 📖 English Language & Literature
  • 🌿 Environmental Sciences
  • 🌍 Geography
  • 📜 History
  • 🏨 Hospitality & Leisure Management
  • 📚 Library & Information Management
  • 🗣️ Linguistics
  • 🔢 Mathematics
  • 🌐 Modern Languages
  • 🩺 Nursing
  • 🎭 Performing Arts
  • 🤔 Philosophy
  • 🔭 Physics & Astronomy
  • 🌐 Politics & International Studies
  • 🧠 Psychology
  • 🏛️ Social Policy & Administration
  • 👥 Sociology
  • 🏀 Sports-related Subjects
  • 📊 Statistics & Operational Research

About

Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University is a premier public university located in the heart of San Francisco. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, SF State offers 125 different bachelor’s degrees, 105 master’s degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees among six academic colleges.

Studying in San Francisco means studying in the international capital of artificial intelligence, located 40 minutes from Silicon Valley. For those passionate about computers and technology, it’s the ideal place to pursue a degree in this field.

The University also offers a variety of short-term global programs under our Center for Global Engagement, ranging from Intensive English program, academic certificate, semester abroad, undergraduate and graduate pathway, summer/winter camp, etc. to international students around the world.

SF State is global focused and very keen on establishing international collaboration with like-minded institutions around the world to encourage global student mobility. Come join SF State in one of the most beautiful and innovative cities in the world!

Rankings and accreditations

8th

University in the US for social mobility

121th

Best US institution

Top 4%

Of universities worldwide by QS

Academic calendar

All semesters. One profile.

Stop comparing academic calendars one by one. Create a single profile and instantly see semester dates, deadlines, and available intakes across multiple universities. Apply in a few clicks, totally for free, with no guesswork.

Fall semester

Late August

Mid-Late December

⚠️ Application deadline:

April 15

Spring semester

Late January

Late May

⚠️ Application deadline:

October 15

Summer School

June

August

⚠️ Application deadline:

May 1

Prerequisites

Are you a fit for this university?

Create a profile and instantly check your eligibility against this institution’s entry standards.

English 🇬🇧

CEFR level
B2
Accepted certificates
TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, Current enrollment in a fully English-taught degree program, Home institution's certificate, Other certificates
Additional notes

Please note that the minimum accepted scores vary between Undergraduate and Graduate.
For the exact scores and differences, refer to this page.

3.0 GPA

A minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is strictly required for applying to this institution.

Expense breakdown

Housing

2,000 USD/mo

Food

700 USD/mo

Transport

150 USD/mo

Leisure

350 USD/mo

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

7,300 USD

Living expenses (5 months)

An estimation of what your living expenses could be. You can go cheaper or more expensive, depending on your lifestyle

16,000 USD

Travel & trips

The cost of reaching the destination, having a little bit of fun travels while you're there, and coming back. Again, this varies on your adventurous spirit and spending capabilities

2,000 USD

Estimated semester cost

25,300 USD

wearefreemovers discount

up to 350 EUR

wearefreemovers discount

up to 350 €

wearefreemovers partners directly with universities to make studying abroad more affordable. By applying through us, you keep the official university tuition and get exclusive cashback and referral bonuses.

Cashback

200€

Referral

50€
per person

Go together

up to
100€

Lifestyle

Life in

San Francisco

Accommodation

Students can also choose to live off-campus. See our campus housing page.

Social and extracurricular activities

SFSU offers 250+ student clubs on campus and Semester@SFSU students are free to join any club. Also all exchange and visiting students will join the International Education & Exchange Council student club as well. During students’ study period, there will be many extra curricular activities arranaged by our office and the campus and all students are welcome to join.

Visa and immigration

All Semester@SFSU students coming from official SFSU partners will receive a DS-2019 to allow them apply for J-1 visa to come to study at SFSU. (DS-2019 will indicate students’ home university names)

Climate

Fall semester

Late August

Mid-Late December
🌡️ 10°C to 22°C

Foggy mornings and cool breezes are common. Autumn is variable but generally mild, with clear days sprinkled in.

Spring semester

Late January

Late May
🌡️ 11°C to 21°C

The signature “June Gloom” can start early with marine fog near campus areas. Temperatures stay stable, rarely too hot or too cold.

Summer School

June

August
🌡️ 12°C to 20°C

Summer brings more fog and wind than heat. Layers and hoodies become everyday gear even in July.

Campus location

Video

Student experiences

My semester in San Francisco was unforgettable. Between inspiring classes and the vibrant city, I discovered so much about the place and myself. Five months of learning, friendship, and pure fun.

Christoph Elligsen