International Transfers

SFSU offers a high-quality education that’s accessible to all. Before you apply to SFSU, see if we offer a degree program that aligns with your passions and interests. With more than 65 majors, minors and concentrations to choose from, you’re sure to find a match. 

Our most popular programs include Business, Psychology, Biology, Engineering and Computer Science. 

You are considered a transfer applicant if 

• You attempted college coursework after high school graduation, but have not completed the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree. 

You are considered an international applicant if:

• You plan to study at SFSU in F-1 student visa status.
• You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or are in another immigration status and have transcripts from an international institution.

Learn how to apply and what it takes to become an SFSU student based on where you attended college/university and the following types of transfer student:

Lower-Division Transfer — applicant with less than 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units

Upper-Division Transfer — applicant with 60 or more semester (90 or more quarter) transferable units

Lower-Division Transfer

Lower-division transfer applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Graduated from high school
• Be academically prepared for college/university
• Meet the minimum high school GPA requirement 
• Achieved an overall college GPA of at least 2.00 in all transferable courses
• Be in good standing at the last college or university attended
• If attending a U.S. college/university, it is recommended you complete the following courses with a grade of C- or better:
• An English Composition course
• A Math/Quantitative Reasoning course

Upper-Division Transfer

Upper-division transfer applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Earn an overall college GPA of at least 2.00 in all transferable courses
2. Be in good standing at the last college or university attended
3. If attending a U.S. college/university, complete at least 30 semester units which meet CSU general education requirements with a grade of C- or better, including the ‘Golden Four’ courses:
   1. Oral Communication/Speech 
   2. English Composition 
   3. Critical Thinking and Composition 
   4. Math/Quantitative Reasoning

Admission Requirements

All SFSU undergraduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English Language Proficiency before an admission decision can be made.

English Language Proficiency

It’s important to apply by the priority application deadline for your term of interest. 

Stay on track with your admission application by reviewing key dates and deadlines, including when applications open and close. Make sure to give yourself enough time to gather materials so you can submit your application before the deadline.

Dates and Deadlines

Students planning to study in F-1 student visa must show proof of financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses for one academic year.

Required Documents for 1-20

When you’re ready to apply, you can start your online application through Cal State Apply. 

A $70 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of submission and can be paid by credit card or PayPal.

SFSU uses your self-reported information from the application to make an admission decision, so it is extremely important that you answer all questions on the application completely and accurately.

List all colleges and universities attended on your application. 

International Application Checklist Apply now