San Francisco State was named one of the most diverse large universities in the United States, and we are proud to welcome a new group of international students to our campus. This chapter provides helpful information and resources to guide you during your first year.
Credit & Academic Requirements
International undergraduate students with F-1 visa status are required to enroll and complete at least 12 units during each Fall and Spring semester. A minimum of nine units must come from in-person courses (hybrid courses are considered in-person).
In-person courses: Attend scheduled class meetings during the semester.
Online courses: Complete all course activities online.
Hybrid courses: Complete a combination of online activities and in-person class meetings during the semester.
For questions about F-1 visa regulations, contact the F-1 International Student Advisors at the Office of International Program (OIP).
Office of International Program (OIP) Village at Centennial Square, Bldg. C (across from the Student Services Bldg.) More information at: https://oip.sfsu.edu/new
Phone: 415.338.1293
Email: f1@sfsu.edu
Submit your official international transcripts to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office for transfer credit evaluation. To be considered official, transcripts must come in an unopened envelope sealed from your school or through an approved electronic channel (i.e., Naviance, National Student Clearing House, or Parchment). Please contact the International Undergraduate Admissions Office with any questions you may have.
International Undergraduate Admissions One-Stop Student Services Center, Student Services Bldg. (1st floor lobby) Phone: 415.338.2382
Email: ugintl@sfsu.edu
SF State requires all undergraduate students to fulfill Oral Communication (GE Area A1) and Written English (GE Area A2) requirements in order to graduate. The CMS program is a University-wide undergraduate program through which multilingual speakers can fulfill undergraduate Oral Communication and Written English graduation requirements.
To fulfill GE Area A2, first-year International students can choose to enroll in the English courses offered under the Composition for Multilingual Students (CMS) Program.
You must complete the Writing Advising online exercise in order to take classes in this program. For more information about the Writing Advising and what courses to take, go to https://english.sfsu.edu/ge-writing
For more information about multilingual courses or support for Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) courses, contact:
Composition for Multilingual Students (CMS)
Humanities Bldg., Room 482
Phone: 415.338.1320