Applying to SF State's Exchange Student Program

Nomination

A students' first step is to speak with their home university's exchange advisor to determine whether SF State’s exchange program is a good fit. The student's home university will make this determination and nominate the student for the program. 

Application

After being nominated, the student will be provided with instructions for completing the SF State Exchange Program application. Students should complete this application as accurately as possible. 

When applying, students must provide the following information:

• A Personal Statement (250 to 500 words) explaining their interest in the exchange program regarding education, personal growth, etc.
• A Course Proposal of at least eight SF State courses that suit the student's interest and academic needs (the course proposal does not guarantee enrollment in these classes; it's purpose is to determine if the student is a good academic fit for the program). Commonly offered course can be found in the SF State Course Index.
• Proof of Funding equal to or exceeding the required funds stated below. Accepted documents should be no older than 60 days and are limited to:
  • Personal bank statements in the student's name
  • Government scholarships / financial aid awards
  • Signed sponsorship letters (download the template below).
  • In special circumstances DoIE may be able to accept other forms of documentation. Please contact exchange@sfsu.edu with any questions. Do not send digital copies of sensitive financial documents by email.
  • 1 Semester minimum funding: $15,000
  • 2 Semesters minimum funding: $30,000

• The student's most recent Academic Transcript. 
• English proficiency documentation or proof of enrollment in a primarily English-taught university. Accepted documentation includes:
  • iBT/iBT Home Edition/iBT MyBest Scores: 61
  • IELTS/IELTS Indicator: 6.0
  • PTE Academic Score: 45
  • TOEFL: 500
  • TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
  • Faculty/Staff recommendation letter (download the template below).
  • On a case-by-case basis, DoIE may accept other English proficiency documentation. Please address such questions to exchange@sfsu.edu.

• A clear digital copy of the student's passport, including the entire face page of the document. The student's passport must have a minimum of six months’ validity remaining.
• Agreement to purchase the SF State-approved health insurance plan.
• Agreement to contribute to campus internationalization by participating in the International Education Exchange Council (IEEC).
• Agreement to main J-1 immigration status for the duration of the student's program of study.

Acceptance

Four to six weeks after the application deadline, SF State’s Division of International Education will contact applicants directly with admissions decisions. Upon acceptance, the student can expect the following:

Students may receive other correspondence before arrival, so it is recommended that they check their email regularly.

Last updated: August 2024

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