Applying to SF State's Exchange Student Program

Important Dates and Deadlines

Semester Spring 2024 Fall 2024
Nomination Deadline September 24, 2023 March 25, 2024
Application Deadline October 1, 2023 April 1, 2024

 

Application Process

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 OIP 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: $12,000
    • 2 Semesters minimum funding: $24,000

 

  • 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, OIP 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 Office of International Programs will contact applicants directly with admissions decisions. Upon acceptance, the student can expect the following:

Correspondence Fall Timeline Spring Timeline
Registration instructions (email) early May early November
Visa application instructions (email) early to mid May early to mid November
Acceptance packet (mail) mid to late May mid to late November
Pre-arrival orientation (iLearn) mid June to early July early December
Health insurance reminder (email) late July late December

Students may receive other correspondence prior to arrival, so it is recommend that they check their email regularly.

Last updated: June 2023

To view PDF files, you'll need Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or above to view it. If you need Adobe Acrobat Reader it's available free from Adobe (link is external).