International Graduate Students – Arts and Sciences
International students find the city of San Francisco a cosmopolitan and welcoming
place to live and study. International students are an essential and valuable
part of the richly diverse community at USF. Of the 8,800 students at the university,
approximately 530 students are international students.
For admission requirements unique to international students, please refer to
the "Admission/How to Apply" section on your individual program's
website.
International Student Services
The Office
of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is an excellent resource for international
students. ISS provides valuable information and advice to international students
who are admitted to the university, and to international students currently
enrolled at USF. This information includes the visa application process, immigration
documents, immunization requirements, pre-departure information and orientation
for international students each spring and fall.
Application Items for International Students
As an international applicant, you submit the same items as a U.S. applicants,
as well as these two additional items:
- Certification of Finance (with official bank statements) is required for
admission review by all graduate programs.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (unless if your first and native language
is English, or you have completed a Bachelor's Degree program at a university
or college in the United States)
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
- Minimum TOEFL score for Asia Pacific Studies program: 92 (iBT), 232 (CBT)
or 580 (paper test)
- Minimum TOEFL score for Biology and Chemistry: 88 (iBT), 230 (CBT) or 570
(paper test)
- Minimum TOEFL score for Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Management,
Financial Analysis, International and Development Economics, Internet Engineering,
Sport Management, Theology and Writing: 79 (iBT), 213 (CBT) or 550 (paper
test)
- Minimum IELTS score is 7.0 for all Arts and Sciences graduate programs.
F-1 Visas
Students who require an F-1 student visa must demonstrate that they (and/or other sponsors in their home country) can fund all or a significant amount of their educational and living expenses in the United States. To verify this requirement, the Certification of Finances form and supplemental bank statements must be completed and submitted with the application form for the program. Even when a graduate program awards financial assistance, students still must verify some funds of their own in order to qualify for an F-1 student visa.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
All international students are considered for scholarships, fellowships or
teaching assistantships offered by an individual graduate program. There is
no separate application necessary for scholarships and teaching assistantships,
except for the graduate fellowships offered by the Asia Pacific Studies program.
Health Insurance
International students who enroll at the university for classes will also be
enrolled in a university-sponsored health insurance program. For details about
student health insurance, visit the Student Health Insurance office website. Student Health Insurance
can be contacted by email at studentinsurance@usfca.edu or by phone at 415.422.6809.
International Student Orientation
New international students are required to attend the International Graduate
Student Orientation in spring (late January) or fall (late August). International students
are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least 10 days before the first day
of classes in the fall and spring to finalize housing arrangements
and attend International Student Orientation. Contact International Student and Scholar Services for details and dates about International
Student Orientation at isss@usfca.edu.
If your graduate program begins in June, July, early August or at another time
that differs from the regular start of classes at the university, then contact the Office
of International Student and Scholar Services to arrange an individual International
Student Orientation upon your arrival at USF.
In addition, most graduate programs also hold an orientation/advising session
for the individual graduate program. All new students are required to attend
their program orientation as well as the International Student Orientation.
Arrival at USF for F-1 Visa Students
International students should note that the earliest arrival in the United States that an F-1 visa allows is 30 days before the start date on the I-20 form issued to you.
Contact Information
Office of International Student and Scholar Services
Phone: +1 415 422 2654
Location: University Center, Room 402
Email: isss@usfca.edu
Web: www.usfca.edu/isss
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