Frequently Asked Questions From Agents

We have a very selective process and only work with a few top agents in each region of the world. The first step is to complete our “SF State International Recruitment Agency Application” form. SF State will then assess your application and conduct reference checks before making a decision.

Yes. We pay a $750 commission for each student who enrolls in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program for the first two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment.

For each student enrolled in the American Language Institute program (ALI), SF State shall pay the agency 15% of ALI tuition fees for the first two consecutive sessions.

For each agency-referred student enrolled in non-degree programs (e.g., intensive English program, EAP, academic certificates, summer academic program, semester abroad program, etc.) offered through the American Language Institute (ALI) or the College of Professional and Global Education (CPaGE), SF State shall pay the Agency 15% of tuition fees up to two consecutive semesters. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to waive our application fees. The undergraduate and graduate application fee is US$70.  There is an application fee of $100 for our intensive English program and $70 for all academic certificate programs, but no fee for any other non-degree programs offered by CPaGE.  Application fees can easily be paid with a credit card when using the online application system (Cal State Apply).

No. We promise to give you the best service possible, however there is no special consideration for applications sent through agents. Our standards and admission policies are the same for all applicants.  What we provide is regular communication and updates about your applicants as well as direct contact to SF State staff members who will be happy to answer any questions that you or your students may have in a timely and efficient manner. We attempt to process applications as quickly as possible!

Current U.S. Immigration Service regulations require that we send the I-20 form in digital/electronic format directly to the student’s personal email address as indicated on the “Student Consent for Release of Information” form. Our standard policy is to send the I-20 form via email as a pdf attachment. The student will want to be sure to check their “spam/junk” email folder if they have not received their I-20 form in a timely manner.

Undergraduate applications generally take 10 – 15 business days once all of the application documents are received.  

The graduate application process can be slower because all decisions are made internally by each specific graduate department.  In general, the process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months after all required documents have been received.  Please be aware that graduate deadlines are firm and that most strong applicants apply by the priority deadlines established by each academic department.

Applications to ALI or any of the CPaGE programs can take 5-14 business days to process, review and complete, depending on the type of programs students apply for.

No, we do not offer conditional admission at the undergraduate level for students who either have not taken the TOEFL exam or do not meet our minimum requirement of a 61 TOEFL iBT or 6.0 IELTS. To view a complete list of the examinations and scores we accept, visit these webpages for undergraduate English requirements or graduate English requirements. Please note that all test results will need to be verified directly with the appropriate testing center.

Students who do not meet our English proficiency admission requirements will be offered admission in our American Language Institute (ALI) and will be required to take an English Placement Exam upon arrival at SF State.  For students who wish to enter SF State undergraduate degree programs in the future, they can also apply for conditional eligibility together with our English program.

In general, there is no conditional admission for graduate students.  Each department can set their own TOEFL standards, but in general the minimum is 80 TOEFL iBT and 6.5 IELTS.

Further information on conditional admission can be found here.

For questions regarding admission to an undergraduate or graduate degree program, please contact:

Mr. Jay Ward, Associate Director

Division of International Education

SFGlobal@sfsu.edu

For questions regarding admission to a certificate or non-degree program administered by the SF State College of Professional and Global Education (CPaGE), please contact:

Mr. Alexander Chang, Director

International Recruitment, Global Partnerships & Student Mobility Programs

College of Professional & Global Education

GlobalEd@sfsu.edu

For questions regarding admission to the American Language Institute (ALI) or about conditional admission to SF State, please contact:

Ms. Diana Fung, Admission Lead

ALI/Center for Global Engagement

globaled@sfsu.edu