Start Your Study Abroad Journey!

Programs in 37+ countries! Every continent except Antarctica... Explore the SF State Abroad Database to see all programs. 

Students can go abroad for their: 

  • Major or minor 
  • Upper and lower division general education (GE) 
  • Language learning 

On SF State Abroad programs, students enjoy: 

  • Cheaper cost of living abroad 
  • Access to financial aid abroad 
  • Pay the same SFSU/CSU tuition  
  • Earn SFSU resident credit 

Applying is online, free and only takes a little bit of time. Follow these steps to get started today: 

  1. Define Your Academic Goal and Objective: Major, minor, GE's, and/or learn language
  2. Note SF State Abroad Deadlines (see the bottom of this page)
  3. Explore SF State Abroad Programs
  4. Review Eligibility & Requirements
  5. Plan Finances and Funding
  6. Apply for a Passport
  7. Optional: Check out the Application Workshop
  8. Optional: Connect with other students
  9. Apply!

Academic planning is key to studying abroad. The process will differ based upon your primary academic goal for study abroad:

  • Major
  • Minor
  • Upper and/or Lower Division General Education (GEs)
  • Language Study

A good first step is to look at your Degree Progress Report (DPR) to see what degree requirements you still need and then to look at potential courses abroad on the program page of the SF State Abroad Database under the academics tab. Once you click on the link from the academic's tab and you are on the website of the university abroad, feel free to come in during advising if you have any trouble navigating their website to find the classes. 

The link below will walk you through the process of when and how to obtain course approval for study abroad classes based upon your academic goal. 

With a little planning and budgeting, the cost of study abroad can be similar or even cheaper than remaining in San Francisco. 

The link below will give you an overview of budgeting and a guide on where to find all the information you will need to create your own personalized budget for study abroad for any program. 

Begin by creating a proposed budget for your program or potential programs abroad. The link below will take you to a step-by-step guide to creating a budget with YouTube videos. 

Consider your various sources of funding for study abroad using the link below. 

Explore potential scholarships using the link below. This list is a starting point. You should consider all scholarships both study abroad and non-study abroad scholarships. Applying early is key for scholarships. The list below will help you get started, but you will still need to go to their websites to see upcoming deadlines. We recommend making a list of scholarships and deadlines. 

SF State Abroad Advising 

Please note that the SF State Abroad Office will be closed/remote on the following dates:

  • [REMOTE SERVICES ONLY] Spring Break: Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28th, 2025 
  • [OFFICE CLOSED] Monday, March 31st, 2025 - in observance of Cesar Chavez Day

Required First Step: Study Abroad Information Meeting

Study Abroad Information Meeting is the first step

There are three ways to watch the meeting. You only need to do one.

Zoom| SFSU Navigator*

SF State Abroad Advising Team:

  • Tuesday and Thursday | 10:00 a.m. - noon (California Time)
  • Tuesday and Thursday | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (California Time)

*SFSU Navigator is the university's advising system for all academic advising appointments.

In-Person Advising

  • Tuesday | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (California Time) 
  • Wednesday | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (California Time)
  • Thursday | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (California Time)

SF State Abroad is part of the Division of International Education located in Building C of the Village of Centennial Square next to U.S. Bank across from the Student Services Building.

Featured Programs

Chinese garden at City University

HK: City University of Hong Kong - Business

City U Business is a globally centered business school located at the main Kowloon campus in the heart of Hong Kong. SF State students will find a warm and welcoming campus environment with extra care and support for the exchange student community.

See what students think about studying abroad in Hong Kong on the @sfstateabroad Instagram account.

Open for Spring 2026!

Quad of the University of Birmingham

UK: University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham (UoB) is one of the UK's most prestigious and beautiful universities. Students attending the University of Birmingham are guaranteed student accommodations at very affordable prices. Birmingham has UK's largest Christmas market and more miles of canals than Venice, Italy.

See what students think about studying abroad in the UK on the @sfstateabroad Instagram account.

Open for Spring 2026!

Chung-Ang University with their name spelled out in front

Korea: Chung-Ang University (CAU)

Chung-Ang University (CAU) is a lively, bustling college that offers more than 600 courses in English across its two campuses in Seoul and the city of Anseong in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province. CAU provides students with a Korean buddy who can introduce them to the city and the campus.

See what students think about studying abroad in South Korea on the @sfstateabroad Instagram account.

Open for Spring 2026!

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Priority Deadline for all spring 2026 and calendar year 2026 programs.

Apply today on the SF State Abroad Database.

Priority Deadline for all summer 2026, fall 2026, and academic year 2026-2027 programs.

Apply today on the SF State Abroad Database.

To request disability accommodation for any study abroad meeting, workshop, event, or advising session, please contact Study Abroad at (415) 338-1293 or studyabroad@sfsu.edu at least one week prior to an event or meeting.