To be considered for admission to SDSU, international graduate applicants must meet the minimum SDSU requirements listed in the Graduate Bulletin as well as the requirements for individual programs.
A minimum U.S. equivalent GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 (B grade or about 80%) or higher is required to be considered for admission.
Fall 2016 Application Filing Period
SDSU will begin accepting applications for fall 2016 on October 1, 2015. Application and file completion deadlines differ by graduate program. For program deadlines, please visit the individual graduate degree page beginning on October 1.
International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements
San Diego State University offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study to international students whose academic preparation meets the standards for admission. International applicants include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other non-immigrant classifications. SDSU uses separate requirements in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see section on English Language Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are important considerations for admission.
International students who plan to attend SDSU on an F-1 student visa and have course work completed at schools outside the U.S. should complete the CSUMentor international application to apply for admission.
Applicants for any type of graduate or post-baccalaureate study at San Diego State University must:
(a) hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or one approved by a department and/or ministry of education in the host country; or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the graduate dean;
(b) have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0;
(c) have been in good standing at all universities attended; and
(d) have satisfactory scores on all sections of the GRE or GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS if required.
Applicants who do not qualify for admission under provisions (a) and (b) may be admitted by special action if the graduate dean determines that there is other academic or professional evidence sufficient to warrant such action.
Applicants with three-year degrees from a foreign university can be admitted to graduate programs with department approval if they meet the following conditions:
1. The degree is from an accredited institution or one approved by the Ministry of Education in the host country.
2. The degree is verifiable from the student’s official transcript;
3. The San Diego State University graduate adviser or department chair makes a strong written recommendation for admission supporting why this student is important to their program and verifying the student has fulfilled preparation for the degree coursework.
All students in this category will be admitted as conditionally classified students with appropriate conditions for being granted classified standing and a deadline by which the conditions must be met that is no later than two semesters after entry to the program. Applicants with three-year degrees in progress are not eligible for graduate consideration.
Proof of English Proficiency
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants applying to SDSU from an international institution must submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
TOEFL minimum score of 80 iBT/ 550 PBT: Score must be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to SDSU using the SDSU institution code: 4682. Test score must be from within the past two years.
IELTS overall score of 6.5 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to SDSU Office of Admissions. Test score must be from within the past two years.
Official transcripts indicating English as the principle language of instruction.