Any references to costs, fees, financial evidence and visa information are for general guidance purposes only and is subject to change at any point.
Please ensure you refer to information provided by host universities and respective government/embassy webpages for the latest updates.
San Francisco State is part of the 23-campus California State University system, a public research university located in California, United States. A popular tourist destination, San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial centre of Northern California, known for its warm-summer Mediterranean climate, eclectic mix of architecture, and landmarks. San Francisco State has excellent programmes in the Liberal and Creative Arts, Business, Education, Ethnic Studies, Health and Social Sciences and Science and Engineering. The school's intercollegiate athletics teams are nicknamed the Gators, and its athletic facilities include Cox Stadium, Maloney Field and the Gymnasium. Locally you’ll find the Golden Gate Bridge, the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Fisherman's Wharf, the Chinatown district and Alamo Square Park, which is home to the famous "Painted Ladies".
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Swansea has a ‘university-wide’ partnership with this university which means that it is open to all subject areas except for Media, Education, Criminology, Social Policy, Law, Accounting, Sports Science, Computer Science, Psychology.
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs August to May.
COSTS: The cost of living in San Francisco will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and lifestyle. More information on cost and key tips for planning your budget is available on SFSU'S webpage.
VISA: You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at SFSU. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support which meets the requirement of US$26,248 for the year, based on the 2023-24 academic year (subject to change). To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an appliction fee of approx $185. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on the US Embassy website: https://uk.usembassy.gov/applying-f-1-j-1-visa/
You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it.
ACCOMMODATION: On-campus accommodation is available but spaces are limited. Students will need to apply to SFSU's Housing Office by the set deadline and more information will be provided by SFSU. Off-campus accommodation is popular for exchange students and SFSU provide resources to support students to find suitable accommodation, including house hunting tips.
HEALTH INSURANCE: You will need to purchase mandatory health insurance to cover the duration of your studies at SFSU before you arrive in the US.
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