Admission | Conditional Admission | Program Questions
Admissions
How can I apply?
You may submit an application online through our website. Supporting application documents should be submitted to us by fax, mail, or email to intl.global@sdsu.edu.
How early should I apply? Are there application deadlines?
We recommend applying six to eight weeks in advance. Applications take one to two weeks and the I-20 will take two to four business days to reach you via DHL. We encourage you to apply far enough in advance to get accepted, obtain a visa, and make proper travel and living arrangements. Some programs do fill up and do not offer late entry. Programs such as the Semester at SDSU programs do have application deadlines. Please check the Calendar and Fees page for more information.
How long will it take to book an appt. at the U.S. Embassy?
Embassies have different wait times. Please contact your local U.S. Embassy for information at usembassy.gov
When is an F-1 student visa required?
An F-1 student visa is required for full-time study in the USA. All full-time ALI Programs require an F-1 visa.
If you are a U.S. citizen, have a green card, or are in the USA on another immigration status that permits you to study, please contact us for more information.
Can I be a part-time student?
If you are already in the USA on a tourist visa (B1/B2), it is possible to enroll in the Intensive English Communications (IEC) Program on a part-time (15 hours or less per week) basis.
What is an I-20 form?
An I-20 is a government document issued by the ALI that certifies to the U.S. Embassy in your country that you are eligible to be admitted to the U.S. as a student. You will need this form to apply for an F-1 student visa.
What types of financial support documents are accepted?
A bank statement from you or your sponsor is required. It must show existing funds (either in home currency or U.S. dollar amounts) in the account. Statements must be on official bank letterhead, dated within the last three months and include the account holder's name and the account type. If you have a scholarship, a personal bank statement is not needed, and a letter of financial guarantee is required.
How much money should my bank statement show?
The amount should include the cost of the program plus approximately $1500 per month for living expenses. For example, a program of 17 weeks: $6000 tuition + $6000 living expenses = $12,000.
How much does it cost to apply?
The application fee is $175. If you are applying for Conditional Admission to SDSU, there is no additional fee.
Do I need to have health insurance while I am at the ALI?
As part of the California State University (CSU) system, the ALI requires all F-1 and J-1 visa students to have major medical insurance coverage during their stay in the United States. For information on health insurance requirements please visit our Health Insurance page.
I have been accepted, but I need to delay my start date. What should I do?
Please contact the ALI admissions department at intl.global@sdsu.edu. You may also call our office and request to speak with the admissions department at +1 (619) 594-5907.
Conditional Admission
Students who are interested in matriculating to San Diego State University (SDSU) for an undergraduate degree have the opportunity to apply for Undergraduate Conditional Admission.
Graduate Conditional Admission to SDSU is also offered for qualified students who want to apply for a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or a Master's of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree at SDSU, but do not currently meet the SDSU English language proficiency and minimum GRE/GMAT test scores.
Programs
Can I start the program on any day?
No. Each program has specific dates when new students can start. The Calendar and Fees page lists this information. However, our Intensive English for Communication (IEC) and International Business English (IBE) programs have many possible starting dates for new students. These programs allow new students to start at the beginning of a semester or session, or on any of the flexible-entry dates listed on our Calendar & Fees page.
What is the right program for me?
The right program for you will depend on what your goals are. We have academic English programs as well as intensive English programs. A description of each of our programs can be found on our website. You may also contact the ALI and we will be pleased to answer your questions.
Can I study for a short period of time?
Yes, the IEC and IBE programs allow students to study for shorter periods of time. These programs allow students to study for as few as four weeks.
How long will it take me to reach my goals in English?
There is no standard time that it takes for students to improve their English. The rate of improvement in English proficiency depends on a number of factors, including the student's beginning English level, the student's study habits, the student's learning challenges, and the student's learning personality.