Application Instructions for Academic Certificate Programs
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall: May 15
Spring: November 15
Apply by the priority deadline to get the best consideration for admission. We may consider late applications if space is available. A $70 nonrefundable application fee is due when you submit your application.
Apply for the Following Certificate Programs
Step 1 - Complete the Online Application
- Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
- Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
- Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile.
- Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
- To add the program application you wish to apply for:
- Click on “Add Program”
- Search "San Francisco." Certificate programs are listed under "San Francisco Extension."
- If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
- Complete the Required and Optional Questions
- Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents below for detailed information.
- Submit the application
Step 2 - Check Your Application Status
An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.
Step 1 - Complete the Online Application
- Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
- Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
- Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile.
- Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
- To add the program application you wish to apply for:
- Click on “Add Program”
- Search "San Francisco." Certificate programs are listed under "San Francisco Extension."
- If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
- Complete the Required and Optional Questions
- Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents below for detailed information.
- Submit the application
Step 2 - Check Your Application Status
An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.
Step 1 - Complete the Online Application
- Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
- Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
- Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile.
- Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
- To add the program application you wish to apply for:
- Click on “Add Program”
- Search "San Francisco." Certificate programs are listed under "San Francisco Extension."
- If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
- Complete the Required and Optional Questions
- Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents below for detailed information.
- Submit the application
Step 2 - Check Your Application Status
An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.
Step 1 - Complete the Online Application
- Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
- Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
- Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile.
- Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
- To add the program application you wish to apply for:
- Click on “Add Program”
- Search "San Francisco." Certificate programs are listed under "San Francisco Extension."
- If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
- Complete the Required and Optional Questions
- Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents below for detailed information.
- Submit the application
Step 2 - Check Your Application Status
An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.
Step 1 - Complete the Online Application
- Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
- Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
- Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile.
- Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
- To add the program application you wish to apply for:
- Click on “Add Program”
- Search "San Francisco." Certificate programs are listed under "San Francisco Extension."
- If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
- Complete the Required and Optional Questions
- Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents below for detailed information.
- Submit the application
Step 2 - Check Your Application Status
An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.
Check Your Application Status
An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.
Application Documents
You must submit transcripts from all colleges you attended. You can upload unofficial transcripts for initial review. These can be scanned or unsealed copies, but they must be clear, legible and include the name of the institution. Be sure to include the transcript key or legend.
If you are admitted, you must submit official transcripts and proof of degree, if applicable, to the Center for Global Engagement to secure your admission.
Official academic documents include:
- Transcripts or grade reports in a sealed envelope issued by your school
- An attested copy of your diploma or degree certificate, or a provisional certificate, in a sealed envelope issued by your school
- English translations, if your documents are not issued in English. Translations must be word-for-word and match the original document. We accept translations from the issuing university, an embassy or consulate, or a certified translator
Mail official transcripts to
Center for Global Engagement
College of Professional & Global Education
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Ave.
Science and Engineering Innovation Center, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94132 USA
International applicants may submit a course-by-course credential evaluation report from an approved organization instead of country-specific documents. If you are admitted, you must request that the organization send an official copy of the report to the address above.
International Credential Evaluation Organizations Approved by the Center for Global Engagement:
World Education Services (WES)
Students should request/submit the WES ICAP report
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Students should request/submit course-by-course report
Foundation for International Services, Inc.
Students should request/submit course-by-course report
International Education Research Foundation
Students should request/submit a Detail Report (also known as course-by-course report)
Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by submitting adequate scores on one of the accepted tests, or a certification by appropriate academic personnel. Review the English Proficiency Requirement page for details.
Passport
Submit a copy of your passport biographical page. If you do not have a passport yet, you may submit a copy of your national ID card.
Financial Documents
To receive an I-20, you must submit a bank letter or financial guarantee that shows you can cover the cost of studying and living in the U.S. See the Financial Affidavit (PDF) instructions for details.
Other Documents
You may need to submit additional documents based on your status:
- If you are attending another U.S. school on an F-1 visa, submit a copy of your F-1 visa and I-20
- If you are a U.S. permanent resident, submit a copy of your green card
- If you hold another immigration status, we may ask for additional documents to verify your status
Other Documents
Download the AV Visual/Audio Image Release Form, complete and submit with application or after admission decision is made.
If you are an official partner-agent with San Francisco State University, submit the Student Consent for Release of Information Form.