How to Apply

Apply to the Pre-MBA program and take the next step toward earning your MBA at SFSU.

Application Steps

Complete the online application.

The Pre-MBA program is for students from partner universities. If you are not from a partner university, you can apply to the Business Administration Certificate. If you apply to the Pre-MBA program, you will enroll in the Business Administration certificate to complete Pre-MBA course requirements.

Upload your supporting documents to our secure Box folder.

Supporting documents include transcripts, proof of English proficiency, financial documents and a copy of your passport or immigration documents. See Supporting Documents for details. We will review your application after we receive all required documents.

If you are admitted to the program, accept the offer to secure your seat.

Additional Information

Semester Dates

Dates run from the first day of classes through the final exam period. Orientation takes place the week before classes begin.

  • Fall 2026: Aug. 24 to Dec. 18
  • Spring 2027: Jan. 25 to May 21

Certificate Application Periods

  • Fall: Dec. 1 to May 15
  • Spring: Aug. 1 to Nov. 15

Late applications may be considered on a space-available basis.

Annual Tuition, Fees and Cost of Living

Tuition and fees: $14,040
Living expenses: $25,100
Total estimated cost: $39,140

  • Tuition and fees are based on full-time enrollment of 12 units per semester.
  • Living expenses are estimated for one academic year (two semesters). Actual costs may vary. Books, supplies and personal expenses are not included.

See the Academic Tuition and Fees page for a full breakdown.

  • Complete at least three years of university coursework
  • Overall GPA 2.5 or higher on the first three years of university coursework
  • No GMAT required
  • English Proficiency Requirement:
    TOEFL - iBT 70 or IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50

Upload Required Supporting Documents to our Box Folder

  1. Passport/student immigration documents: Submit copy of passport biographical page (if available). If you are attending another U.S. School on F-1 student visa, also include copy of your F-1 visa, current I-20, and I-94.
  2. Proof of English proficiency: Submit a copy of your official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE as soon as it is available and no later than the application deadline.
  3. Financial affidavit and evidence: F-1 student visa applicants are required to submit a complete Financial Affidavit and a bank letter or financial guarantee demonstrating financial ability to study and live in the US for an academic year in order to receive Form I-20. See the Financial Affidavit for minimum requirement amount and additional information.
  4. Transcript: Transcript or academic records from each college/university attended. Unofficial (scanned copies) transcripts are acceptable for evaluation purposes. Make sure copies are clear, legible, and include name of institution. If transcript is not in English, submit transcript in the original language and a certified English translation. Official, complete academic documents/transcripts must be submitted upon enrollment for full admission to the program.

Visual/Audio Image Release Form

Download Visual/Audio Image Release Form, complete and submit form.

Student Consent for Release of Information

With this form you give SFSU permission to communicate with your home university regarding your studies at SFSU.

Enrollment in SFSU’s College of Professional & Global Education is not the same as admission to the University. If you are accepted into a full-time certificate program and need a student visa, you will receive an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) for F-1 status. You must maintain full-time enrollment while you study in an approved program.

If you hold a visa in another nonimmigrant category, except B, C or D, you may enroll full time or part time if it is allowed under your visa status. Contact the Center for Global Engagement for details and any restrictions.

Tuition and fees are finalized after the “Deadline for full refund” listed in the Calendar and Deadlines for each term. You must pay all tuition and fees by the deadline provided by the Center for Global Engagement.

If a third party will pay your fees, they must submit an Authorization to Bill letter to cgeadmin@sfsu.edu. The University will send invoices to the third party after the census date. Your student center will show all charges until payment is received.

To withdraw from a class or program, contact the Center for Global Engagement at globaled@sfsu.edu.

After you complete the Pre-MBA program, you may be eligible to apply to the SFSU MBA program.

See the admission criteria for the MBA program.

Students from a 3+1+1 partner university (Pre-MBA students) interested in pursuing an MBA must:

  • Submit a complete MBA application
  • Earn a bachelor's degree from their home university
  • Complete the Pre-MBA/Business Administration Certificate program
  • Meet the English Language Proficiency requirement by either:
    1. Receiving TOEFL waiver. A waiver is granted for students who
      • Earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in the certificate courses, and
      • Earn a B or higher in BUS 300: Business Communications for Professionals
    2. Submitting an acceptable English Language Proficiency Test score if your GPA is below 3.5
      • Submit all other required documents

MBA admission is competitive. Your application is reviewed based on your academic performance, letters of recommendation, interview, résumé and statement of purpose.

If you are admitted, you will take a proctored writing exam. Your score will determine whether you need to take BUS 714 during your first MBA semester.