Apply for English for Academic Preparation, Gateway or Conditional Admission.
Who Can Apply
You must be:
- A graduate of high school/secondary school
- Able to speak, understand, write and read simple English sentences
When to Apply
There is no deadline to apply, but allow time to apply for the F-1 student visa (if needed). The ALI accepts applications for each session on a first-come, first-served basis. See Dates and Cost for application start dates.
Application Instructions
Step 1
Prepare Application Materials
Save copies of all documents to your computer. You will be asked to upload and attach them to your online application.
A) Select your status below to find the application materials required for your application.
F-1 visa students refers to students in any of the categories below:
- Need to apply for an F-1 student visa overseas
- Studying under an F-1 visa and want to transfer
- Applying for reinstatement
- Want to change their visa status to F-1 in the U.S.
Application Materials:
Please save the form below before starting the online application.
- Financial Affidavit and Health Insurance Agreement Form:
- Financial letter or statement showing enough funds to pay all academic and living expenses for the duration of your studies at the ALI. Financial support can be any combination of personal and sponsored funding. Clear photocopies of financial documents are accepted. Read the Financial Affidavit and Health Insurance Agreement form for required financial amount and additional details.
- Clear copy of passport information page
- Completed and signed Visual/Audio Image Release Form (PDF)
- Additional documents required for transfer students and reinstatement: clear copy of F-1 visa, I-94 and all previous I-20s
- Additional documents required for students changing their status in the U.S.: clear copy of current visa and I-94
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students on other visa types that allow full-time academic study.
Supporting Documents:
- U.S. citizens: clear copy of U.S. passport biographical page
- U.S. permanent residents: clear copy of permanent resident card
- Applicants on other visa that allows for full-time study: clear copy of passport, visa and I-94.
- Completed and signed Visual/Audio Image Release Form (PDF)
B) Conditional Admission/Eligibility Service (optional)
Applicants who want a "Letter of Conditional Admission/Eligibility" for future admission to San Francisco State University.
Conditional Admission Service and Letter from SF State
SF State Undergraduate Admissions will review your academic records to determine if you are eligible for admission to the University. The Conditional Admission Service is only for students applying to or studying at the ALI at SF State.
Supporting Documents
ALI applicants who want a "Letter of Conditional Admission" for admission to SF State must send these documents. Please save the forms below before starting the online application.
- Conditional Admission/Eligibility Form (PDF) completed with signature and date.
- High school transcript and diploma (if available)
- Currently in the final year of high school: Send transcript which includes first semester or second trimester of year 12.
- Already completed high school: Send transcript and proof of high school graduation.
- University transcript and diploma (if any)
- Gap Letter (PDF): only required for students who had an academic break (of more than a year) in their studies. On the gap letter you will explain what you did (i.e., work, language school) during your break.
Clear copies of official transcript are acceptable for evaluation purposes. If your school does not give transcripts in English, send your academic transcripts in original language AND an English translation from an official translation company. Notary is not accepted. All transcripts given to SF State become property of the University and cannot be photocopied or returned.
Conditional Eligibility Service and Letter from SF State
SF State Graduate Admissions will review your academic records to determine if you are eligible for admission to the University. The Conditional Eligibility Service is only for students applying to or studying at the ALI at SF State.
Supporting Documents
ALI applicants who want a "Letter of Conditional Eligibility" for admission to SF State must send these documents. Please save the forms below before starting the online application.
- Conditional Admission/Eligibility Form (PDF) completed with signature and date.
- Clear copy of university transcript and Bachelor’s degree diploma in original language and English translation
OR - A Course-by-Course credential evaluation report from one of our approved organizations
International Credential Evaluation Organizations approved by the Division of Graduate Studies
World Education Services (WES)
Students should request/submit the WES ICAP reportEducational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Students should request/submit course-by-course reportFoundation for International Services, Inc.
Students should request/submit course-by-course reportInternational Education Research Foundation
Students should request/submit a Detail Report (also known as course-by-course report)
Official academic documents or credential evaluation report will be required once you formally apply and are admitted to a SF State graduate program. If your school does not give transcripts in English, send your academic transcripts in original language AND an English translation from an official translation company. Notary is not accepted. All transcripts given to SF State become property of the university and cannot be photocopied or returned.
Applicants who want to be considered for direct placement in Level 90, must submit proof of English Language Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0 taken within the last 24 months.
D) Partner or Agents
Students applying through an agent or university partner must submit the Student Consent for Release of Information (PDF).
Step 2
Complete the Online Application
Apply by selecting the APPLY NOW button above. You will be asked to create an application account first. A $100 USD non-refundable application fee will be required to issue your admission documents.
All documents and fees must be received before ALI can begin processing an application.
Application Tips
Having trouble? Follow along with our application tips.
Admission Packet
You will receive your admission documents by email.