Gateway Program
English + University Credit Studies
Level 90 Gateway is the highest English level in our English for Academic Preparation curriculum. Gateway allows you to develop your language skills at the American Language Institute (ALI) and take an academic class at San Francisco State University.
In Gateway you will:
- Improve your English and academic skills for university success
- Take an SFSU course for credit
- Receive support to understand and complete your university course assignments
- Offered in spring and fall
About Gateway
Requirements
ALI Students
- Level 70: Must pass ALI Level 70 classes with a B average and have minimum TOEFL ITP 475, TOEFL iBT 53 or IELTS 6.0
- Level 80: Must pass ALI Level 80 classes with A, B or C grades. There is NO TOEFL or IELTS score requirement
New Students
- Direct admission with minimum score of TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0 within last 24 months OR
- Admission based on ALI level placement speaking and writing assessments and minimum TOEFL ITP 500
- New students must attend orientation
Dates and Tuition
| Session | Program Dates* | Program Weeks | Apply After | Application Fee | Tuition** | Health Insurance** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | August 18, 2025 - December 19, 2025 | 17 | January 1, 2025 | $100 | $5,995 | TBA |
| Spring 2026 | January 20, 2026 - May 22, 2026 | 17 | July 1, 2025 | $100 | $5,995 | TBA |
*Includes placement testing, TOEFL ITP, orientation and one-week fall or spring break with no classes.
**Fees are subject to change.
Gator Pass: $130/semester
Tuition (ALI + SFSU)
ALI Tuition + SFSU (3 unit) Open University Tuition = $5,995 (subject to change)
Students can take an additional SFSU course for $395 per unit (subject to change).
Curriculum and Schedule
Curriculum
- Gateway Skills (8 hours of instruction a week)
- English Tutorial (4 hours of instruction a week)
- ALI Elective (4 hours of instruction a week)
- College Success Skills (2 hours of instruction a week)
- One SFSU course (3 units) through Open University
Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Times (Pacific) | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Open time to take SFSU Class | Open time to take SFSU Class | Open time to take SFSU Class | Open time to take SFSU Class | Open time to take SFSU Class |
| 3 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. | Gateway Skills Class | Gateway Skills Class | Gateway Skills Class | Gateway Skills Class | Tutorial |
| 5 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. | Tutorial | College Success Skills | Tutorial | College Success Skills | - |
| 6 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. | Open time to take SFSU class | Open time to take SFSU class | Open time to take SFSU class | Open time to take SFSU class | - |
| 8:50 p.m. - 9:40 p.m. | ALI Elective | ALI Elective | ALI Elective | ALI Elective | - |
Preparation Courses
Global Business Communication Skills – This topic is delivered as Global Business Communication Skills I and II. The two CEU courses are designed to prepare students for a successful job or internship search and the professional skills needed to excel in this internship or job. These classes are not required for the certificate but strongly encouraged enrichment options if you are planning to apply for graduate school, Optional Practical Training (OPT), an internship or a job.
Housing
Email globaled@sfsu.edu If you apply for on-campus housing or have any questions.
What Students Say
“Gateway has both the function of helping students improve their English skills and helping students prepare for entry into American universities. My experience shows that ALI has done this… This semester I have an SFSU Communication Studies course. At present, all my grades are A, and I know that the skills I learned at Gateway are very helpful to me. Gateway teachers provide tutoring for my university courses every week if I have any questions.”
Xin Wang (Amy)
Gateway Student