Study Abroad @ SF students should read and review the information on this page carefully before registering for classes. All courses are offered through Open University on a space-available basis. Find your classes on the SFSU Class Schedule.
A U 110: Living in San Francisco
This one-unit course introduces you to the geography, history, environment and culture of San Francisco, the Bay Area and SFSU. You will learn about the city while you prepare for life in San Francisco, build community and get to know the campus and surrounding area. The course includes experiential learning and field trips across the city.
The course is optional and offered at no cost. You are encouraged to enroll to enhance your experience in San Francisco. You can sign up when you complete your course preference wish list.
FAQ
After you are admitted, we will email you detailed enrollment instructions. If you have questions, contact globaled@sfsu.edu.
You must create an SFSU login and password to access your student account. If you do not have one, create your SFSU login.
The course number shows the level of the class.
- 100 to 299: Lower division (first- and second-year courses)
- 300 to 699: Upper division (third- and fourth-year courses)
- 700 and above: Graduate courses
Students may take more than 12 undergraduate units or 9 graduate units for an additional per-unit fee with advisor approval.
Students should enroll only in courses for which you meet the academic requirements. Review course descriptions and prerequisites in the SFSU Bulletin carefully, as some courses have required preparation. It is your responsibility to confirm that you meet all prerequisites before enrolling.
Submit a copy of your university transcript that shows you meet course prerequisites and your bachelor’s degree, if applicable. Enrollment in a class depends on space availability and whether you meet the course prerequisites.
No. You'll enroll in classes on a space-available basis after students in SFSU degree programs have registered. You should be flexible when choosing your courses.
In most cases, you will enroll in regular SFSU classes with degree-seeking students. If a course has high demand from Study Abroad @ SF students, we may offer an additional section. This section may or may not include degree-seeking students.
Course schedules are posted on the SFSU class schedule a few months before each term. Fall courses are available in April and spring courses are available in November.
If you have an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must enroll in at least 12 units. Do not drop a course without contacting us first. Email globaled@sfsu.edu with your full name, SFSU ID and the course you want to drop. We will process the drop for you.
You can view and print your unofficial transcript at no cost through your Student Center on the SFSU Gateway. You must have an SFSU login and password to access this service. For official transcripts, visit Transcripts.
Information and Policies
A prerequisite is a course you must complete before enrolling in a more advanced course. Some departments require you to meet prerequisites before you register. You can find course descriptions and prerequisites in the SFSU Bulletin.
If you completed prerequisites at your home university, an SFSU Center for Global Engagement advisor must review them before the first day of classes. If you do not meet prerequisites and are dropped or must withdraw, you are subject to College of Professional & Global Education refund deadlines and policies.
The following courses are not available through Open University:
- Graduate business courses (700 to 899)
- Most graduate Health Education courses, including HED 810, 811, 815, 820, 821, 822, 825, 828, 829, 830, 831, 835, 840, 855, 884, 890 and 895
- Most graduate counseling courses, except COUN 700, 702 and 703
- Multiple subjects credential core courses in elementary education, including EED 679, 681, 682 or 782, 684, 685, 686 and 783
- Graduate culminating experience courses, numbered 892, 893, 894, 895 and 898
- Independent study courses, numbered 699 and 899
To register for independent study courses, see Special or Independent Study.
You must enroll in, attend and complete at least 12 units as an undergraduate student or 9 units as a graduate student to maintain your status at SFSU. Report any academic issues, medical conditions or emergencies that may affect your performance or attendance to your international student advisor as soon as possible.
You must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (C average) in all coursework. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you may not be eligible to continue or enroll in future semesters.
If you have questions, email globaled@sfsu.edu or speak with an advisor.
Yes. You may register for additional units for an extra fee.
If you plan to enroll in more than 12 undergraduate units or 9 graduate units, you must meet with an international student advisor. We will review your request and confirm your academic readiness before approving additional units.