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Disclaimer
Disclaimer
International Education Program

Apply as an International Student

New International Students coming
to CSM from another country

who need an F1 visa to study in the U.S.

International Students with an Active I20
who attend another college
(concurrent enrollment)

and would like to take a class at CSM.
Send permission document using the
Admissions and Records Contact Form
and apply at OpenCCCApply.

International Students Transferring
with an Active I20

from another U.S. college,
university or high school.

Students with an international background

who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents,
political asylees, refugees or undocumented.
Follow Steps to Apply & Enroll
and apply at OpenCCCApply.

Application Checklist

Application Deadlines

Spring 2026

  • Applying from outside the United States: November 15, 2025
  • Transferring from inside the United States: January 1, 2026
  • Global Online Program (GOL): January 1, 2026

Fall 2026 – Application will open on November 16, 2025

  • Applying from outside the United States: July 1, 2026
  • Transferring from inside the United States: August 1, 2026
  • Global Online Program (GOL): August 1, 2026

Program Dates

Spring 2026

  • Semester Start Date: January 12, 2026
  • Semester End Date: May 21, 2026

Fall 2026

  • Semester Start Date: August 17, 2026
  • Semester End Date: December 19, 2026

What We Need

  • Bank Letter or Bank Statement showing funds of at least $32,260 dated no earlier than 3 months before the date you apply. The total estimated expenses are:

Cost Breakdown

Costs are estimates based on the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.

Expenses Semester Year
Tuition (12 units @ $376 per unit)* $4,512 $9,024
Enrollment Fee (12 units @ $46 per unit)* $552 $1,104
Health Insurance (Fall $975 | Spring & Summer $1,365)* $1,170 $2,340
Living Expenses (based on a shared room with meals for 10 months
in the San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley Homestay Program.)		 $6,875 $13,750
Other** $3,141 $6,282
TOTAL $16,250 $32,500

* International/Nonresident tuition, enrollment and health insurance fees will be charged directly by the college at each semester.
** See "Line Item Summary of Costs"

Line Item Summary of Costs

International Program Expenses Semester Year
Books and Supplies $500 $1,000
Local Public Transportation $500 $1,000
Miscellaneous $2,141 $4,282
TOTAL $3,141 $6,282

Housing Options

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
Private room with meals Private room without meals Shared room with meals Shared room without meals
$1,775/month $1,275/month $1,375/month $875/month

Acceptable Bank Verfication of Funds Documents:

  • Bank Letters (individual and/or company sponsors)*
  • Bank Statements (from Saving or Checking accounts)**
  • Fixed/Term/Time Deposit Statement (bank must indicate that the funds can be withdrawn prior to arrival in the U.S.)
  • Scholarshiip Letters (Government, Private, or School)

* If it is a company sponsor, they must write a letter stating the relationship with the student and confirmation of their support. All financial documents MUST match the name of the sponsor on the application.

** Bank statement within the last 3 months in English certifying that either the sponsor or the prospective student has sufficient funds (in US dollar amounts, at least $32,260) on deposit to insure full payment of expenses for the student’s first year at San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley, OR

If dependents (spouse or child) will be accompanying you, the bank certification and/or Affidavit of support must include an additional $5,000 for the first dependent and an additional $2,500 for each additional dependent.

  • Transcripts from secondary schools or colleges accompanied by English translations
  • Copy of your valid passport
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency: A minimum score or higher on an approved English proficiency examination:

Still need English Language Proficiency?

Students who have not yet met the English Language Proficiency level may apply for Conditional Admissions to College of San Mateo by first enrolling in one of our Partner English Language Schools. Two applications are required, one to the Partner English Language School and one to College of San Mateo.

For more information about applying to College of San Mateo, please email csminternational@smccd.edu.

Veterans Day Holiday
November 10, 2025
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 27-28, 2025
Final Exams
December 9-15, 2025