We specialize in university transfer admission (UTA). International students begin their college education with us as first year freshmen and then transfer to a 4-year institution as a junior to earn their Bachelor's Degree. All of our university transferable courses are articulated (recognized as their credit courses) with 150+ universities in our College University Partnership (CUP). Further, most of the CUP universities would guarantee admission of our students! Compared to students who apply directly for universities as freshmen, called university freshmen admission or UFA, our transfer students increase their chances of admission to a 4-year university from 30% to over 80%, while saving up to $69,000 in tuition!
Eligibility | Admission Requirements | Program Dates | Program Details | Cost Breakdown | Homestay Options | Application | Contact Us
Eligibility
This program is a good fit for students who have at least a TOEFL 56 or IELTS 5.5.
Students who are under 18 years old without a high school diploma can still apply if they meet one of these requirements:
- Students who wish to enter our colleges by completing the Cambridge O Levels or the IGCSE must successfully complete at least 5 courses with grades of C/4 or better. We will not accept students who take these as independent or private candidates. We must see the examination results before we can admit students, but we will accept preliminary results. Once the official results are available the student must submit those to the International Program Office at respective colleges.
- Chinese students who have completed grade 11 and have filled out the High School Equivalency Form .
- Chinese students who have completed the Joint Exam of High School Completion (gao-zhong-jie-ye-shui-ping-kao-shi, AKA HuiKao 会考).
Admission Requirements
Students under the age of 18 will need to show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent and complete the Minor Consent Form. If applicable, download and fill out the Minor Consent Form .
Acceptable Documents:
- Bank Letters (individual and/or company sponsors)*
- Bank Statements (from Saving or Checking accounts)**
- Scholarship Letters (Government, Private, or School)
- Fixed/Term/Time Deposit Statements (Bank must indicate that the funds can be withdrawn prior to arrival in the U.S.)
- Investment Statements (Bank must verify that the funds are liquefiable upon request)
We do not accept:
- Retirement Funds
- Pensions
- Tax Returns
- Lines of Credit
- Employment Letters
- Life Insurance
* 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 $32,500) 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.
For Change of Status students whose sponsor is a US Citizen: optional copy of Form I-134 .
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum qualifying score on the iBT TOEFL is 56 (iBT is Internet-based TOEFL). A minimum qualifying score on the paper TOEFL is 480, with no sectional scores below 48
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: A minimum qualifying level of Band 5.5.
- Duolingo English Test: A minimum qualifying level of DET 85.
For other options, please review the following documents:
For students over the age of 18, we require:
- Copy of official academic transcript that includes your grades (from either your High School or University) translated into English.
- We do not require originals at any point.
- Translation does not need to be certified.
For students under the age of 18, we require:
- Copy of official proof of graduation. Chinese students can submit the HS Equivalency form if under 18. Form can be found HERE .
- Copy of official academic transcript that includes your grades (from either your High School or University) translated into English.
- Please note; if you are using transcripts to prove English Proficiency, transcripts and diplomas must be official and translations certified and official.
- You must have a Passport that is valid for international travel. Please provide us with a copy of the information page on your passport.
- If you are a current US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) please see instructions for a separate application for domestic students .
Program Dates
| Semester | Semester Start Date | Semester End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | January 13, 2025 | May 22, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | August 13, 2025 | December 15, 2025 |
Application Deadlines
| Spring 2025 |
Application Deadline* |
|---|---|
| Applying from Outside the USA | November 15, 2024 |
| Transferring from Inside the USA | January 1, 2025 |
| Global Online Program (GOL) | January 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | Application Deadline* |
| Applying from Outside the USA | July 1, 2025 |
| Transferring from Inside the USA | August 1, 2025 |
| Global Online Program (GOL) | August 1, 2025 |
*If you wish to apply past the application deadline, please contact international@smccd.edu to discuss your options.
Program Details
- Associate degrees, transfer programs, and short-term certificate programs are offered.
- 140+ university partners, where the majority offer Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) and transfer scholarships.
- Opportunities for OPT & CPT (internship) in Silicon Valley.
- Preparation for success at a 4-year university.
- Access to health center, library, student support services, student clubs, cross-cultural activities, international counselors, and visits to local universities and attractions.
Cost Breakdown
Costs are estimates based on the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
| Expenses | Semester | Year |
|---|---|---|
| *Tuition (12 units @ $367 per unit) | $4,404 | $8,808 |
| *Enrollment Fee (12 units @ $46 per unit) | $552 | $1,104 |
| *Health Insurance (different rates for Fall & Spring) |
$1,290 (Fall $1,075/ Spring & Summer $1,505) |
$2,580 |
| 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 | $3,104 | $6,258 |
| Total | $16,225 | $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 |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) | N/A | $50 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 | $1,000 |
| Local Public Transportation | $500 | $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous |
$2,104 |
$4,208 |
| Total | $3,104 | $6,258 |
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 |
Once admitted into the program, students can apply for homestay through the Homestay Referral Program. Visit smccd.edu/international/housing/student for more information.
For other housing resources like hotels, AirBnB, and apartments, check HERE.
Application
Contact Us
San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley
3401 CSM Drive
San Mateo, CA 94402