The program takes advantage of the Bay Area’s rich cultural resources, galleries, museums, and art community through field trips and visiting artists. Students are also encouraged to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge of the field through an internship.
Students dedicated to creative expression in art practice, or scholarly research in the history of art, may elect to pursue graduate education.
opportunities for technical or on-the-job training in related fields.
A course in exhibition design is offered in the professional environment of the Fine Arts Gallery and provides intense, practical, and theoretical training for gallery and art museum careers.
The International Year One is the perfect pathway if you want a undergraduate degree from a UK, EU or US University but do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
The IY1 course provides an intensive combination of first year University subject modules with English language skills.
Following successful completion of the IY1 you will continue onto your second year degree study directly with the University of your choice.
Learn more about International Year One| Intake | Admissions Deadline* |
Arrival to SF State |
Program Start Date |
| Fall 2025 | Jul 18, 2025 | Aug 15, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Dec 12, 2025 | an 16, 2026 | Jan 20, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | April 28, 2026 | PSE: May 27, 2026
UP: May 29, 2026 |
PSE: May 28, 2026
UP: June 1, 2026 |
*Key dates for PSE and UP are the same except for arrival and program start dates in the Summer 2026 term, which are indicated in the table above.
Pre-Sessional costs vary by term and by the number of terms assigned:
Your invoice total will also include your University Pathway Program Costs.
• IELTS 5.0 Entry: $28,500
• IELTS 5.5 Entry: $26,000
| IELTS Exam Score | Pre-Sessional English # of Terms |
University Pathway # of Terms |
IY1 # of Terms |
Total IY1 Tuition Fees Spring 2025 Intake* |
| 4.0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | $41,300 |
| 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | $34,900 |
| 5.0 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $28,500 |
| 5.5 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $26,000 |
*The tuition list is current for 2025- 2026 and will be subject to increase each year.
*Prices of PSE terms vary for Summer 2025
Applying is easy. Complete the online application form and follow the instructions. If you have any queries please contact us.
Founded in 1889, SF State offers world-class academics, a diverse campus and an incredible location for students.
With around 27,000 students from all over the globe, international students find SF State a truly welcoming community and diverse place to live in.
SF State has been included in the Top 20 colleges nationwide for best location. It was also rated one of the most diverse colleges in America, according to Wall Street Journal’s 2022 College Rankings.
