No. All California State University schools require an internet-based TOEFL score as of Fall 2006, but may accept ETS paper-based or computer-based test scores given in other countries. A score of 500 PBT/173 CBT/61 iBT is required for most undergraduates. Most graduate programs AND engineering undergraduate programs require a score of 550 PBT/213 CBT/80 iBT for admission. Some graduate programs require higher scores.
Applying to SJSU FAQ
Can I use my institutional TOEFL score when applying to SJSU?
Does SJSU accept an IELTS and/or PTE score?
Undergraduate and graduate programs require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. San Jose State University also accepts the Pearson Test of English (PTE). A minimum PTE score of 68 is required for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Will SJSU accept paper-based TOEFL scores from other English programs?
No. SJSU will only take scores from tests administered by ETS, the maker of the test.
Is there any kind of conditional admission to SJSU offered by iGateways? Can I be admitted to SJSU without taking the TOEFL test?
San Jose State University offers Conditional Admission to undergraduate international applicants. To read about the Conditional Admission Program and the required procedures, please visit http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/static/admission/intl-cond.html. International application deadlines for San Jose State University can be found here.
In regards to graduate admission, a Conditional Admission policy is currently not in effect, but we do have close relationships with some graduate departments and many of our students have been admitted to SJSU graduate programs.
Please note that there is no way to avoid the English-language proficiency requirements for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Are there any other test scores that I should submit?
Some Graduate Programs require GRE or GMAT scores. There are no additional test requirements for admission.
How about my GPA from high school or university? Is it good enough to be admitted?
There are certain minimum standards for Undergraduate Admission: http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/admission/rec-1435.html
(usually a 3.0 GPA), but some departments may require a higher GPA. For graduate studies, each department has its own standards, but generally speaking, you’ll need at least a 2.5 GPA from university to be considered for any master’s program. Many programs, like all Graduate Business Programs, require a higher GPA.
How can I know if my GPA is equivalent to a 3.0 in the U.S.? We use a different grading system in my country.
Only the evaluators in Admissions & Records can do a complete evaluation of your transcript, but Cassie can help you understand equivalencies. Talk to her if you have further questions about your GPA.
How do I know whether my college courses from home can be transferred to SJSU?
There is No Pre-Admission Evaluation available. You should talk to a iGateways advisor and then submit your application for a complete evaluation. Once you are admitted, an SJSU evaluator will determine transferability.
If I don't have a 3.0 GPA from high school, what can I do?
Many students, both international and American, find that completing the first 2 years of university study at a community college is a good option. All local community colleges will accept students who have a high school diploma, regardless of GPA. See our FAQ page on community colleges for more information.
What documents do I need to show my past academic work?
The specific documents depend on which country you come from. Check this web site to look at the documents required from your country: http://www.sjsu.edu/gape/prospective_students/international_documents/
Can I just give them the transcript that I brought with me? It has an official stamp from my school on it.
SJSU Admissions wants to receive the transcript directly from your high school or university in a sealed envelope. They absolutely will not accept documents from you in an opened envelope. All official academic records (transcripts, mark sheets, certificates, diplomas, degrees) must be sent directly from the school(s) you attended in separate sealed envelopes to the Office of Admission. If your institution will not mail original documents, exact copies that have been certified by the appropriate officials must be sent directly to the Office of Admission. Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations by an approved government or school agency. Notarized translations alone will not be accepted. Translations must be word-for-word translations. Please remember to send both transcripts and translations.
How much does it cost to attend SJSU?
For a complete explanation of costs, see this page: http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/admission/rec-1454.html
What kinds of financial documents should I present to apply for admission?
All international students must submit a Declaration of Finance. You can download this form at: http://www.sjsu.edu/gape/docs/declaration_of_finance.pdf Your application will be delayed if you do not submit this completed form.
Do I need to submit a new bank statement? I already gave one to the iGateways office.
Yes, you need a new declaration for Admissions & Records. The iGateways office cannot remove financial records from your file and give them to another SJSU office. You need to show at least $29,319.00 in your account if you apply as an undergraduate and $28,485.00 if you are a graduate. These amounts may change in the future, but that is the current requirement. The declaration must be very recent, within a month or so of your application date. Also remember that if the account is not in your name, you’ll need a letter from the account holder that s/he agrees to support you financially.
Can I get help with tuition? Are scholarships available to international students?
Federal/State Financial Aid is not available to international students. San Jose State University is a state-funded public institution. Therefore, international students (F-1 visa holders) are required to show that they will have sufficient funds available to them throughout their entire enrollment before admission is granted. Most international students get their funds from families and friends. A few will receive scholarships or financial assistance from their country's government or private organizations. International students are encouraged to explore their scholarship options themselves, before submitting an application to SJSU.
Do I have to submit letters of recommendation from my teachers with the application?
Graduate students may list 3 professors who know about their academic abilities in the specific field of study, but they do not have to provide letters unless the department requests it. You should check your department’s web page to see whether a special application with letters of recommendation are required. We encourage you to contact the Graduate Program Advisor for your department for specific information. Undergraduates do not have to provide letters at all.
The on-line application is a little confusing to me. There are some questions that I don’t understand. How can I get help?
It’s extremely important that you fill out the application correctly because your file may be rejected or delayed if there are errors. Several times during the semester, iGateways offers a workshop on completing the application. Please attend the workshop.
I need more specific information about the application process. Where can I find it?
Visit our SJSU Application Wiki and follow the instructions.
