San José State University

San José State University: Programs, Admission, Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Study in the USA

San José State University (SJSU) is a public university located in San José, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. As the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast of the United States, SJSU has a long history of combining academic education with professional and career-focused learning.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across areas such as business, engineering, computer science, information technology, education, health, science, arts and humanities. Its location in Silicon Valley provides students with access to a major center for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and business.

At a Glance

Category	Details
University	San José State University
Location	San José, California, USA
Type	Public University
Study Levels	Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Main Campus	San José, California
Academic Environment	Urban and career-focused
Major Areas	Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Sciences, Education, Health, Arts and Humanities
Application System	Cal State Apply
International Students	Students from countries around the world
English Tests	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo, subject to requirements
Setting	Silicon Valley

About San José State University

San José State University is part of the California State University system and is located in downtown San José. The university's urban campus places students close to the companies, startups and technology organizations that make Silicon Valley one of the world's best-known innovation ecosystems.

SJSU focuses strongly on career preparation and applied learning. Students can combine academic study with internships, research, projects, student organizations and professional development.

The university offers a wide range of programs and has developed strong connections with industries in technology, business, engineering, healthcare, communications and other professional fields.

Academic Programs

SJSU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple colleges and academic departments.

Business and Management

Students interested in business can explore areas such as:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Business Analytics
• Economics
• Human resources
• Entrepreneurship
• Management information systems
• Hospitality and tourism management

Graduate students can also pursue advanced business and analytics programs designed for professional and managerial careers.

Computer Science and Information Technology

SJSU is particularly attractive to students interested in computing and technology because of its location in Silicon Valley.

Programs and areas of study include:

• Computer Science
• Software-related studies
• Information Technology
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Information systems
• Computer engineering
• Applied computing

Students can develop technical knowledge through coursework, projects, laboratories and practical experiences.

Engineering

The university offers engineering programs across several disciplines, including:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering

Engineering students can gain practical experience through laboratory work, projects and industry-connected learning.

Science

Students can study scientific disciplines such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Applied mathematics
• Environmental studies
• Geology
• Marine science
• Biological sciences

These programs can prepare students for careers, professional education and research.

Education

SJSU provides programs for students interested in education and teaching-related careers.

Areas may include:

• Teacher education
• Special education
• Educational leadership
• Counseling
• Educational administration
• Child and adolescent development
• Curriculum and instruction

Health and Human Services

Health-related academic areas include:

• Nursing
• Public health
• Kinesiology
• Communicative disorders
• Health science
• Occupational therapy
• Social work
• Nutrition and food science

Students can develop academic and practical skills for careers in healthcare and human services.

Arts and Humanities

SJSU also provides programs in arts and humanities, including:

• English
• History
• Philosophy
• Languages
• Communication
• Art
• Design
• Music
• Theatre
• Creative writing

Social Sciences

Students can explore disciplines such as:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Political science
• Anthropology
• Economics
• Communication studies
• Justice studies
• Geography

These programs can prepare students for careers in research, public service, education, business and other professional fields.

Undergraduate Programs

SJSU offers bachelor's degrees across a broad range of academic areas.

Popular undergraduate fields include:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Business
• Data-related disciplines
• Information Technology
• Psychology
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Communication
• Design
• Education
• Health
• Economics
• Political Science

International first-time, first-year applicants must meet CSU eligibility requirements as well as SJSU's admission selection requirements. Some majors may have higher admission standards because of impaction.

Graduate Programs

SJSU offers postgraduate programs for students seeking advanced academic and professional qualifications.

Graduate study is available across areas such as:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Business
• Accounting
• Analytics
• Biotechnology
• Design
• Education
• Psychology
• Public health
• Communication
• Library and information science
• Sciences

Graduate applicants should check their individual department because requirements can vary considerably between programs.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on the applicant's study level, academic background and intended program.

Undergraduate Applicants

International undergraduate applicants generally need to:

• Complete the required secondary education
• Meet CSU eligibility requirements
• Meet SJSU's major-specific admission requirements
• Demonstrate English-language proficiency where required
• Submit official academic documents
• Complete the application through Cal State Apply
• Pay the applicable application fee
• Submit additional documents requested by SJSU

SJSU uses an impaction process for admission to many programs, meaning meeting minimum eligibility does not necessarily guarantee admission.

Graduate Applicants

Graduate applicants generally need:

• A recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Official academic transcripts
• English-language proficiency where required
• Application through the appropriate system
• Application fee
• Statement of purpose or other supporting documents where required
• Letters of recommendation where required
• Additional department-specific requirements

Some graduate programs may require standardized tests or additional application materials.

Requirements for International Students

International students applying to SJSU should prepare their academic and immigration documentation carefully.

Depending on the program, applicants may need:

• Academic transcripts
• Certificates or degree documents
• Passport
• English-language test results
• Financial documentation
• Application documents
• Program-specific materials

International applicants seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa must follow the applicable international admissions and immigration procedures.

Requirements for Indian Students

Indian applicants should provide academic records relevant to their level of study.

Undergraduate applicants may need:

• Class 10 academic records
• Class 12 academic records
• English-language proficiency scores where required
• Passport
• Additional academic documents requested by SJSU

Students with CBSE qualifications may be eligible for certain forms of academic credit when they meet SJSU's applicable requirements. SJSU states specific conditions for recognition of CBSE Class XII results.

Postgraduate applicants generally need:

• Bachelor's degree
• Official university transcripts
• English-language test results where required
• Passport
• Statement of purpose and other program-specific documents where applicable

Students should always verify the exact requirements for their intended program.

English-Language Requirements

International students may need to demonstrate English-language proficiency through an approved examination.

SJSU accepts tests including:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE
• Duolingo English Test

For many undergraduate programs, the general minimum requirements include:

• IELTS: 6.0
• TOEFL: 61 on the former 0–120 scale for most undergraduate programs
• PTE: 44
• Duolingo: 95

Engineering applicants generally have higher requirements, including IELTS 6.5, PTE 53 and TOEFL 80 on the former scale.

Graduate English requirements can vary significantly by program, and some graduate programs require substantially higher scores.

How to Apply

International applicants can follow these general steps when applying to SJSU.

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Research the available undergraduate or postgraduate programs and identify the major that best matches your academic and career goals.

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements

Check CSU eligibility, SJSU admission requirements and the specific requirements for your intended major.

Step 3: Prepare for English Requirements

Take an accepted English-language test if you are required to demonstrate proficiency.

Step 4: Apply Through Cal State Apply

International undergraduate applicants apply through the Cal State Apply system and pay the applicable application fee.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Information

Provide the academic, identity and financial documents requested by SJSU.

Step 6: Activate Your SJSU Account

After applying, follow instructions to activate your SJSU student account and access MySJSU.

Step 7: Monitor MySJSU

Check the student portal regularly for admission updates, document requests and important deadlines.

Step 8: Submit Official Documents

Provide official transcripts, test scores and other required documents when requested.

Step 9: Complete Admission Requirements

Make sure all outstanding academic and program-specific requirements are completed before the applicable deadlines.

Step 10: Accept Your Offer

If admitted, complete the required intent-to-enroll process and other enrollment steps.

Step 11: Prepare for Arrival

International students should complete financial, immigration, orientation, health and other pre-arrival requirements before beginning their studies.

Tuition Fees

The cost of studying at SJSU depends on the academic level, program and number of units taken.

International students should budget for:

• Tuition and mandatory fees
• Housing
• Food
• Health insurance
• Transportation
• Books and supplies
• Personal expenses

A general tuition-and-fee planning range is approximately USD 19,000 to USD 21,000 per year, although actual costs vary by program and enrollment level.

Students should also consider the relatively high cost of living in the Silicon Valley region when preparing their overall study budget.

Scholarships and Financial Support

International students may be eligible for selected scholarships or financial opportunities depending on their academic background and program.

Possible opportunities may include:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Departmental awards
• Academic scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Research opportunities
• Program-specific funding

Students should research eligibility and deadlines early because scholarships may have separate application requirements.

Research

SJSU provides research opportunities across technology, engineering, sciences, health, business, social sciences and the arts.

Research areas can include:

• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Data science
• Biotechnology
• Environmental science
• Health
• Business
• Social sciences
• Design

Graduate students can participate in faculty-led research and advanced academic projects.

Research and Innovation

SJSU's location in Silicon Valley provides a strong environment for innovation and technology-related learning.

Students can benefit from opportunities to work on practical projects, participate in research and connect their academic knowledge with real-world challenges.

The university's proximity to technology companies and entrepreneurial organizations can also help students understand emerging industry trends and develop professional networks.

Campus and Facilities

SJSU's campus is located in downtown San José and provides students with academic, recreational and student-support facilities.

Students have access to facilities such as:

• Classrooms
• Research laboratories
• Computer facilities
• Libraries
• Study spaces
• Student centers
• Recreation facilities
• Dining areas
• Academic support services
• Career services

The urban campus provides convenient access to the wider San José community.

Student Life

Student life at SJSU includes a broad range of academic, cultural and extracurricular activities.

Students can participate in:

• Student organizations
• Academic clubs
• Cultural organizations
• Sports
• Recreation
• Leadership programs
• Volunteer activities
• Career events
• Arts and performances
• International student activities

These activities allow students to develop friendships, leadership skills and professional connections.

Living in San José

San José is one of the major cities in Northern California and is located in the center of Silicon Valley.

The city offers students access to:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Shopping
• Parks
• Cultural attractions
• Entertainment
• Public transportation
• Technology companies
• Professional events

The region is known for its strong technology and innovation economy. However, living expenses can be relatively high compared with many other U.S. university locations.

Students should plan their housing and living budgets carefully before arriving.

International Student Support

SJSU provides services to help international students manage their academic and immigration responsibilities.

Support can include:

• International admissions guidance
• Immigration advising
• Orientation
• Academic advising
• Student services
• Cultural programs
• Visa-related guidance
• Health and wellness resources
• Career support

International students are encouraged to stay in contact with the relevant university offices throughout their studies.

Career Opportunities

SJSU's Silicon Valley location can provide students with access to a large technology and business ecosystem.

Depending on their field, graduates may pursue careers in:

• Software development
• Data science
• Artificial intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Business
• Finance
• Marketing
• Healthcare
• Education
• Design
• Research
• Consulting

Students can build career readiness through internships, projects, networking events, career fairs and professional development.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

International graduates may explore employment opportunities in the United States subject to applicable immigration rules and eligibility.

Students in eligible programs may use practical training opportunities such as Optional Practical Training where permitted.

SJSU's location in Silicon Valley can be particularly relevant for graduates pursuing careers in technology, engineering, business, analytics and related fields.

Students should consult the appropriate university international-student advisers for current immigration and employment guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San José State University good for international students?

SJSU has an established international student community and provides international admissions and student-support services. Its Silicon Valley location can also provide opportunities for students interested in technology and business.

Where is San José State University located?

SJSU is located in downtown San José, California, in the Silicon Valley region.

Does SJSU offer undergraduate programs?

Yes. SJSU offers bachelor's programs across business, engineering, computer science, sciences, education, health, arts, humanities and other fields.

Does SJSU offer postgraduate programs?

Yes. The university offers master's and other postgraduate programs across many academic disciplines.

What IELTS score is required for SJSU?

For most international undergraduate applicants, the general minimum is IELTS 6.0. Engineering programs generally require 6.5. Specific graduate programs may have higher requirements.

What TOEFL score is required for SJSU?

For undergraduate applicants, the former TOEFL iBT minimum was 61 for most programs and 80 for engineering. SJSU now also reports TOEFL scores on the newer 1–6 scale. Requirements can vary by program.

Does SJSU accept Duolingo?

Yes. SJSU accepts the Duolingo English Test for applicable international admission requirements. The general undergraduate minimum is 95.

How do international undergraduate students apply to SJSU?

International undergraduate applicants generally apply through Cal State Apply, submit the required academic and identity documents, provide English-language scores where required and monitor their MySJSU account for further instructions.

Is admission to SJSU competitive?

Admission can be competitive because SJSU uses an impaction process. Some majors require higher qualifications than the minimum CSU eligibility standards.

Does SJSU offer engineering programs?

Yes. Engineering programs include areas such as aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, industrial and systems, mechanical and software engineering.

Is SJSU good for computer science?

SJSU can be an attractive option for students interested in computer science and technology because of its academic programs and location in Silicon Valley.

Does SJSU offer scholarships?

Scholarship opportunities may be available depending on the student's program, academic profile and eligibility.

Is San José expensive for international students?

San José and the wider Silicon Valley region can have relatively high living costs. Students should budget carefully for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other expenses.

Can international students work after graduation?

Eligible international students may have access to practical training opportunities subject to U.S. immigration regulations and their individual eligibility.

Does SJSU provide international student support?

Yes. International students can access admissions assistance, immigration guidance, orientation, academic support and other student services.

Final Takeaway

San José State University is a public university in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a broad selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Its academic strengths across technology, engineering, business, sciences, health, education and the arts make it an option for students with diverse academic interests.

For international students, SJSU combines an urban university experience with proximity to one of the world's most important technology and innovation regions. Students considering SJSU should carefully review the admission requirements for their specific major, English-language requirements, tuition and living costs, scholarship opportunities and career goals before applying.