International Students Thriving At Ccsf

how many international students ccsf

The City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is a diverse educational institution with international students from over 80 countries worldwide. CCSF offers various programs and services tailored to international students, including the Intensive English Program (IEP) and Conditional Admission Program. The Office of International Programs (OIP) assists international students with navigating visa requirements, maintaining their F-1 student status, and integrating into the CCSF community. The college admits international students without reference to a quota, and the application process involves submitting an online application, paying a $50 application fee, and providing necessary documents.

Characteristics Values
Number of Countries Represented 80+
Application Fee $50
Application Deadline for Fall 2025 June 1, 2025
Spring 2026 Deadline for Returning Students November 1, 2025
Minimum Units per Semester 12
Mandatory F-1 Health Insurance Fee $1,500 for 6-month coverage
International Student Tuition Fee per Unit $406

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CCSF has international students from over 80 countries

CCSF boasts a diverse and vibrant community of international students from more than 80 countries worldwide. This multicultural student body is a testament to the college's inclusive and enriching environment, fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange.

The Office of International Programs (OIP) plays a pivotal role in supporting international students throughout their academic journey at CCSF. From visa requirements to cultural integration, OIP ensures that international students seamlessly navigate their academic pursuits while complying with necessary regulations.

One of the key programs offered by OIP is the Intensive English Program (IEP). IEP is designed to empower international students to become confident and effective English speakers, enabling them to thrive in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. This program is specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs of students from various linguistic backgrounds.

Additionally, CCSF offers a Conditional Admission Program intended for international students who require English language instruction before commencing college-level credit classes. This program bridges the language gap, facilitating a smoother transition into the rigorous academic curriculum.

The college also provides comprehensive support for F-1 international students, ensuring compliance with visa regulations and health insurance requirements. With a focus on cultural integration, CCSF creates a respectful and safe learning environment that champions racial and social justice.

The international student body at CCSF enriches the campus life, bringing together a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity fosters a global awareness that extends beyond the classroom, shaping the overall CCSF experience for both domestic and international students alike.

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F-1 Visa and Form I-20 requirements

International students from over 80 countries attend CCSF. The college is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to enroll qualified non-immigrant students, and it offers various programs to support international students, including the Intensive English Program (IEP) and the Office of International Programs (OIP).

To study in the United States as an international student, you must have a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. For most students attending CCSF, this means obtaining an F-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for academic and language students. The F-1 Visa process involves several steps and requirements, including obtaining Form I-20.

Form I-20, or the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, is a crucial document for international students seeking an F-1 Visa. It serves as proof that you have met the admission requirements and demonstrated sufficient financial resources for your studies. Your school will issue Form I-20 after entering your information into the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) database. Both you and a school official must sign the form. Additionally, your spouse and/or minor children, if accompanying you, will each need their own Form I-20 and must enroll in SEVIS.

To obtain Form I-20, you must first submit an online international application and pay the $50 application fee. After receiving your CCSF ID number and instructions, you can pay the fee and upload any required documents. The process of issuing the initial Form I-20 can take up to 15 business days, so it is recommended to start the process early. Once you have Form I-20, you can proceed with your visa interview, during which you must present the original document. You can enter the United States up to 30 days before your program's start date, as indicated on Form I-20.

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Application fees and deadlines

International students who want to attend City College of San Francisco (CCSF) should be aware of the application deadlines and fees. CCSF has a diverse student body, with international students from various countries, and the college offers a range of programs and services to support them.

Application Process for International Students:

The application process for international students at CCSF typically involves several steps, including submitting the required documents and meeting eligibility criteria. Here are the key fees and deadlines to keep in mind:

Application Deadline for F-1 Visa Students: For international students applying for an F-1 student visa, the application deadline for the fall semester is typically in June

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Mandatory F-1 health insurance

CCSF welcomes international students from over 80 countries worldwide, enriching the student body with a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. To cater to this diverse group, CCSF offers various programs, including the Intensive English Program (IEP) and Conditional Admission Program, which help international students improve their English language skills and adapt to academic and professional settings.

For international students attending the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) on an F-1 visa, it is mandatory to purchase health insurance through LewerMark Student Insurance with Aetna Health. This requirement is essential for maintaining compliance with F-1 visa regulations and ensuring a healthy campus community. The insurance plan must be purchased and renewed before the start of each semester, and failure to do so may result in negative consequences, such as a registration hold or a drop in registered classes.

The LewerMark Student Insurance with Aetna Health plan offers excellent medical coverage at a competitive price. Once enrolled, students can choose from a wide range of healthcare providers in the San Francisco and Bay Area communities who are part of the extensive Aetna network. This flexibility allows students to select the doctors that best suit their needs and preferences.

To enrol in the LewerMark Student Insurance with Aetna Health plan, students must provide their CCSF Student ID and passport information. Payment can be made with a major credit card, and it is important to note that once the payment is authorized, no changes can be made. Additionally, students are advised to update their U.S. address information once they have it to avoid potential issues with using their insurance.

While CCSF mandates health insurance for F-1 international students, it also offers a health fee for enrolled credit students. This mandatory $20.00 student health fee ($16 for the summer semester) covers services such as nursing assessments, treatment of common illnesses, first aid, blood pressure screening, and mental health services. However, this fee is separate from the mandatory health insurance requirement for F-1 international students, ensuring that all students have access to essential health services during their time at CCSF.

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Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Intensive English Program (IEP) is an academic-focused English language program for international students at the City College of San Francisco (CCSF). The program is designed for students who have not yet achieved the required scores on standardized English language tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

The IEP offers 18-week and 9-week programs during the fall and spring semesters, with classes taught in-person at the main Ocean Campus four days a week. The program provides 20 hours per week of intensive instruction, covering reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, and academic skills. It also includes field trips and special activities, as well as test preparation for the TOEFL examination.

The IEP is intended to prepare international students to become effective and confident English speakers in academic, professional, and everyday life settings. The program assists students in reaching their academic goals, including helping them transition to the undergraduate Credit Academic Program at CCSF.

To apply for the IEP, students must submit an online application and pay a non-refundable $50 application fee. Once admitted, students will receive information about IEP Orientation Day, F-1 health insurance, tuition fee payment, and other mandatory steps. The IEP coordinator, student advisor, and staff are available to support students throughout the program.

Frequently asked questions

CCSF has international students from over 80 countries worldwide.

The application fee for international students is $50.

The deadline for international student applications varies depending on the semester. For Fall 2025, the deadline was June 1, 2025, while for Spring 2026, the deadline is November 1, 2025.

International students at CCSF must maintain their F-1 student status and comply with associated regulations. They are required to take at least 12 units every semester, with at least 9 units being in-person or hybrid. Additionally, international students need to have health insurance and pay the associated fees.

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