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Frequently Asked Questions - Admissions

Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Admissions Department at San Francisco Bay University. Here you will find information about:
  • Pre-admission
  • Admission
  • Post-admission

If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us.

 

 

  • Pre-admission

    Thank you for considering SFBU for your academic goals. Our application process is simple, and you can start your application by creating an account on the MySFBU applicant portal for applicants. After you have created your online account, proceed with the steps to complete the online application. This process involves uploading the soft copies of your application documents as well as mailing original/official hard documents to SFBU’s Admissions Office. Please refer to the web pages "Undergraduate Application Information" and "Graduate Application Information" for details.


    You can start your application online even without all the required documentation. You can also upload the documents you currently have. However, you must upload the missing documents before the application deadline for the term for which you are applying. You must complete your application online as well as send the required documents.


    SFBU accepts applications for Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. Please refer to the application deadlines and semester start and end dates for details.


    SFBU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, computer science, and electrical engineering. We encourage you to refer to the program details.

    Undergraduate programs at SFBU:

    Graduate programs at SFBU:


    SFBU observes a semester system. The university’s annual calendar and course offerings are based on three 15-week semesters starting in January, May, and August/September.


    SFBU offers affordable tuition rates. Tuition is charged per unit and is payable on a semester basis.

    • Undergraduate tuition per unit - $330; Semester tuition (12 units) - $3960
    • Graduate tuition per unit - $450; Semester tuition (9 units) - $4050

    Please refer to the Tuition and Costs web page for details.


    ​SFBU offers financial assistance by providing generous tuition scholarships based on students’ academic performance. SFBU offers tuition scholarships for new applicants, current students, and SFBU alumni (both Domestic and International). These scholarships range from $1000 to full tuition scholarships. Please refer to the Scholarships web page for details.


    SFBU does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs. However, SFBU offers financial assistance by providing generous tuition scholarships based on students’ academic performance. These scholarships range from $1000 to full tuition scholarships. Please refer to the Scholarships web page for details.


    Course credits earned at other institutions of higher education may be transferable. Credit transfer is made by the admission evaluators while conducting the admission evaluation. The transfer of credit is done at the program-of-study level, on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the relevancy match of related course content.

    In general, the transfer credit policy is as follows:

    Undergraduate programs

    • The total credits transferred from other institutions to meet the student’s undergraduate program requirements are limited to 75 semester units
    • Applicable courses completed with an equivalency of a letter grade of “C” or better are transferable

    Graduate programs

    • No more than 12 units of qualifying graduate-level course credits may be transferred
    • Qualifying courses completed with an equivalency of a letter grade of “B” or better are transferable

    Please refer to the Credit Transfer Policy in the university catalog for details.


    SFBU’s undergraduate and graduate programs are not impacted.


    Yes. SFBU is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant international (F-1) students. To apply for admission, an international applicant should follow the application procedures for international undergraduate or graduate applicants.


    Foreign Credential Evaluation Analysis Report is required from applicants who have earned their academic credentials at a foreign institution:


    Certain three-year bachelor’s degrees earned from institutions of higher education are acceptable. However, it is recommended that you provide a course-by-course academic credential evaluation report to support your application for a graduate program.


    SFBU accepts a course-by-course academic credential evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A complete list of members is available on NACES' website.


    You may have earned academic credentials that do not follow a GPA scale of 4.0. When submitting your online application, you are given the option to select and provide your grades based on different grading scales, such as a point system or a percentage system. Select the option based on the grading system indicated on your transcripts.


    Non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of their English proficiency. This requirement can be met by any of the following:

    • An official IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (iBT), TOEFL Essentials, iTEP Academic, PTE Academic or Cambridge B2 First test score report. Minimum Score:
      • IELTS (Academic) 5.5 band
      • TOEFL (iBT) 59
      • TOEFL Essentials 6.5 band
      • iTEP Academic 3.7
      • PTE Academic 50
      • Cambridge B2 First 168
    • An English assessment report from a few U.S. English language institutions recognized by major universities in the U.S.
    • A degree earned or a college-level English credit course passed at an institution located in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada
    • A degree earned a degree at an institution in which the language of instruction is strictly English (as determined solely by SFBU)

    Please refer to the web pages that describe the English proficiency requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate programs for details.


    SAT/ACT scores - test score is optional. Applicants may submit SAT/ACT or other national level exam scores to strengthen their application.

    SFBU’s institution Code for reporting the SAT is 4335, ACT is 1750.


    GMAT/GRE test score is optional. Applicants may submit GMAT/GRE or other national level exam scores to strengthen their application. SFBU’s institution Code for reporting the GMAT, GRE score is 5485.


    SFBU’s institutional score for reporting your TOEFL score is 9626.


    SFBU does not offer conditional acceptance. Admission is granted only if all the admissions requirements are met.


    Undergraduate Program Applicants:

    • An interview with the Academic team may be conducted for applicants whose CGPA is between 2.0 and 2.49.

    Graduate Program Applicants:

    • An interview with the Academic team may be conducted if necessary.

    Yes, we are offering in-person campus tours. You can book an on-campus Information Session here or walk-in during business hours - Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4:00pm.


    The New Student Orientation (NSO) program is conducted at the beginning of each semester. The purpose of the NSO is to assist students in familiarizing themselves with their new environment. The program introduces students to the SFBU resources and facilities that will help optimize their learning experience. The program also focuses on student expectations, cultural awareness, and rules and regulations. NSO hopes to plant the seeds of academic and career success. Administrative staff and student volunteers are available to guide and answer questions during the New Student Orientation.


    The Intensive English Program (IEP) is open to non-native speakers of English who want to improve their English language skills. IEP classes are offered to both local and international students.


    We welcome you back to SFBU. To apply for readmission, log on to the student portal and submit your online application. Please note that you may have to submit some or all of your supporting documentation, depending on your situation. We recommend that you contact the admissions team at admissions@sfbu.edu before reapplying.


    A. The SFBU catalog is published on the university website. You are permitted to download a copy for your reference.


    We apologize for the inconvenience caused. If you are encountering an error(s), please contact our admissions team at admissions@sfbu.edu. It is advisable to include a screenshot of the error(s) for our team to better assist you.

  • Admission

    Thank you for submitting your online application. Please send the hard copies of key documentation to SFBU’s Admissions Office.

    SFBU's Admissions Office mailing address:

    SFBU Admissions Office

    161 Mission Falls Ln,

    Fremont, CA 94539 (USA)


    You may check the status of your application on the MySFBU applicant portal. You will also receive system-generated messages on your portal during the application review process. Please log in periodically to check these messages.


    The admissions team will be able to assist you with your request. Please contact our admissions team at admissions@sfbu.edu for advice.


    Application processing times are typically four (4) weeks once an applicant file is complete. However, processing times may vary.


    SFBU adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and provides reasonable accommodations for students who are otherwise qualified but have disabilities. Such disabilities may include learning disabilities, health impairments, and other documented disabling conditions. You may wish to discuss the availability of services with our Director of Counseling and Career Services prior to or upon applying to SFBU. Please contact studentservices@sfbu.edu for details or to request an appointment with the Director of Counseling and Career Services.

  • Post-admission

    Congratulations on your admission to SFBU! We hope that you have reviewed your acceptance documents and are excited to attend SFBU.

    Tuition Deposit

    The first important step for you is to confirm your attendance to SFBU. Please submit your tuition deposit of $150 through the MySFBU applicant portal. This deposit goes towards the cost of your first semester’s tuition.

    Note: If you are an international student, you can confirm your attendance after you are granted an F-1 visa.

    Entrance Health Requirements

    In order to maintain a healthy, safe campus, SFBU students are required to fulfill certain health requirements. As an incoming student, you must undergo a Tuberculosis (TB) testing assessment prior to arriving on campus. You will need to visit your doctor or a clinician. Please note that there are two (2) forms to fill out, which you can find on your applicant portal. You may refer to the web page Entrance Health Requirements for details.

    New Student Reporting and Orientation

    Lastly, as an incoming student, you must attend the New Student Orientation. Please refer to the reporting date indicated on the "Admissions Checklist" document included in your acceptance package. You will attend the New Student Orientation and register for classes on the same day. We look forward to assisting you!


    Undergraduate students taking 12 or more units per semester and graduate students taking 9 or more units per semester are considered full-time students for the enrolled term.


    As an incoming new student, you are required to pay your tuition in full. You may enroll in a payment plan for any semester after the first semester. To apply for a payment plan, you must clear all financial obligations pertaining to or arising out of your prior semester’s enrollment.


    Yes, all students are required to purchase a health insurance plan while studying at SFBU. SFBU offers a student insurance plan through Aetna at reasonable rates. In case you have your own insurance, this requirement may be waived by presenting proof of your health coverage. Please refer to the web page Student Health Insurance for details.


    SFBU's housing service provides useful information about both on-campus and off-campus housing options. The university housing is limited. If you wish to apply for university housing, submit a request through the MySFBU applicant portal. Please refer to the web page SFBU Housing for details.


    A limited number of on-campus jobs are available each semester in the areas of facilities management, administration, and instructional assistance. These part-time positions are open to well-qualified SFBU students on an "as needed" basis. You may discuss such opportunities with a Student Affairs Officer or the Human Resources department after you have begun your studies at SFBU.


    • As an international student, you must first pay the SEVIS fee. For more information, please check the SEVP web page.
    • The next step is to schedule an appointment for a visa interview. Please refer to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website in your home country for details.
    • After you are granted a visa, please complete the tuition deposit process through the MySFBU applicant portal.

    The international airports near SFBU are the following:

    Mineta San Jose International Airport: SJC

    1701 Airport Blvd

    San Jose, CA 95110

    Oakland International Airport: OAK

    1 Airport Drive

    Oakland, CA 94621

    San Francisco International Airport: SFO

    San Francisco, CA 94128

    We can arrange airport pick-up upon students' request. Please request the service online through the Transportation web page once your flight number is confirmed.


    If the visa indicates SFBU as your school of choice, you may travel within five (5) months of the visa issuance date. You may travel on the visa even if the SEVIS number is different. If travel is beyond five months of the visa’s issue date, you will need to renew your visa.


    Please log on to the MySFBU applicant portal to reapply. You are required to complete the application and pay the requisite application fee. If additional documentation is needed, you will receive an email or a message once your online application is reviewed.