Apply

Students under the age of 18 will need to show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent and complete the Minor Consent Form. If applicable, download and fill out the Minor Consent Form.

Acceptable Documents:

• Bank Letters (individual and/or company sponsors)*
• Bank Statements (from Saving or Checking accounts)**
• Fixed/Term/Time Deposit Statement (bank must indicate that the funds can be withdrawn prior to arrival in the U.S.)
• Scholarship Letters (Government, Private, or School)

* If it is a company sponsor, they must write a letter stating the relationship with the student and confirmation of their support. All financial documents MUST match the name of the sponsor on the application.

** Bank statement within the last 3 months in English certifying that either the sponsor or the prospective student has sufficient funds (in US dollar amounts, at least $32,500) on deposit to insure full payment of expenses for the student’s first year at San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley, OR

If dependents (spouse or child) will be accompanying you, the bank certification and/or Affidavit of support must include an additional $5,000 for the first dependent and an additional $2,500 for each additional dependent.

For Change of Status students whose sponsor is a US Citizen: optional copy of Form I-134  . 

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum qualifying score on the iBT TOEFL is 56 (iBT is Internet-based TOEFL). A minimum qualifying score on the paper TOEFL is 480, with no sectional scores below 48.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: A minimum qualifying level of Band 5.5.
• Duolingo English Test: A minimum qualifying level of DET 85.

Other options to meeting English proficiency include completion of a specified level or higher at English Language Schools. See full list of Proficiency Requirements.

For students over the age of 18, we require:

• Copy of official academic transcript that includes your grades (from either your High School or University) translated into English.
• We do not require originals at any point.
• Translation does not need to be certified.

For students under the age of 18, we require:

• Copy of official proof of graduation. Chinese students can submit the HS Equivalency form if under 18. Form can be found HERE .
• Copy of official academic transcript that includes your grades (from either your High School or University) translated into English.
• Please note; if you are using transcripts to prove English Proficiency, transcripts and diplomas must be official and translations certified and official. 

• You must have a Passport that is valid for international travel. Please provide us with a copy of the information page on your passport.
• If you are a current US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) please see instructions for a separate application for domestic students.