Pairing business, technology and creativity, our students come to the heart of Silicon Valley to deepen and grow their passions. The result? A skilled and dynamic community with a social life that is surprisingly robust.
Immersive, collaborative and designed to unlock your creativity—for over 130 years USV has been helping people turn their passion into their professions. Today, it’s your turn. Explore our program offerings to help you develop the skills you need for the job you’ll love.
International students interested in long-term study at University of Silicon Valley must complete the full application process.
Once you have submitted your online international application, you will receive an email from a college admissions advisor who will help guide you through the rest of the process.
Below is a list of materials you will need to submit as an international applicant. USV currently accepts International students, check with your admissions advisor for more info. Get started early to allow time to process required documents for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
For International students planning to Transfer to USV, the process is fairly straightforward as long as you maintain your F-1 student status. Download the Intent to Transfer Form and an admissions advisor will assist you through the process.
An essay about your interests
An essay describing your interest in USV’s educational programs is required as part of the admissions process.
On a separate sheet of paper, type an essay describing yourself and reasons for applying to this program. Tell us how your education will relate to your career goals. The essay must be approximately 2 double-spaced typed pages.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your admissions advisor.
A letter of recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation is recommended for all applicants. Recommendations may be submitted by a teacher, counselor or community leader with whom the applicant has had immediate contact. Recommendations should address the applicant's level of commitment, as well as attributes such as creativity, initiative, motivation, character and academic achievement, to aid in assessing the applicant's reasonable potential for success as a student at USV. Recommendations may not come from friends or family members except in the case of a teacher-parent.
Download a recommendation form here.
Samples of original work
The creative areas of Digital Art & Animation, Digital Audio Technology, and Game Design Art require samples of the applicant’s work to be submitted for review as part of the admissions process.
If you do not have any current creative work, or wish to create more, we welcome this and it is easy to do. Simply follow the directions and examples provided for each area. Our faculty are also available to give you additional guidance and suggestions, or answer questions regarding the work sample we wish to collect from you.
An applicant's portfolio is evaluated once the Enrollment Services Office has received a completed application packet. A completed packet consists of the application, application fee, recommendation, all official transcripts, and portfolio.
Official school transcripts
An official transcript from each secondary and college attended is required. Applicants must have transcripts translated, if applicable, and evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
University of Silicon ValleyAttn: Registrar’s Office191 Baypoint ParkwaySan Jose, CA 95134
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your admissions advisor or Designated School Official.
A copy of your current valid passport
USV encourages all international applicants to have their passport valid for at least six months after the proposed date of entry into the United States. Having the validity of your passport with an expiration date of more than six months may prevent problems if you need to travel unexpectedly.
Check out this helpful fact sheet for more information. If you have any questions related to your visa application, please do not hesitate to contact your Designated School Official.
Financial Support Form
The financial documents you submit allow USV to verify the availability of adequate funding for tuition, fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies, a requirement of the U.S. government.
Proof of English Proficiency
All instruction is conducted in English. Proof of English language proficiency is required using one the following methods:
• TOEFL test results; the minimum accepted score is 525 (paper-based), 197 (computerbased), and 69 (internet-based)
• IELTS test results: the minimum accepted score is 6.5 for undergraduate and 7.0 for graduate students.
• Unless the native language of the international student is English, and the College can confirm the native language, then the student is not required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test.
There is no limited amount of times a student can take the tests; test scores are valid for two (2) years after the test date. The official scores becomes part of the permanent student record once the student has enrolled with the College.
Students may also waive the English proficiency tests (TOEFL and IELTS) if students can provide evidence of receiving at least four (4) years educational training in English language. Students will then take USV’s placement exam to assess competency in English.
Download the Intent to Transfer Form
After you've completed the online application and prepared your documents, you and your Admission Advisor will need to arrange an interview. They will be happy to help answer any questions you have along the way.
Upon receipt of your acceptance letter, you will need to submit your $500 Enrollment Confirmation and your $500 deposit. Tuition is due before the first semester deadline. All tuition for each subsequent semester attended must be paid in full during that semester's registration.
International students will be required to take placement examinations to assess the competency level of each subject. You will be required to maintain good academic standing at all times. Placement tests may be waived, see your advisor for more details.
Consult the Admissions Department for additional information or questions regarding the application process.
USV requires placement tests in Mathematics, English and Music Theory (if applicable) to assess the competency level of each subject. Placement test may be waived for ACT, SAT scores or transfer of credits in one of the above mentioned subjects. Placement test are available to be taken via online/remotely or on-campus.
ACT and SAT scores may be used to waive placement exams but are not required for admissions. Scores will be reviewed on a case-by-case.
Subject
Passing Scores Engineering
Passing Scores Non-Engineering
* Engineering students that score between40-74% on the online, or 30-69% on the paper-based test, will be placed in MATH116. Engineering students that score 39% or less on the online, or 29% or less on the paper-based test, will be placed in remedial MATH003.
Multiple choice test including exponents and polynomials, equations and systems of equations in one and two variables, functions and graphs, and exponential and logarithmic functions.
The test has three parts. The first one is multiple choice testing grammar and sentence clarity. The second part is also multiple choice testing reading and vocabulary. The third part of the test requires a one page written essay on a given topic. Selection among three topics is provided.
The Music Theory Placement Exam tests for basic musical literacy. The ability to read treble and bass clefs and basic rhythmic notation as well as understand common music notation symbols are required to pass the exam and to be placed in Music Theory 1. Only available on-campus.
All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of their admission status approximately two weeks after their file is complete and processed. Notification will include information regarding registration, academic advising, and enrollment agreement.
USV reserves the right to revoke acceptance or continued enrollment if:
Statement of Nondiscrimination Policy
