International Students

Join a global community in the heart of Silicon Valley. Whether you study on-campus or online, USV welcomes international students with the resources and support you need to succeed.

How to Apply

How to Apply

How to Apply

Applying as an international student takes just four steps:

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Complete the Online Application

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Connect with an Admissions Advisor

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Submit Required Documents

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Complete Placement Assessments

Welcome to USV

Studying in the United States is an exciting step toward new opportunities, friendships, and experiences. At USV, you’ll find an inclusive community, dedicated support staff, and a campus surrounded by one of the world’s most innovative regions. We’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible — from application to arrival.

Required Documents

An official transcript from each secondary and college attended is required.
Transcripts must be translated (if applicable) and evaluated by a NACES or AICE member.
Mail transcripts to:
An official transcript from each secondary and college attended is required.
Transcripts must be translated (if applicable) and evaluated by a NACES or AICE member.
Mail transcripts to:
An official transcript from each secondary and college attended is required.
Transcripts must be translated (if applicable) and evaluated by a NACES or AICE member.
Mail transcripts to:
An official transcript from each secondary and college attended is required.
Transcripts must be translated (if applicable) and evaluated by a NACES or AICE member.
Mail transcripts to:

University of Silicon Valley
Attn: Registrar’s Office
191 Baypointe Parkway
San Jose, CA 95134

Electronic submission may be possible — contact your admissions advisor or Designated School Official (DSO) for guidance.

Intent to Transfer Form

If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, you must submit an Intent to Transfer Form while maintaining valid F-1 status. An admissions advisor will guide you through the process.

Current Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. This prevents issues if unexpected travel occurs. Contact your DSO with any visa-related questions.

English Proficiency

Since all instruction at USV is in English, proof of proficiency is required unless English is your native language. Accepted tests and minimum scores:

TOEFL: 525 (paper), 197 (computer), 61 (internet)
IELTS: 6.0 (undergrad) / 7.0 (graduate)
Duolingo: 100
TOEFL: 525 (paper), 197 (computer), 61 (internet)
IELTS: 6.0 (undergrad) / 7.0 (graduate)
Duolingo: 100
TOEFL: 525 (paper), 197 (computer), 61 (internet)
IELTS: 6.0 (undergrad) / 7.0 (graduate)
Duolingo: 100
TOEFL: 525 (paper), 197 (computer), 61 (internet)
IELTS: 6.0 (undergrad) / 7.0 (graduate)
Duolingo: 100

Additional notes:

Scores are valid for two years and become part of your permanent student record.
Waiver possible if you completed at least four years of education in English. In this case, you’ll take USV’s placement exam to confirm competency.
No limit on the number of times you may take these exams.
Scores are valid for two years and become part of your permanent student record.
Waiver possible if you completed at least four years of education in English. In this case, you’ll take USV’s placement exam to confirm competency.
No limit on the number of times you may take these exams.
Scores are valid for two years and become part of your permanent student record.
Waiver possible if you completed at least four years of education in English. In this case, you’ll take USV’s placement exam to confirm competency.
No limit on the number of times you may take these exams.

Visa & Arrival Information

Accepted students will be issued a Form I-20 for F-1 Student Visa eligibility.
The $500 enrollment fee is waived for 2025–2026.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before your program begins.
Accepted students will be issued a Form I-20 for F-1 Student Visa eligibility.
The $500 enrollment fee is waived for 2025–2026.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before your program begins.
Accepted students will be issued a Form I-20 for F-1 Student Visa eligibility.
The $500 enrollment fee is waived for 2025–2026.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before your program begins.
Accepted students will be issued a Form I-20 for F-1 Student Visa eligibility.
The $500 enrollment fee is waived for 2025–2026.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before your program begins.

Airports Near USV:

Mineta San Jose International (3 miles)
San Francisco International (30 miles)
Oakland International (30 miles)
Mineta San Jose International (3 miles)
San Francisco International (30 miles)
Oakland International (30 miles)
Mineta San Jose International (3 miles)
San Francisco International (30 miles)
Oakland International (30 miles)
Mineta San Jose International (3 miles)
San Francisco International (30 miles)
Oakland International (30 miles)

Public transit is available through VTA.org

International Student Checklist

Your admissions advisor will guide you step by step, but here’s what to prepare:

Interview with a USV Admissions Advisor
Complete the International Student Application
Provide proof of secondary school completion (or bachelor’s degree for graduate programs)
Submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
List itemProvide financial documentation for tuition and living expenses
List Submit passport copy valid 6+ months beyond your stay
Interview with a USV Admissions Advisor
Complete the International Student Application
Provide proof of secondary school completion (or bachelor’s degree for graduate programs)
Submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
List itemProvide financial documentation for tuition and living expenses
List Submit passport copy valid 6+ months beyond your stay
Interview with a USV Admissions Advisor
Complete the International Student Application
Provide proof of secondary school completion (or bachelor’s degree for graduate programs)
Submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
List itemProvide financial documentation for tuition and living expenses
List Submit passport copy valid 6+ months beyond your stay
Interview with a USV Admissions Advisor
Complete the International Student Application
Provide proof of secondary school completion (or bachelor’s degree for graduate programs)
Submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
List itemProvide financial documentation for tuition and living expenses
List Submit passport copy valid 6+ months beyond your stay

Housing

Make USV your home away from home. International students can live in one of three luxury apartment complexes — Verdant, Venue, or Elan — all within walking distance of campus. Amenities include:

Pool and fitness room
Assigned parking
Fully furnished units with washers and dryers
Resident Assistants offering peer mentoring and student activities
Pool and fitness room
Assigned parking
Fully furnished units with washers and dryers
Resident Assistants offering peer mentoring and student activities
Pool and fitness room
Assigned parking
Fully furnished units with washers and dryers
Resident Assistants offering peer mentoring and student activities
Pool and fitness room
Assigned parking
Fully furnished units with washers and dryers
Resident Assistants offering peer mentoring and student activities