Semester at Sonoma

Take academic courses at Sonoma State University (SSU) for one or two semesters, or during our summer session!

The Semester at Sonoma (SAS) program allows international students to take undergraduate or graduate courses and earn credits to transfer towards their home university degree.

• The program can last one or two academic semesters, or attend the summer session.
• Receive an official SSU transcript
• Complete prerequisite courses for SSU or other higher education institutions
• Meet other American and fellow international students via the International Education Exchange Council student club, International Buddy Program and many other activities that are offered here at Sonoma State University.

The Semester at Sonoma program offers students the opportunity to participate in accredited, college-level, degree courses which students can transfer to their Sonoma State degree program when they are admitted. Otherwise courses can be transferred to another US or foreign university. 

You’ll get the opportunity to create a list of courses you’d like to take during your program of study. International Student Advisor can provide enrollment and registration advising for those who need it. 

While we cannot guarantee access to any class, we work diligently with our students to ensure that they are happy and satisfied with the courses they take while in the Semester at Sonoma program. 

Prospective students can view the list of courses offered at Sonoma State here on our Catalog website. Please note that not all of these courses are offered each semester. 

Students who are admitted to the Semester at Sonoma program will be provided with the Schedule of Classes for the semester they intend to enroll in once it becomes available. Generally, the Schedule of Classes for the Fall semester is published in late March while the Schedule of Classes for the Spring semester is published in October. 

As a student in an F-1 program, you’ll be required to enroll in at least the minimum number of units required for your degree-level. Undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 units while Master’s students must enroll in at least 9 units. 

Please note that for students who wish to use Semester at Sonoma as a pathway to a degree program at Sonoma State University, you can transfer a maximum of 24 units towards a Bachelor’s degree and 9 units towards a Master’s degree.

The Semester at Sonoma program is one of the most affordable ways to study at a U.S. public university. 

In order to be issued an I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have at least the minimum amount of funds to sustain them financially during their Semester at Sonoma Program. You will be asked to provide proof of funds and verification of financial support during the application process.

See a breakdown of our program fees below.

         Undergraduate Program

                  _{*Tuition is for 12 units of undergraduate study. Any additional units will be charged $340/unit for undergraduate courses.
               ** If you are living with a family member or friend, and they are covering the cost of your housing and food, please have them fill out a Proof of Funds form.}  

        Graduate Program

              _{*Tuition is for 9 units of graduate study. Any additional units will be charged $465/unit for graduate courses.
          ** If you are living with a family member or friend, and they are covering the cost of your housing and food, please have them fill out a Proof of Funds form.}

When applying for the SAS program, you will need to provide proof of financial resources to cover the estimated costs for tuition, housing, meals, and other personal expenses. Please review the estimates listed on the application. Also note that airfare is not covered in the cost estimate.

Step 1: Complete our Semester at Sonoma Online Application form

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Verification of Financial Support form with supporting bank documents *not required for US Citizens
  • Undergraduate applicants proof of funds form
  • Graduate applicants proof of funds form
• Statement of Purpose (one page maximum). Please tell us why you are interested in studying at Sonoma State through the Semester at Sonoma program.
• Copy of the first page of your passport.
• English Proficiency Test score https://admissions.sonoma.edu/how-apply/requirements/international
• Academic Transcripts:
  • Submit a copy of university transcripts in English with overall grade average
  • If you have never attended a university, submit a copy of translated high school/upper secondary school transcripts.

Step 3: Request Secure Email to Submit Required Documents

Once you are ready to submit all the Required Documents listed above, please fill out the Request to Submit Semester at Sonoma Documents form to receive a secure email to submit the documents. Please note that the email expires in 14 days, so please be ready to respond once you submit the request. 

Step 5: Receive your Admissions Decision

After your application and admissions documents are reviewed, you will receive an Admissions decision. If you are admitted to the Sonoma State program, please continue on to the next steps. 

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Our $150.00 Application Fee is non-refundable and can be made through Flywire. 

Step 7: Receive Your Admissions Documents

You will receive your Admissions Letter and Visa Document once you have paid the Application Fee. 

Step 8: Receive Your Admissions Documents, get ready to join us!

• Please review our New Student website: https://international.sonoma.edu/international-students/new-student-information very carefully for all the visa and arrival information and support. 
• Once the Schedule of Classes for your first semester is available, we will send you a Course Wishlist to complete so we can register you for classes. 

If you have any questions regarding our Semester at Sonoma Program, please email international@sonoma.edu, call 001 707 664 2738 or stop by the Global Engagement Office on the Sonoma State University campus, located in International Hall, suite 107.