8 Best Universities In San Francisco For International Students 2025

San Francisco is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 8 universities in San Francisco, University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco State University are the top-performing schools in San Francisco. This list covers both public and private institutions in San Francisco.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in San Francisco, California. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in San Francisco, California.

How do I get admission to the best universities in San Francisco?

Applying to the universities in San Francisco involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in San Francisco to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in San Francisco?

Tuition fees at San Francisco’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 13,900 USD to 53,900 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 12,400 USD to 68,200 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in San Francisco!

As we cover the best universities in San Francisco for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in San Francisco for International Students

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading institution for medical education and training in the United States. UCSF is also part of the University of California system and is, therefore, an excellent research center – especially in the medical and biological sciences. However, unlike the other campuses in the system, UCSF offers only graduate programs.

San Francisco State University or SF State is one of the 23 California State University system campuses. From its origins as a teacher training institution, SF State has grown into a thriving, world-class university with high research output and top rankings across various assessments. It now provides more than a hundred programs in sciences, business, journalism, public service, and many other subjects.

Carrying the Jesuit values, the University of San Francisco secures an inclusive learning environment where anyone, regardless of gender and race, is honored and supported. It is committed to cultivating everyone’s integral development and excellence and actively engages in global activities through research. Graduates from the university are proven to demonstrate high-caliber intelligence and leadership skills.

Borne out of a man’s desire to earn a college education, the Golden Gate University offers quality education to more than 3000 students. It focuses on advanced education and professional training in the fields of accounting, business, and law. Golden Gate University enjoys a diverse student population, with a generous number of students coming from different parts of Asia and the world.

A private institution that offers academic programs fully concentrating on art and design is the California College of the Arts (CCA). It offers about 23 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs explicitly designed for its creative and talented students. CCA is one of the preferred arts schools for local and international students. The school has been quite appealing because numerous graduates/alumni have found success and are now working for big companies in the arts and entertainment industry.

The University of California Law San Francisco aims to train future lawyers in society. It provides access to every level of the judiciary, allowing students to gain adequate knowledge. Over the years, it has continued to boom and enables students to access the most innovative companies in the world.

The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) offers world-class curriculums, specializing in programs on spirituality, psychology, and counseling. This institution aims to deliver a student-centered approach to education. Students at CIIS are encouraged to be socially conscious and engaging, developing their skills as future leaders of the community.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a relatively small, private institution dedicated to studying musical instruments, skills, and other related fields. Great attention is given to each student to ensure holistic training as an artist. While it started as a piano school established by pianists, the musical courses covered by the conservatory today are broad. This includes composition, voice, and several instruments. They also offer bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and artist diplomas.