College of San Mateo is a public community college on a hilltop between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, with views over the bay. Most international students spend two years here on general education and then transfer to a University of California or Cal State campus. It's a much cheaper way to start a degree in one of the most expensive regions of the US.
San Mateo, California, United States
Official website: collegeofsanmateo.edu
Public community college, San Mateo County Community College District
Strong transfer record to UC and CSU campuses
Hilltop campus between San Francisco and Silicon Valley
$9,000 – $12,000
International students, associate programmes
$22,000 – $28,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on collegeofsanmateo.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 56
Associate in Science in Computer Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 56
Associate in Business Administration (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 56
Associate in Engineering
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 56
Transfer pathways to UC Berkeley, UC Davis and other California universities.
Views across the bay from a hilltop campus.
Silicon Valley employers for internships nearby.
Most students transfer after two years to finish a bachelor's degree.
Computer science transfer students often head to UC and CSU engineering programmes.
Bay Area internships are easier to reach from here than from almost anywhere else.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits on a ridge above the city, with modern science and library buildings and a bus link to Caltrain.
San Mateo is a safe mid-sized Peninsula city. Rent is very high, so many international students live in homestays or shared houses.
Form I-20 issued by College of San Mateo
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Applications are rolling, with recommended dates in spring for fall and in autumn for spring. Apply about three months ahead.
You can start in fall (August) or spring (January).
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, College of San Mateo issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Transfer associate degrees in arts, computer science, business and engineering are the main choices. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 56.
The district has a few scholarships for continuing international students. Ask the international office after your first semester.
