Golden Gate University is a private university in downtown San Francisco, near the Financial District, that has taught working professionals since 1901. It's known for accounting, taxation, business analytics, law and an MBA, often in evening and hybrid formats. International students come mainly for its master's programmes.
San Francisco, United States
Official website: goldengateuniversity.com
1901 in San Francisco
One of the largest graduate tax programmes in the US
Downtown San Francisco
$22,000 – $30,000
International students, master's programmes
$24,000 – $30,000
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 goldengateuniversity.com before you apply.
MS Business Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Accounting
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Taxation
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
A long-established graduate tax programme.
Evening classes built around working professionals.
Downtown location a short walk from the Financial District.
Graduates join accounting firms, tech companies and banks in the Bay Area.
STEM-designated analytics graduates may work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Tax graduates work in Big Four and regional firms.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
The university is a single downtown building near BART and Muni, without residences.
San Francisco is compact, hilly and very expensive. Many students share apartments across the bay in Oakland.
Form I-20 issued by Golden Gate University
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
GGU accepts applications on a rolling basis. Apply three to four months before the term.
Master's programmes start in fall, spring and summer.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Golden Gate University first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Business analytics, accounting, taxation and the MBA are popular. Entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
GGU offers some scholarships for international students. Ask admissions for details.
