San José State University is a public university in downtown San Jose, the largest city in Silicon Valley, and the oldest public university on the US West Coast. It's known for engineering, computer science, business and design, and it supplies more engineers to Silicon Valley companies than almost any other school. Apple, Google, Adobe and Cisco are all nearby.
San Jose, California, United States
Official website: sjsu.edu
1857, the oldest public university on the US West Coast
A leading source of engineers for Silicon Valley firms
Downtown San Jose
$20,000 – $26,000
International students, non-resident undergraduate and graduate rates
$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 sjsu.edu before you apply.
MS Software Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Data Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
The main engineering feeder for Silicon Valley.
A downtown campus in the region's biggest city.
Low California State University tuition.
Graduates join Apple, Cisco, Google, Adobe, Nvidia and Silicon Valley startups.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Internships in tech are close at hand.
Undergrad
30 Nov 2026
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The campus fills several blocks of downtown San Jose, with residence halls and light rail nearby.
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, with a huge tech job market and very high rent.
Form I-20 issued by San José State
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
Undergraduate applications go through Cal State Apply by 30 November 2026. Graduate deadlines vary, usually early spring for fall.
Most graduate programmes start in fall, with some also in spring. Undergraduates start in the fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from San José State 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.
Software engineering, computer engineering, data analytics and computer science are the most popular. Graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
SJSU has limited scholarships for international students. Check the financial aid pages.
