The San Marcos River rises from springs at the edge of Texas State University's campus, and on hot days students float it in inner tubes. The university is in San Marcos, halfway between Austin and San Antonio. With close to 40,000 students it is one of the largest universities in Texas. International students come mainly for graduate computer science, engineering and business.
San Marcos, Texas, United States
Official website: txstate.edu
1899
Public research university
Close to 40,000 students
San Marcos, between Austin and San Antonio
$20,000 – $26,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
$12,000 – $15,000
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 txstate.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 78
MS Electrical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 78
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 78
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 78
Spring Lake and the San Marcos River at the edge of campus.
Graduate computer science and engineering popular with international students.
A location between Austin's tech jobs and San Antonio.
Graduates find work in Austin's tech sector, where Tesla, Samsung and many software firms hire.
STEM master's graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Business graduates join firms across Austin, San Antonio and Houston.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus climbs a steep hill above downtown San Marcos, with Old Main at the top. On summer days students crowd Sewell Park, the university's stretch of riverbank.
San Marcos is a fast-growing college town with lower rents than Austin, about 30 miles north. San Antonio is about 50 miles south, and free Bobcat Shuttle buses run around town.
Form I-20 issued by Texas State 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
Texas State reviews undergraduate applications on a rolling basis, with priority dates for fall. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines, often in spring for fall and in October for spring. International students should apply early to allow time for the I-20.
Most programmes start in fall (August) or spring (January). Some graduate courses also admit in summer.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Texas State University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Computer science, electrical engineering and the MBA are the most common choices for international students. Graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 78; some ask for GRE or GMAT scores. Undergraduates need secondary results and English scores.
Texas State offers competitive scholarships, and in Texas a qualifying scholarship can let a non-resident pay in-state tuition. Graduate assistantships are also available in many departments.
