International Student FAQs
We get asked many questions during the international admissions process. So we're listing the answers here in case you're curious, too.
International applicants are individuals who need a visa in order to study or live in the United States.
Please visit our application requirements page to learn what's required for admissions review.
Yes, you can complete the Saint Mary's Application. Along with your application, be sure to submit all required documents.
You can pay your application fee online by credit card. Follow the directions when you submit your application.
Yes. However, an official copy of the document in the original language must be sent with the translation.
GPA is an abbreviation for "Grade Point Average.” A Grade Point Average is a way to calculate academic achievement.
To calculate a GPA:
A= 4 points
B= 3 points
C= 2 points
D= 1 point
E or F= 0 pointsAdd the points for each academic subject and divide it by the number of subjects. Your total will be your GPA.
All international applicants’ GPAs are converted to the American GPA system upon application.
Saint Mary's does not offer an ESL program. We work with several local schools that offer ESL programs: American Language & Culture Institute at California State University Chico; ELS Language Centers in Berkeley, San Francisco, San Rafael, Silicon Valley, or Santa Cruz; College of Marin, Intensive English Programs; and others. Please contact us for other references.
Either exam may be waived if the student has met one of these conditions: 1) completed 4 consecutive years of study at a U.S. high school and submitted their SAT or ACT scores; 2) completed a bachelor's degree; 3) completed an educational program in a country where the primary language of instruction is English; 4) completed an approved ESL program; or 5) scored a 450 or above on the SAT 1 Critical Reading and Writing exams, or a 450 or above on the SAT R Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exams or 21 or above on the ACT English and Reading exams.
This process begins after you receive an admissions decision, and place your enrollment deposit. Please visit the Center for International Programs to learn more about the I-20 and visa application process.
This process begins after you receive an admissions decision, and place your enrollment deposit. Please visit the Center for International Programs to learn more about the I-20 and visa application process.
The average class size is 19 students.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
All students are assigned a faculty advisor. It is required for all students to meet with their major-specific faculty advisor to be approved for registration and course planning.
All students have access to a variety of free academic resources. Some of the resources students have access to are:
- Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Health and Wellness Center
- The Center for Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC)
- Student Success Office
- High Potential Program
- Student Disability Services (SDS)
- Student Engagement and Academic Success (SEAS)
- Tutorial and Academic Skills Center (TASC)
Each first-year student is automatically enrolled in a First-Year Advising Cohort (FYAC) course and is assigned a faculty advisor who will help students transition from high school to college life. First-year students can get to know each other and learn more about academic and student life at Saint Mary’s.
To find our costs, please visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Yes, international students are eligible for merit scholarships. For more information, please check out our scholarship page.
Additionally, Saint Mary's has a partnership with MPOWER Financing, which is a financial institution that specializes in student loans for international students, DACA recipients, refugees, asylees or asylum-seekers, or US citizens without requiring a cosigner or credit history. Apply directly through MPOWER Financing.
You must pay your enrollment deposit as well as either: (1) pay your first-semester tuition in full or (2) have a payment plan in place prior to the beginning of the semester. You will be able to check on your tuition bill online after you are accepted and you have paid your enrollment deposit. You will not be able to register for your classes or arrive on campus until your tuition payment(s) has been confirmed.
For more information, please refer to the payment options provided by our Business Office.
All first-year students must live on campus and housing is guaranteed for your first two years. The community created in each residence hall supports the learning environment of the College.
Each room is equipped with a bed, closet, dresser, sink, desk, cable TV hook-up, high-speed internet and other basic student needs. Each hall has a common lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities. Please visit the Campus Housing web pages for complete housing information.
To ensure that all students have health insurance coverage, including basic sickness and accident insurance, the College has instituted a mandatory health insurance requirement for all full-time undergraduate students. Students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the College’s provided plan through Anthem Blue Cross. All international students (graduate and/or undergraduate) and U.S. citizens whose primary residence is abroad are REQUIRED to enroll in the College-sponsored plan and should visit the Center for International Programs for additional information.
Yes! The Center for International Programs helps coordinate programs and activities, assists students with matters relating to immigration status, and provides other support services specific to the needs of international students.
Moraga is 30 – 40 minutes by car from downtown San Francisco. San Francisco International Airport is the largest airport in the area. Oakland International Airport is about 25 – 35 minutes away from campus. San Jose International Airport is about 1 – 1 ½ hours away from campus. Public transportation is available from all 3 airports, but it is more convenient to travel from San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) to campus. You can contact the Center for International Programs for transportation information.
Yes! There are over 50 student clubs and organizations with multiple themes and ways to get involved on campus. For more information, see the Student Clubs and Organizations page online.
Yes! There is a recreation center on campus that has a full gym, a pool, a rock-climbing wall, a basketball court, and various workout classes. Membership to the recreation center is free for students! There are also several miles of paved trails adjacent to campus for students to walk or run outdoors. For more information about the recreation center, please visit the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center page online.
Visit the EducationUSA Office. You can find the office nearest you by visiting their website.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to our International Admissions Counselor, Kierstin Kolte at (925) 631-4930 or knk5@stmarys-ca.edu.