Financial Assistance
Financial Statement Form
The SDSU Financial Statement Form is available for printout below. Complete, sign and return the form, along with documentation (bank statement) supporting your resources. The form must show that you have the minimum funds available for one academic year. It is not required that you submit the form at the same time as the application; however, it is recommended in order to expedite processing. You cannot be officially admitted until this document is approved. Send Financial Statement Form to:
International Student Center
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-5101
Graduate Financial Statement Form
Scholarships for International Students
International students attending SDSU are not eligible for any federal or state financial aid programs; however students may find financial assistance through their department.
Graduate Assistantships
Masters and PhD students are strongly encouraged to contact their department advisors to inquire about Graduate Assistantship (GA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA) positions. TAs may perform a number of duties for a professor, but typically they teach a discussion session and/or grade papers. GAs typically perform research with faculty or work with faculty on other projects. Both TA and GA positions are paid positions that international students are eligible for. Note: You can also apply to be a TA or GA in other departments where you have an expertise.
Along with a GA or TA position, many departments give out tuition waivers as well to selected students. This is an excellent source of financial support that is offered to top students. However, tuition waivers are only available to prospective students, so talk to your graduate advisor before you come to campus.
Please click here to download the graduate advisors list.
Employment
On Campus
F-1 students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods under the Regulations for On Campus Employment (PDF 17k).
Off Campus
F-1 students are allowed to work off-campus only under special conditions. If after one academic year of study, there is a proven severe unforeseen economic need, then a work authorization, called F-1 Economic Necessity, can be obtained.
For more details on employment, visit the Employment section.
Practical Training
F-1 students may engage in Practical Training or work experience related to the field of study either during or after your studies at SDSU. You must have been in status one full academic year prior to being eligible for Practical Training. There are two types of practical training: curricular and optional. Curricular practical training can only be used when an internship is an integral part of the curriculum during a course of study. Optional practical training can be used during or after a course of study, and is for a total of 12 months.
Departmental Internship Opportunities
Many departments at SDSU have paid/unpaid internship opportunities for students. To see the currently available internships, please visit the following link.