How to Apply for the Pre-MBA Program
Complete the online application.
The Pre-MBA program is only for students from partner universities. If you are not from one of our partner universities, you are welcome to apply to our Business Administration Certificate. Students applying to the Pre-MBA program will be enrolled in the Business Administration certificate to complete Pre-MBA course requirements.
Upload your supporting documents to our secure Box folder.
Supporting documents include: Transcript, Proof of English Proficiency, Financial Eligibility and copy of passport/student immigration documents. See Supporting Documents for details. We will process your application when we receive your complete set of documents.
If you are admitted to the program, accept the offer to secure your seat.
Additional Information
Semester Dates
Dates are from start of classes to the end of exam period. Orientation is held the week before classes start.
Spring 2026: January 26-May 22, 2026
Fall 2026: August 24-December 18, 2026
Certificate Application Periods
- Fall: December 1-May 15
- Spring: August 1-November 15
Late applications will be considered. Students will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Annual Tuition/Fees and Cost of Living
| Tuition and Fees* | Living Expenses** | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| $14,040 | $24,500 | $38,540 |
| Tuition and Fees* | Living Expenses** | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| $14,040 | $25,100 | $39,140 |
*Tuition and fees based on full-time enrollment (12 units) each semester.
**Estimated expenses presented for one academic year (two semesters). Actual expenses may vary. Books, supplies and personal expenses are not included in the estimate.
See Academic Tuition and Fees page for breakdown.
- Complete at least three years of university coursework
- Overall GPA 2.5 or higher on the first three years of university coursework
- No GMAT required
- English Proficiency Requirement:
TOEFL - iBT 70 or IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50
Upload Required Supporting Documents to our Box Folder
- Passport/student immigration documents: submit copy of passport biographical page (if available). If you are attending another U.S. School on F-1 student visa, also include copy of your F-1 visa, current I-20, and I-94.
- Proof of English proficiency: submit a copy of your official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE as soon as it is available and no later than the application deadline.
- Financial affidavit and evidence: F-1 student visa applicants are required to submit a complete Financial Affidavit and a bank letter or financial guarantee demonstrating financial ability to study and live in the US for an academic year in order to receive Form I-20. See Financial Affidavit for minimum requirement amount and additional information.
- Transcript: transcript or academic records from each college/university attended. Unofficial (scanned copies) transcripts are acceptable for evaluation purposes. Make sure copies are clear, legible, and include name of institution. If transcript is not in English, submit transcript in the original language and a certified English translation. Official, complete academic documents/transcripts must be submitted upon enrollment for full admission to the program.
e) Visual/Audio Image Release Form
Download Visual/Audio Image Release Form, complete and submit form.
f) Student Consent for Release of Information
With this form you give SFSU permission to communicate with your home university regarding your studies at SFSU.
- Download Student Consent for Release of Information Form
- Enter your home university contact information in the Agency section
- Sign and date the form
Global Business Communication Skills – This topic is delivered as Global Business Communication Skills I and II. The two CEU courses are designed to prepare students for a successful job or internship search and the professional skills needed to excel in this internship or job. These classes are not required for the certificate but strongly encouraged enrichment options if you are planning to apply for graduate school, Optional Practical Training (OPT), an internship or a job.
Although enrollment in SFSU's College of Professional & Global Education is not considered admission to SFSU, an I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility") for F-1 student status will be issued when students are accepted into a full-time certificate program in the College of Professional & Global Education and require a student visa to enter the country. Students entering the US using an F-1 visa must maintain full-time student status during the time they are enrolled in an approved certificate program at the College of Professional & Global Education.
Other non-immigrants visa categories (except B, C and D visa) may enroll (full or part time) in College of Professional & Global Education courses incidental to their primary status. Contact the Center for Global Engagement for detailed information and restrictions.
Tuition, mandatory/miscellaneous, and optional fees will be finalized and posted after the ‘Deadline for full refund’ as listed in the Calendar and Deadlines for the term. Full payment of tuition and fees must be received by the deadline provided by Center of Global Education.
In the case of third party payment, the party responsible for payments should send an Authorization to Bill letter to cgeadmin@sfsu.edu. SFSU will send invoices to the third party after census date. All tuition and fees will appear in the student center until payment is processed/received.
For class or program withdrawal, contact the Center for Global Engagement at globaled@sfsu.edu.