Prospective & Transfer Students

1. Affordable 
   • Many of our programs are the most affordable in the California area, providing you an opportunity to get ahead and graduate with less debt.
2. Accredited
   • Sofia University is regionally accredited by WASC, the nation’s premier accreditation body for higher education.
3. Supreme Location
   • We offer you two influential metropolitan cities to choose from. Our Palo Alto campus is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, home to companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, and a short drive to San Francisco. Our Costa Mesa campus is located in Orange County, home to fortune 500 and 100 companies, beaches, and a short drive to Los Angeles.

7 – minute drive from Google Headquarters

Step 1: Submit Application

Start your application, and submit the non-refundable fee of $50 USD Application Fee. Submit an official copy of your Official Transcripts or Foreign Transcript Evaluation

• Official Transcripts:
  Please mail your previous sealed official transcripts from all secondary/high schools and/or universities attended to Sofia University. Official e-transcripts can be sent to Registrar@sofia.eduas well. You may send/scan unofficial transcripts while we wait to receive your official U.S. transcripts. You can also send a sealed copy of your transcripts to our office by mail at: Sofia University, Registrar Office 1069 East Meadow Cr. Palo Alto, CA, 94303

• Foreign Transcript Evaluation (*waived with completed bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from the U.S.)

We accept course by course GPA report equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the U.S. Official e-transcripts can be sent to Registrar@sofia.edu as well or please have all official sealed transcripts sent to our office by mail at: Sofia University, Registrar Office 1069 East Meadow Cr. Palo Alto, CA, 94303

Submit Your Statement of Purpose – Requirements vary from program to program, please call our admissions team to further discuss what is needed for your program of interest. *Undergraduate Applicants are not required to complete a statement of purpose.

Submit English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable): 

*Test scores are valid for two years from the date when the tests are taken. If the test score is older than two years, the student will be required to resubmit a valid test score.

• TOEFL:
  • A score of 70 or better for the Internet-based test.
  • A score of 525 or above is required on the paper-based exam
• IELTS: Score of 6.0 or better for the academic module.
• Duolingo: Score of 60 or above. Any score in the 50-59 range can be reviewed by Sofia personnel for an exception, please contact your admissions counselor.

Exceptions:

• Student graduated from high school and attended for a minimum of 3 years, at an international institution or American school where the primary language of instruction was completed in English. *The institution must provide a signed letter or official transcript verifying courses were taught in English.
• Student who successfully completed a degree inside the U.S. for at least 2 years may be exempted from a formal English Language Proficiency Test, please contact your admissions counselor for more details.
• Conditional Accepted Students currently taking ESL courses can be admitted into our Undergraduate Programs, please contact your admissions counselor for more details.

Step 2: Receive an initial Sofia I-20 Form

The Admissions Counselor will review all the documents provided and send your official Sofia acceptance letter. The admitted student is expected to pay the $200 program acceptance fee as this will automatically confirm your acceptance into your program and allow us to activate your student email account.

In addition to that, please submit the following documents for the issuance of your initial Sofia I-20:

• Passport (passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of entry to the U.S.)
• Financial Documents
• Financial affidavit of support (if applicable)
• Completed Initial I-20 request Form
• If you’re a TRANSFER student: Complete SEVIS Transfer Form and return to dso@sofia.edu

Step 3: Prepare for your F-1 Visa Interview and schedule a mock “visa interview” session (optional):

You must present the complete admissions package to the U.S. consulate/embassy in your home country. Before you make an appointment for an interview at the U.S. consular/embassy office near you, be sure to pay your I-901 SEVIS fee and complete DS-160 application.

Also, ensure to bring the following documents with you:

• Sofia I-20 Form (Do not forget to sign I-20)
• Passport valid for at least six months
• Printed receipt of your I-901 SEVIS Fee
• Documentation that you have paid the Visa Application Fee
• Confirmation of your visa interview appointment
• Evidence that you have the amount of funding indicated on your I-20
• Sofia Program Acceptance Letter
• English TOEFL Test Scores or Transcripts if needed

Helpful Links:

• Study in the Sates: How to obtain an F-1 Visa (Guide)
• Find a list of consulates and embassies on the US Embassy site. 
• Visa Wait Times to learn how long will it take to book a visa appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy.
• Review the Frequently Asked Questionsfor instructions about using the DS-160.
• “Ten Points to Remember When Applying for a Non- Visa Tips”

Step 4: Arrival to the United States

As soon as you receive your F-1 visa, please email us at dso@sofia.edu so that we can prepare for your arrival.

Remember, students on F visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program stated on their initial I-20 Form.

When you enter the U.S., show the immigration officer:

• Your Sofia I-20 form
• Your passport with a valid student visa
• Sofia Program Acceptance Letter
• Financial Documents