Prospective Students

Why you should choose Sofia University

Accredited

Sofia University is regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the nation’s premier accreditation body for higher education.

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.

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

12 – minute drive from FB Headquarters

15 – minute drive from Apple Headquarters

“

As a computer science student at Sofia University, this has been a very positive educational experience for me and I feel very happy that I am a part of it. The faculty really care about the students and the academics are excellent. This is one of the best schools in the Bay area.

Harish Muuvala Alumnus, MS in Computer Science, Class of 2016

Become a Sofia Student in 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Submit Your 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.edu as 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 Your 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:
o A score of 70 or better for the Internet-based test.
o 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 95 or above.

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:

Step 3: Prepare for Your F-1 Visa Interview

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:

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

Transfer Students

International Transfer students are students who have completed university credit at another college or university and intend to complete their new degree at Sofia University. University credits can be transferred from community colleges/universities in the United States. If you have started taking university courses in the United States, you must disclose this to your admissions counselor. The admissions counselor requires that we have your entire academic record before completing your admissions process.

Step 1: Reach your DSO at your current institution

Notify your DSO at your current school that you intend to transfer to Sofia University. The DSO will enter a SEVIS release date into your record. On this date, your SEVIS record will automatically transfer to Sofia University. The release date is usually the last day of enrollment at your current school. Please coordinate accordingly with your DSO and choose an appropriate date to make these changes.

Step 2: SEVIS

Please provide the name, direct phone number, and email address of your International Student Advisor at your current school. Also, please inform the date in which your SEVIS record will be released to Sofia University.
Please remember, Sofia University can only issue an initial I-20 for you once your current school releases your F-1 record to us in SEVIS, and your SEVIS release date has passed.

Step 3: Submit Documents

In order to obtain a new transfer I-20 from Sofia University:
• Copy of passport identification page (passport should be valid for at least six months)
• Copy of current F-1 Visa
• Financial Documents
• Financial affidavit of support (if applicable)
• Completed Initial I-20 request Form
 
Please contact the DSO at Sofia University, should you have any additional questions at 888.820.1484 ext. 10361 or via email at dso@sofia.edu

Have questions? We've got answers!

We understand that enrolling in a university to begin your academic journey is a big step. Our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and identify the right program for you and your career goals.

If you’re ready to learn more, simply fill out our Request More Information form to the left and we’ll reach out to you. →

+1-888-820-1484
admissions@sofia.edu 

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