Admissions | Conditional Acceptance | Housing | Programs
Admissions
How can I apply?
You may submit an application online through our website. You may also print out an application from our website and submit it to us by fax or by mail. Supporting application documents should be submitted to us by fax or by mail. Do not submit by email attachment.
How early should I apply? Are there application deadlines?
We recommend applying six to eight weeks in advance. Applications take one to two weeks and the I-20 will take two to four business days to reach you via DHL. There are no program deadlines. However, we encourage you to apply far enough in advance to get accepted, obtain a visa, and make proper travel and living arrangements. Some programs do fill up and do not offer late entry. Check the Calendar & Fees page for more information.
How long will it take to book an appt. at the U.S. Embassy?
Embassies have different wait times. Please contact your local U.S. Embassy for information at http://www.usembassy.gov
When is an F-1 student visa required?
An F-1 student visa is required for full-time study in the USA. All full-time ALI Programs require an F-1 visa.
If you are a U.S. citizen, have a green card, or are in the USA on another immigration status that permits you to study, please contact us for more information.
Can I be a part-time student?
If you are already in the USA on a tourist visa (B1/B2), it is possible to enroll in the Intensive English Communications (IEC) Program on a part-time (12 hours or less per week) basis.
What is an I-20 form?
An I-20 is a government document issued by the ALI that certifies to the U.S. Embassy in your country that you are eligible to be admitted to the U.S. as a student. You will need this form to apply for an F-1 student visa.
What types of financial support documents are accepted?
A bank statement from you or your sponsor is required. It must show existing funds (either in home currency or U.S. dollar amounts) in the account. Statements must be on official bank letterhead, dated within the last six months and include the account holder's name and the account type. If you have a scholarship, a letter of financial guarantee is required.
How much money should my bank statement show?
The amount should include the cost of the program plus approximately $1000 per month for living expenses. For example, a program of 17 weeks: $6000 tuition + $4000 living expenses = $10,000.
How much does it cost to apply?
The application fee is $175. If you are also applying for conditional acceptance to SDSU, there is an additional fee of $125.
When are tuition and housing fees due?
Tuition and housing fees should be paid during registration, which occurs during the first week of school. These fees can also be paid in advance.
How much is health insurance?
It varies by semester. Please visit the CSU Healthlink site at www.csuhealthlink.com for prices.
I have been accepted, but I need to delay my start date. What should I do?
Please contact the ALI admissions department at applyali@mail.sdsu. You may also call our office and request to speak with the admissions department at +1-619-594-5907.
Conditional Acceptance
How can I receive conditional acceptance to SDSU?
Students seeking conditional acceptance must apply through our online application. The ALI application fee is $175 and the conditional acceptance fee is $125 for a total of $300. The student must apply for the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program in order to be eligible for conditional acceptance. Supporting application documents must be faxed or mailed to us.
Can I get conditional acceptance for a graduate degree?
No, conditional acceptance is not available to students wishing to apply to a graduate program at SDSU.
Can I get conditional acceptance if I'm a transfer student?
No, conditional acceptance is not available for students currently studying in the U.S. at another school who want to transfer to ALI.
Does conditional acceptance guarantee I'll be admitted to SDSU?
Conditional acceptance does not guarantee admission to SDSU. Students with conditional acceptance must follow the same admissions procedures as other students applying to SDSU, after arrival.
Housing
How do I apply for housing?
- Consult the housing information section of our website to determine which type of housing you want to apply for (apartment, dormitory, or homestay).
- Fill out the appropriate application.
- Return to the ALI Student Life Office by email, fax, or regular mail.
- Mail: Student Life Office
American Language Institute
5250 Campanile Drive
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-1914 USA
- Fax: +1-619- 287-2735
- Email: alihousing@mail.sdsu.edu
- The ALI Student Life department will contact you once your application is received, and contact you again when housing assignments are made.
When should I apply for housing?
Space in on-campus housing is limited. We recommend that students apply as early as possible to have a better chance of receiving housing on-campus or in a homestay. Students should submit a housing application along with the admissions application.
When is ALI on-campus housing assigned? How will I know if I've been given a space in ALI housing?
This is a typical timeline for on-campus housing placements (please note this is only an approximation, not a guarantee, and is subject to change):
- Fall Sessions:
- March - Applications available on ALI website
- July - Housing assignments made
- Spring Sessions:
- March - Applications available on ALI website
- November - Housing assignments made
- Summer Sessions:
- February - Applications available on ALI website
- April - Housing assignments made
Is there a meal plan?
Meal plans are mandatory in the University Towers dormitory and are included in the ALI housing prices found on the application. There is no meal plan option for students in the ALI apartments, but each has their own kitchen equipped with a stove, microwave, oven, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.
There are several options for meals in an ALI homestay. "With Meals" includes breakfast and dinner, "Partial Meals" includes breakfast, "No Meals" means that you are responsible for providing all of your own food. There are price differences for the different options. Please contact the housing coordinator at alihousing@mail.sdsu.edu for details.
Will I live with American students?
In on-campus housing, ALI students will not share their rooms with American students, but there will be American students on the same floor.
I didn't get a space in ALI housing. What can I do?
You can apply for other forms of ALI housing, if there is space available. You can also apply for homestay through private companies, or look for off-campus housing. You can request more information from the ALI housing coordinator at alihousing@mail.sdsu.edu.
Programs
Can I start the program on any day?
No. Each program has specific dates when new students can start. The Calendar & Fees page lists this information. However, our Intensive English for Communication (IEC) program has many possible starting dates for new students. The IEC program allows new students to start at the beginning of a semester or session, or on any of the flexible-entry dates listed on our Calendar & Fees page.
What is the right program for me?
The right program for you will depend on what your goals are. We have academic English programs as well as intensive English programs. A description of each of our programs can be found on our website. You may also contact the ALI and we will be pleased to answer your questions.
Can I study for a short period of time?
Yes, the IEC and BGP programs allow students to study for shorter periods of time. The IEC program allows students to study for as few as three weeks.
How long will it take me to reach my goals in English?
There is no standard time that it takes for students to improve their English. The rate of improvement in English proficiency depends on a number of factors, including the student's beginning English level, the student's study habits, the student's learning challenges, and the student's learning personality.