UNITED STATES · SAN MATEO COUNTY
San Mateo County Community College District
public · Founded 1922 · Languages: en
S
In short
The San Mateo County Community College District offers an affordable pathway to higher education in Silicon Valley for international students, with strong university transfer options and dedicated support services.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1922
- Students
- 31,261
- International students
- 1,200
- Acceptance rate
- 100%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–11k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- San Mateo County, United States
The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) in California's San Francisco Bay Area comprises three colleges: Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College. It offers over 300 degrees and certificates across various fields, serving students aiming for university transfer, vocational skills, or lifelong learning. SMCCCD is a cornerstone of accessible higher education in the Bay Area, with the College of San Mateo tracing its roots back to 1922. The district focuses on supporting student success, boasting a strong transfer rate with 1,725 students moving to four-year institutions in 2021-22. SMCCCD is actively addressing student housing needs with projects like the 316-bed complex at the College of San Mateo. It also provides innovative programs, such as 'Project Change,' which offers educational pathways for incarcerated youth. International students are welcomed through the San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley, offering high-quality education, personalized support, and a vibrant campus experience. The district emphasizes a strong transfer pathway to over 140 partner universities and provides various support services tailored for international students.
Why study here
- Access to 140+ university transfer partners, making it the #1 choice for university transfer.
- High-quality STEM education.
- Opportunities for internships in Silicon Valley.
- Close proximity to San Francisco and San Jose city life, while being located in safe neighborhoods.
- Dedicated one-on-one academic advising with international counselors.
- Availability of over 50 institutional scholarships.
- Homestay referral program with a dedicated housing coordinator.
- Early class registration for international students.
Student life
The San Mateo County Community College District fosters a dynamic and inspiring environment. Students can engage in various activities, including the College of San Mateo Athletic Center, which offers modern fitness facilities, aquatics programs (two pristine pools), and over 60 complimentary group exercise classes per week. The Athletic Center is also a teaching lab for Kinesiology, Athletics, and Dance professors, creating a unique setting where students, athletes, dancers, and community members exercise side-by-side. The district also focuses on student welfare with initiatives like new student housing developments.
Fees
InternationalNon-resident international students at the San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley pay tuition by the unit; a full-time annual program of study typically totals roughly US$9,000-$11,000 in tuition and required fees, making it an affordable pathway compared with four-year universities.
HomeCalifornia residents pay the standard low per-unit enrollment fee set by the state; many qualify for the California College Promise Grant which waives enrollment fees.
LivingThe San Mateo County Community College District offers a homestay referral program with various options. Option 1 (Private Room, Full Board - 2 meals/day) is $1,775 USD per month. Option 2 (Private Room, no meals) requires students to take care of all their own meals but provides kitchen access. Additionally, the district is developing student housing on campus to help address housing insecurity in the Bay Area.
A homestay application fee of $300 USD applies, with a late fee of $500 USD for applications after December 1st (Spring) or July 1st (Fall). This fee is refundable if a visa is denied or if the district cannot match the student with a host family. A $500 deposit is also typically required for homestays, with a 30-day written notice required before moving out to avoid losing the deposit. A $100 change fee applies for relocating to a new host family.
Admissions
Age RequirementMinimum 16 years old. Students under 18 without a high school diploma require proof of graduation or equivalent. A Minor Consent Form may be required.
Financial RequirementProof of funds of at least $32,500 USD, dated no more than 3 months prior to application. An additional $5,000 USD is required for the first dependent and $2,500 USD for each additional dependent. Acceptable documents include bank letters, bank statements (savings/checking), fixed/term/time deposit statements (with withdrawal access), and scholarship letters.
Transcripts (for students over 18)Copy of official academic transcript (high school or university) with grades, translated into English. Originals are not required.
Transcripts (for students under 18)Copy of official proof of graduation and academic transcript with grades, translated into English. Chinese students may submit the HS Equivalency form.
TOEFL (iBT)56 (or 3.5 on the new score scale)
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition56 (or 3.5 on the new score scale)
IELTS AcademicBand 5.5
Duolingo English Test (DET)85
PTE (Pearson Test of English)42
EIKEN (Test in Practical English Proficiency)Grade 2A
GTEC (Global Test of English Communication)1055
Cambridge English Language AssessmentB2 First (FCE) scores of 160-179
Aptis (British Council)B2
LanguageCert Academic63
Rankings
San Mateo Colleges of Silicon ValleyStrong transfer pathway with 140+ partner universities, including the University of California and California State University systems
SMCCCD Institutional Data1,725 students transferred to four-year institutions in 2021-22
University scholarships
San Mateo County Community College Foundation ScholarshipsOver $2.2 million (total awarded across 1,593 scholarships in 2026)
Accreditation
Each of the three colleges (Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionSan Mateo County Community College District · United States
Human Anatomy (BIOL 250)
BIOL 250, Human Anatomy, is a course offered at Skyline College, part of the San Mateo County Community College District. This course provides a comprehensive study of the gross and microscopic structures of the human body. Learning is facilitated through lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions, which include dissections, the examination of histology slides, the use of anatomy models, and the study of prosected human cadavers. The course is primarily designed for students pursuing careers in Nursing, Respiratory Care, Allied Health, Surgical Technology, Kinesiology, and other health-related fields. It also serves as an elective for students on pre-dental, pre-medical, and pre-veterinary tracks.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
4 mo
Duration
San Mateo County Community College District · United States
San Mateo County Community College District Programs
The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) offers a wide array of programs across its three colleges: Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College. These institutions provide pathways to associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities to four-year universities. The district serves a diverse student population with a commitment to academic excellence and student success. SMCCCD is dedicated to preparing students for workforce readiness and further academic pursuits. With a focus on accessible education, the district offers a broad range of disciplines to meet the needs of the local community and beyond. Students benefit from comprehensive support services designed to facilitate their educational journey and career aspirations.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students?
+
Non-resident international students can expect to pay approximately US$9,000-$11,000 annually for tuition and required fees. This makes it an affordable option compared to four-year universities.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students can demonstrate English proficiency through various tests like TOEFL (iBT 56), IELTS Academic (Band 5.5), or Duolingo English Test (85). Proficiency can also be shown by completing at least two years of secondary education in an English-speaking country or studying at an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
What financial documentation is needed for international student applications?
+
Applicants must provide proof of funds totaling at least $32,500 USD, dated within three months of the application. Additional funds are required for dependents.
Does the university offer housing assistance for international students?
+
Yes, the district offers a homestay referral program with different meal options and is developing on-campus student housing to address local needs.
What are the transfer opportunities for international students?
+
The San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley provide a strong transfer pathway with over 140 partner universities, including the University of California and California State University systems.
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