Admitted International Students
Congratulations on being accepted to SMC!
Fall Start: Monday, August 25, 2025
Next Steps
Pay Your $500 Admission Deposit
In order to secure your seat, you are required to pay a $500 deposit within 3 weeks of admission. I-20s will be issued once the deposit has been received.
Join Our WhatsApp Admitted Student Group
You will receive an email with the Admitted Students' WhatsApp number. If you have not received this email, please email international@stmarys-ca.edu.
Obtain Your I-20
Once admitted, you must obtain an I-20 which will allow you to schedule a visa interview. Please check your email for detailed instructions on obtaining your I-20, or visit our Applying For an F-1 Visa page.
Documents to Bring From Home
Official Transcripts: You are required to submit official transcripts (in a sealed envelope) by the end of the first term. You are encouraged to bring them with you to orientation if possible.
Required Health Forms (students living on-campus only): Please visit the Health and Wellness Incoming Student Requirements for more information.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all students. International students will automatically be enrolled in United Healthcare through Saint Mary’s. United Healthcare covers sickness and accidents only and does not provide dental or vision coverage.
Students with comparable insurance may opt out of the school-sponsored insurance.
You will receive an email from United Healthcare about what type of insurance is considered comparable and where to waive it.
You may find more information on health insurance here.
Register for the Mandatory New Student Orientation
- Registration link coming soon
Apply for Housing
SMC will offer affordable, on-campus short-term and long-term housing for students who are interested.
- Living On-Campus: Graduate students are not required to live on campus, but can apply to live in the residence halls. Please see the Campus Housing page for more information on housing and cost.
- Living Off-Campus: If you choose to live off-campus, please check out our off-campus housing resources.
Transportation to Campus
The primary international airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). International students may also fly into the following airports (Port of Entry): Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San José Mineta International Airport (SJC).
Public Transportation to Campus from the Airport
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): You can easily take BART, Bay Area Rapid Transit, to campus from SFO airport by taking the yellow, Antioch line, directly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the Moraga or Lafayette station. From the Moraga or Lafayette station, you can then take Lyft or a bus to campus.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): You can take BART, Bay Area Rapid Transit, to campus from OAK airport by taking the orange Richmond line and transferring to the yellow Antioch line at 12th Street, 19th Street, or MacArthur stations. From the Antioch line, you will exit the train at the Moraga or Lafayette station, you can then take Lyft or a bus to campus.
RideShare Services
- Uber or Lyft to Campus: Please download the app before your departure. This could cost you anywhere from $75-$150 depending on the time of day.