Saint Marys College of California

Saint Mary’s College of California is providing exceptional facilities and comprehensive support services tailored to meet the unique needs of international students. From state-of-the-art academic infrastructure to personalized support programs, the college ensures a smooth and enriching experience for students from around the world.

International Student Support Services: The Center for International Programs (CIP) at Saint Mary’s College plays a crucial role in assisting international students. It provides guidance on F-1 visa requirements, immigration regulations, work authorizations (such as OPT and CPT), and travel documentation. Dedicated advisors offer one-on-one support to help students successfully transition into life in the U.S. and at Saint Mary’s.

Orientation and Integration Programs: Upon arrival, international students participate in a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to academic expectations, U.S. culture, health services, safety procedures, and campus life. Cultural immersion activities, peer mentorship, and regular social events help students form friendships and feel part of the Saint Mary’s community from day one.

Academic and Learning Facilities: International students benefit from access to modern classrooms, well-equipped science and computer labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Saint Mary’s Library, which offers a vast collection of print and digital resources, as well as personalized research assistance. The Academic Success Center provides free tutoring, writing support, and learning workshops to ensure students excel in their studies.

On-Campus Housing and Dining: Saint Mary’s offers safe and comfortable housing options in residence halls that foster a sense of community and belonging. International students can choose from various room types and meal plans. The campus dining services accommodate diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel at home.

Health and Wellness Services: The Student Health Center provides medical care, health education, and wellness programs, while the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team offers mental health support, stress management workshops, and culturally sensitive counseling. These services are designed to promote overall well-being and support students in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Career Services and Employment Support: The Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS) offers tailored support for international students, including resume building, career coaching, job fairs, and workshops focused on working in the U.S. The team also helps students navigate employment options like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain hands-on experience.

Clubs, Cultural Activities, and Networking Opportunities: International students are encouraged to join one of over 60 student-run clubs and organizations, including cultural associations, academic societies, and volunteer groups. Events like the International Education Week, cultural nights, and diversity workshops promote global awareness and encourage cross-cultural exchange.

Transportation and Location Benefits: Located just 23 miles from San Francisco, Saint Mary’s College offers international students easy access to a globally connected city known for its innovation, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. Public transportation options and shuttle services make commuting around the Bay Area convenient and student-friendly.

Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments. 

International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.

Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.

Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: International students applying to graduate programs at Saint Mary’s such as those in business, education, and leadership may be eligible for program-specific scholarships, graduate assistantships, or departmental funding. These awards often help offset tuition costs and may include opportunities for on-campus employment or research assistant roles.

External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.

Saint Mary’s College of California is helping international students understand and manage the financial aspects of their education. With a combination of financial aid, campus work opportunities, and dedicated financial support services, the college ensures that students from around the world can make well-informed decisions about their investment in higher education.

Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, Saint Mary’s College does offer merit-based scholarships to qualified undergraduate applicants. These scholarships, awarded at the time of admission, range from $13,000 to $30,000 per year and do not require a separate application. Students with outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and community engagement are more likely to receive substantial support. For graduate students, program-specific scholarships and assistantships may be available depending on the department and course of study.

Part-Time Work Opportunities: International students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and up to 40 hours during breaks. Saint Mary’s offers a variety of on-campus job opportunities, including positions in the library, dining services, academic departments, and administrative offices. These jobs provide not only supplemental income but also valuable work experience and integration into campus life.
Off-campus employment, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), is available after meeting eligibility requirements and receiving authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO).

Financial Planning and Support: Saint Mary’s College encourages international students to engage in proactive financial planning. Upon admission, students receive clear cost breakdowns that include tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. The Office of Financial Aid and the Center for International Programs collaborate to offer financial education resources, ensuring students are aware of payment deadlines, budgeting techniques, and cost-saving strategies.

Financial Responsibility: It is essential that international students demonstrate financial responsibility by paying tuition and fees on time and maintaining full-time enrollment status as required by their visa. Saint Mary’s offers flexible payment plans through the Business Office to help families manage educational costs over time. Students are also advised to have a financial sponsor or sufficient funding prior to applying for a student visa, as proof of financial capability is required during the visa process.

Financial Counseling: The college provides one-on-one financial counseling through the Office of Financial Aid and the Center for International Programs. These sessions help international students navigate complex financial issues, such as currency exchange, transferring funds from abroad, understanding U.S. banking systems, and applying for tax identification numbers (TIN or ITIN) when necessary. Counselors also assist students in developing personalized budgets to ensure long-term financial health and stability.