To secure your spot in USV’s legendary realm, international adventurers must finish the full application process. Get started today in just four easy steps:
An essay describing your interest in USV’s educational programs is required as part of the admissions process.
On a separate sheet of paper, type an essay describing yourself and reasons for applying to this program. Tell us how your education will relate to your career goals. The essay must be approximately 2 double-spaced typed pages.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your admissions advisor.
At least one letter of recommendation is recommended for all applicants. Recommendations may be submitted by a teacher, counselor or community leader with whom the applicant has had immediate contact. Recommendations should address the applicant’s level of commitment, as well as attributes such as creativity, initiative, motivation, character and academic achievement, to aid in assessing the applicant’s reasonable potential for success as a student at USV. Recommendations may not come from friends or family members except in the case of a teacher-parent.
Download a recommendation form here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your admissions advisor.
The creative areas of Digital Art & Animation, Digital Audio Technology, and Game Design Art require samples of the applicant’s work to be submitted for review as part of the admissions process.
If you do not have any current creative work, or wish to create more, we welcome this and it is easy to do. Simply follow the directions and examples provided for each area. Our faculty are also available to give you additional guidance and suggestions, or answer questions regarding the work sample we wish to collect from you.
An applicant’s portfolio is evaluated once the Enrollment Services Office has received a completed application packet. A completed packet consists of the application, application fee, recommendation, all official transcripts, and portfolio.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your admissions advisor.
An official transcript from each secondary and college attended is required. Applicants must have transcripts translated, if applicable, and evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
University of Silicon Valley
Attn: Registrar’s Office
191 Baypoint Parkway
San Jose, CA 95134
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your admissions advisor or Designated School Official.
USV encourages all international applicants to have their passport valid for at least six months after the proposed date of entry into the United States. Having the validity of your passport with an expiration date of more than six months may prevent problems if you need to travel unexpectedly.
Check out this helpful fact sheet for more information. If you have any questions related to your visa application, please do not hesitate to contact your Designated School Official.
The financial documents you submit allow USV to verify the availability of adequate funding for tuition, fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies, a requirement of the U.S. government.
All instruction is conducted in English. Proof of English language proficiency is required using one the following methods:
There is no limited amount of times a student can take the tests; test scores are valid for two (2) years after the test date. The official scores becomes part of the permanent student record once the student has enrolled with the College.
Students may also waive the English proficiency tests (TOEFL and IELTS) if students can provide evidence of receiving at least four (4) years educational training in English language. Students will then take USV’s placement exam to assess competency in English.
For international students planning to transfer to the University of Silicon Valley, the process is fairly straightforward as long as you maintain your F-1 student status. Download the Intent to Transfer Form and an Admissions Advisor will assist you through the process.
Once you are accepted into a degree program at University of Silicon Valley you will be issued a Form I-20.
Form I-20: The Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status is a non-immigration document authorized by the US Government (SEVP) to be issued to you by the College when you are granted admission.
Once you have met with the Embassy in your home country you must contact USV’s Designated School Official (DSO) to notify the school of your travel arrangements to the United States. You can do so by contacting the DSO at +1-800-264-7955, or by email at dso@usv.edu.
With this Visa, students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA while at USV and mandated to remain full time (12 credits) for the Fall and Spring semesters. Students are not required to take classes during the school breaks.
To find more information about Student Visas, visit the following web sites:
Under your F-1 Visa status you are able to arrive in the United States up to 30 days before the start of your academic program. You are required to be at the College on the date designated by the Admissions Office (Move-in day, Orientation, first day of classes, etc.). In addition, you must report to the DSO at the time of your arrival.
There are three international airports near San Jose, CA. The Mineta San Jose International Airport is 5 miles from the College. The San Francisco International Airport and the Oakland Internation Airport are about 30 miles from the College.
Once you arrive at the airport you will be required to provide your Visa, passport and Form I-20. USV is accessible from both airports via public transportation. Visit www.vta.org for routes and schedules. If you are arriving in the United States before your housing contract begins you are required to find your own accommodations.
