San José State University (SJSU)

SJSU at a glance

San José State University (SJSU) is a public university in downtown San José, California, part of the California State University (CSU) system. Indian students mostly look at it for Master's degrees in computer science, software and computer engineering, data science and AI, because of its location in Silicon Valley and its lower cost than many private US universities.

Two things to know before you apply:

• SJSU's MS in Computer Science only considers four-year bachelor's degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. A BCA, B.Sc. (3-year), IT, electronics/telecom or electrical engineering degree is not enough for this program, according to SJSU.
• The GRE is required for the regular MS programs in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence.

What it really costs

SJSU publishes its own estimate for international graduate students taking 9 units a semester (a full-time load):

How tuition is charged. As an international student you pay the normal graduate registration fees plus a non-resident charge for every unit you take. For Fall 2026, full-time graduate registration fees are $5,631.50 per semester, plus $471 per unit for non-California residents. For 9 units that is $5,631.50 + $4,239 = about $9,870 per semester, slightly more than SJSU's yearly estimate suggests, so budget for the higher figure.

Proof of funds for the I-20. SJSU issues your I-20 after admission. You must show funds covering at least one academic year of the estimated total: $48,162 for 2026–27, or $49,363 for 2027–28 if you start in Fall 2027. Add $5,000 for each family member coming with you. Bank documents must be in English, on bank letterhead, dated within 6 months of your application, and show a specific amount in US dollars. SJSU does not accept solvency letters, employer letters, line-of-credit letters or investment and valuation statements as proof. See our I-20 proof of funds guide.

Can you reduce the cost?

Options are limited, so plan to pay the full amount.

• Scholarships. SJSU says international students can only receive merit-based scholarships; need-based aid is not available to them. SJSU's international student office lists scholarships for F-1 students, including the Global Spartan Scholarship and the Louie Barozzi Scholarship (SJSU international scholarships).
• Campus jobs and assistantships. Teaching and research associate positions are filled by departments, and F-1 students can only work on campus within visa limits. Ask your department after admission; do not count on this income in your budget.

Getting in: what SJSU looks at

Your degree must match the program. For the MS in Computer Science, SJSU says: "The prerequisite for the MS Computer Science is a completed four-year bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. A degree in information technology, computer applications, telecommunications, or electrical engineering is NOT sufficient for consideration." A 3-year degree is not accepted on its own; SJSU's FAQ says applicants who went on to do one or two more years of post-baccalaureate computer science work are considered case by case. See our guide to 3-year degrees in the USA.

GRE. Required for the regular MS Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering and AI programs. The Computer Science department says there are no hard cut-offs: scores are used to compare and rank applicants. GRE scores must be less than five years old (ETS code 4687).

English. Indian degrees do not qualify for SJSU's English test waiver, so you need a test score:

MS Data Science asks for more: TOEFL iBT 90 (4.5). Scores must be less than two years old.

How you apply. Submit the CSU application on Cal State Apply and pay the $70 fee, then apply to your department and complete the extra materials it asks for. SJSU also asks for an evaluation of your Indian transcripts by WES, ACEI or ECE, sent directly by the agency. International applicants upload a Declaration of Finance and bank documents.

Deadlines

From SJSU's international graduate deadlines page:

The Computer Science department lists Fall as its admission term, so confirm with the department before applying for spring. SJSU notes that deadlines can change without notice. Apply well before the deadline: after admission you still need your I-20 and a US visa appointment.

Popular Master's programs for Indian students

• MS Computer Science: College of Science. Four-year CS or Computer Engineering degree required; GRE required; Duolingo not accepted. STEM-eligible.
• MS Software Engineering and MS Computer Engineering: College of Engineering; GRE required for the regular programs; Fall and Spring intakes. STEM-eligible.
• MS Data Science: College of Science; GRE required; higher English requirement (TOEFL iBT 90). STEM-eligible.
• MS Artificial Intelligence: College of Engineering; GRE required for the regular program. STEM-eligible.

Requirements for each program are on SJSU's degree program requirements page. To compare SJSU with other US universities for computer science, open the MS Computer Science in USA comparison.

Where you'll live

SJSU is in downtown San José, in Silicon Valley. SJSU's own living-cost estimate for 2026–27 is $26,490 for the academic year, which is more than its tuition. Most of that is rent, so start looking for housing as soon as you are admitted. See our guide to off-campus housing in the USA.

After you graduate

SJSU lists MS Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence as STEM-eligible, which means you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your OPT (SJSU: 24-month STEM extension). What counts is the CIP code printed on page 1 of your I-20, so check it when you receive the I-20. See our OPT and STEM OPT guide.

Who SJSU is a good fit for

• A strong choice if you have a four-year B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, a GRE score, and want a public-university price in Silicon Valley.
• Think carefully if your degree is a BCA, a 3-year B.Sc., IT or electronics (you won't meet the MS Computer Science prerequisite), or if your budget can't cover about $48,000–$50,000 a year, most of it living costs.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from these official SJSU pages, checked on 13 October 2026:

• Required financial documents for international students (cost estimates, proof of funds)
• Fall registration fees (Bursar)
• Graduate degree program requirements
• Graduate test requirements (English and GRE)
• International graduate deadlines
• MS Computer Science: how to apply and FAQ
• How to apply: graduate admission (Cal State Apply, $70 fee, transcript evaluation)
• Scholarships (Financial Aid office) and scholarships for international students
• STEM-eligible graduate programs

Fees and rules change. Always confirm on SJSU's own pages before you pay or apply.