Study in San Diego

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Key facts

  • Summer/winter temperature
    73/59°F
  • Population
    1.54 million
  • Universities
    29
  • Country
    USA

Why study in San Diego?

Stretched along the Pacific coast of California, San Diego is famed for its sandy beaches, sunny climate, and relaxed lifestyle.

Thanks to the world-leading universities based in the city, San Diego is home to a youthful, vibrant, and friendly population. When you’re not studying, you’ll love exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife and visiting its world-famous zoo.

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Universities in San Diego

San Diego is a higher-education powerhouse. International students can choose from several acclaimed universities and colleges, as well as specialist schools in law, design, healthcare, and science.

What to study in San Diego

With so many world-class institutions located in San Diego, it won’t be difficult to find a program that suits your interests and goals. If you’re looking for some inspiration, courses in business, management, and marketing are particularly popular.

Programs are available at all degree levels in San Diego, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate.

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What is the cost of study in San Diego?

Tuition fees in San Diego vary hugely depending on where you choose to study. Smaller universities can charge around $7,000 in tuition fees each year, while the cost of enrolling at higher-profile institutions can reach up to $49,000 annually. Many universities offer scholarships to support students with their expenses.

San Diego is a notoriously expensive place to live, but it’s still cheaper than other Californian destinations like Los Angeles and San Francisco. It costs approximately $1,500 each month to rent a private apartment in the city, but you should also factor in the cost of utilities, books, transport, and groceries.

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How to study in San Diego

To be part of San Diego’s impressive education community, you’ll need to complete your secondary education in your home country. You must then apply directly to the universities you’d like to attend, providing you meet their entry requirements.

Each university will have different admissions criteria for international students, but most will ask you to submit evidence of your English language proficiency. The most common method of language assessment in the US is the TOEFL iBT test.

Once you’ve accepted a university place, you can start the US student visa application process. An F1 visa allows you to remain in the US for the duration of your program.

Student reviews for San Diego

Chau Dang
vn flag
Studied Hospitality Management at Alliant International University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about San Diego

San Diego is a perfect and dream city for you to live in USA.

Jeanne Menil Meresse
fr flag
Studied Hospitality Management at Alliant International University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    1
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    1
Tell us about San Diego

San Diego is great, no transports (which is really bad), we can find everything we need! The park spots are quite hard to find.

Romain Boyer
fr flag
Studied Hospitality Management at Alliant International University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    1
  • Accommodation
    1
  • University facilities
    1
Tell us about San Diego

San Diego a good city to live a lot of shop, nightlife and facilities!

Al Rashmia Tanco
ph flag
Studied Hospitality Management at Alliant International University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about San Diego

I would choose San Diego over anything to study in. The weather and minimum traffic really comforts me and my classmates, especially to first-timers in America (such as myself). Healthy options (restaurants and groceries) are easily accessible and always just a few minutes away from where we are (whether just at home, driving back from work, or visiting a friend for a get-together). Given the choice, San Diego is a place I see myself settling in. It's safer than any place I've been and I can't emphasize enough how great the weather is all year round.

Angeline Macalinao
ph flag
Studied Hospitality Management at Alliant International University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about San Diego

San Diego has a perfect weather, I enjoy the beaches and the shopping centers.