Top English courses in San Francisco

1. San Francisco as a language learning destination

San Francisco offers some of the best English courses in the United States. It sits at the crossroads of technology, creativity, and global commerce. The city attracts entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, and dreamers from every continent, creating one of the most multilingual urban environments in the United States. For anyone looking to learn or improve English, this diversity brings a major advantage: you will encounter native speakers from many different backgrounds and hear English used in countless real-world situations every day.

The Bay Area technology sector has drawn companies like Google, Apple, and a number of startups. But the city also has a long tradition of welcoming newcomers, with community organizations and public colleges offering accessible English instruction to immigrants, workers, tourists, and visitors of all kinds.

I have compiled this guide to help you navigate the range of English courses in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. Whether you need a student visa, prefer a casual part-time class, or want intensive preparation for university studies, you will find options here to match your goals and budget.

2. Who can study English in San Francisco?

English courses in San Francisco serve many different groups of learners.

• International students on F-1 visas: Full-time intensive programs that issue Form I-20 for student visa applications
• Visitors and tourists: Short-term courses available on a tourist visa (ESTA or B-2) provided they are part-time and do not exceed 18 hours per week
• Immigrants and permanent residents: Community college and nonprofit programs, many of which are free or low-cost
• Working professionals: Evening and weekend classes designed for people with jobs or other daytime commitments
• Families: Some schools offer programs for parents and children to learn together

3. Top English courses in San Francisco

I have organized the following schools from the most affordable options to more intensive and specialized programs. This way, you can quickly find options that fit your budget before diving into details.

City College of San Francisco operates one of the largest community college systems in California, and its Noncredit ESL Program provides free English classes to anyone who wants to learn. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have any particular immigration status. The program includes general English courses, conversation and pronunciation practice, workplace English, and vocational training for those preparing to enter the workforce.

Tuition Free

Format In-person classes at Chinatown, Downtown, Mission, and Ocean campuses. Online classes also available through Canvas with Zoom meetings.

Levels Beginner to advanced, with placement assessment to determine your starting level

Schedule Morning, afternoon, and evening options available depending on campus and level

F-1 visa No. Noncredit ESL does not issue I-20 forms. However, CCSF does offer a separate Intensive English Program for international students (see below).

For international students seeking F-1 visa support, CCSF offers a separate Intensive English Program (IEP). This academic-focused program prepares students to achieve the English proficiency required for college coursework. Upon reaching the necessary TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score, IEP students receive priority consideration for admission into CCSF's credit programs. The school has over 100 years of English teaching experience and employs instructors with advanced degrees.

Tuition $3,015 for full semester (18 weeks) or $1,615 for half semester (9 weeks)

Application fee $50 (non-refundable)

Schedule Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (20 hours per week)

Sessions Fall 2025: August 18 to December 16. Spring 2026: January 12 to May 14. No summer session.

Curriculum Reading and writing, grammar, speaking and listening, study skills, TOEFL preparation techniques

F-1 visa Yes. CCSF issues I-20 forms for IEP students. You must demonstrate at least $32,000 USD in financial support.

Transworld Schools has been teaching English in downtown San Francisco since 1997. The school is known for its affordable tuition and comprehensive program that covers 15 CEFR levels from A1 to C2. What makes Transworld distinctive is its mix of international ESL students and American students training to become English teachers, creating natural opportunities for conversation practice with native speakers.

Tuition $115 per week ($460 per 4-week course)

Extended programs Study Abroad Semester (20 weeks): $2,150. Study Abroad Year (30 weeks): $3,150

Schedule Full-time intensive program with core classes plus electives in conversation, pronunciation, idioms, writing, vocabulary, business English, and TOEFL/IELTS preparation

Levels 15 levels from absolute beginner to advanced, covering CEFR A1 to C2

Programs Intensive English, Business English, TOEFL Preparation, IELTS Preparation

F-1 visa Yes. Transworld is ACCET accredited and authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to issue I-20 forms.

American Academy of English has been serving international students since 1982. The school operates campuses in San Francisco, Oakland, San Mateo, and San Jose, giving you flexibility to study in the Bay Area location most convenient for you. AAE is fully accredited and authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. All instructors are university-trained, and the program covers speaking, listening, grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Tuition $595 per 4 weeks for ESL levels 200 through 500

12-week rate $1,635

Academic purposes program ESL 700 (Intensive ESL for Academic Purposes): $3,000 per 4 weeks

Application fee $100 (non-refundable)

Levels Beginning, intermediate, and advanced (ESL 200 to ESL 500), plus TOEFL Preparation (ESL 500) and Academic Purposes (ESL 700)

Start dates Open enrollment with classes starting on the 1st and 15th of each month

F-1 visa Yes. AAE issues I-20 forms and provides acceptance packets for visa interviews.

English Language Institute occupies one of the most desirable locations of any ESL school in San Francisco. Situated at One Embarcadero Center, students can walk to the Ferry Building, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and the famous cable car terminus within minutes. ELI has been teaching English for 30 years and employs full-time professional teachers. The school includes free daily elective classes in subjects like Business English, Public Speaking, Pronunciation, and American Slang as part of your tuition.

Programs Intensive ESL (4 days per week), Evening ESL (2 days per week), iBT TOEFL Preparation, Business English for Entrepreneurs, Workplace English, University Preparation, Private Tutoring

Levels 6 levels from beginner to advanced

Included benefits Free textbooks, free breakfast snacks and coffee daily, free elective classes, discounts on local housing

F-1 visa Yes. ELI is ACCET accredited and approved by BPPE. The school is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to issue I-20 forms.

The American Language Institute at San Francisco State University is one of the oldest and most respected intensive English programs in the country, established in 1961. As a university-affiliated program, ALI gives you access to SFSU campus resources while you study. The program emphasizes academic English preparation, critical thinking, and the skills needed to succeed at American colleges and universities. Students also enjoy a Conversation Partner Program that pairs them with American university students for practice and cultural exchange.

Tuition $6,400 for 16 weeks (Fall/Spring), $3,650 for 8 weeks, $4,200 for 10 weeks (Summer), $2,800 for 5 weeks (Summer)

Application fee $100 ($150 starting Summer 2026)

Gator Pass $130 per semester (mandatory fee providing access to campus facilities)

Levels 5 levels from low intermediate to advanced (Levels 50 through 90)

Gateway Program Level 90 students take ALI classes alongside one academic course at SFSU for university credit

F-1 visa Yes. ALI issues I-20 forms and provides full immigration advising services.

TALK English Schools operates a campus in San Francisco's famous Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood at Anchorage Square. The school is part of a larger network with locations in Atlanta, Boston, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. TALK offers general English courses, intensive programs, test preparation, business English, and specialized packages for families and teens. The Fisherman's Wharf location puts you within walking distance of historic landmarks, the waterfront, cable cars, and the F-Line streetcar connecting to downtown.

Tuition Starting at $110 per week for students already in the U.S.

Programs General English, Intensive English (General English 22), Test Preparation (TOEFL/IELTS), Business English, One-to-One tutoring

Packages Teen and Junior Package (ages 8-17), Family Package, University Tour, Company Experience (professional development)

Facilities 6 large classrooms, free WiFi, reception area, outdoor patio in Anchorage Square complex

F-1 visa Yes. TALK is ACCET accredited and approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. The school can issue I-20 forms.

4. Tuition comparison table

The following table summarizes tuition costs to help you compare programs at a glance. Keep in mind that additional fees for registration, materials, health insurance, and housing vary by school.

5. Finding the right program for your situation

5.1 For residents and immigrants

If you already live in the Bay Area and want to improve your English without paying tuition, CCSF's Noncredit ESL Program is your best starting point. Classes are free, offered at multiple locations and times, and require no special immigration status. The San Francisco Public Library also offers free ESL tutoring through its BRIDGE program at the Main Library.

5.2 For international students seeking a visa

If you need an F-1 student visa, your choices include CCSF's Intensive English Program (community college pathway), SFSU's American Language Institute (university preparation), and private schools like Transworld, AAE, ELI, and TALK. Consider these factors when deciding:

• University programs at SFSU offer access to campus life and the clearest pathway to degree studies, but they charge higher tuition and run on a fixed academic calendar.
• Private language schools like Transworld and AAE offer more flexible start dates, lower prices, and shorter minimum enrollment periods.
• Schools with college partnerships (ELI, AAE, CCSF) can help you skip the TOEFL when applying to partner institutions after completing their programs.

5.3 For short-term visitors

If you are visiting San Francisco on a tourist visa or ESTA and want to take English classes, you must limit yourself to part-time study (fewer than 18 hours per week). TALK English Schools offers part-time general English options. Keep in mind that studying is supposed to be secondary to your tourism purpose, so a few weeks of casual classes alongside sightseeing is typically acceptable, but enrolling in a full curriculum is not.

5.4 For working professionals

If you work during the day and need evening or weekend classes, check with ELI (which offers evening ESL), CCSF Noncredit (which has evening schedules at several campuses), or inquire with private schools about their scheduling flexibility. Many schools can also arrange private tutoring sessions at times that fit your work schedule.

6. Living in San Francisco while studying

6.1 Housing costs

San Francisco ranks among the most expensive cities in the United States for housing. Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,500 per month for a room in a shared apartment. Homestay arrangements through language schools typically cost $1,000 to $1,500 per month including meals. Living in Oakland, Daly City, or other nearby areas can reduce costs while keeping you within reasonable commuting distance via BART or Muni.

6.2 Transportation

The Bay Area has an extensive public transit network. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects San Francisco to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport. Muni operates buses, streetcars, and the famous cable cars within the city. A Clipper card works on both systems and offers discounted fares. Many students find that living near a BART station makes commuting easier and more affordable than owning a car.

6.3 Part-time work

International students on F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school year. Off-campus work requires special authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Immigrants and residents face no such restrictions. The Bay Area's service industry, tech sector, and gig economy offer various opportunities for English learners seeking part-time income.

6.4 Practicing English outside class

San Francisco provides many opportunities to use English in real situations. You can volunteer at local nonprofits, attend free events at public libraries, join language exchange meetups, explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, or simply chat with the international mix of people you will encounter everywhere. Many schools organize field trips and social activities to help you practice in a structured way.

7. Things to keep in mind

• Free English classes exist through CCSF's Noncredit ESL Program and the San Francisco Public Library.
• F-1 visa students must enroll in SEVP-certified schools that can issue Form I-20.
• Tourist visa holders can only study part-time (under 18 hours per week).
• Downtown schools like Transworld and AAE offer the most affordable private options.
• University-affiliated programs at SFSU provide the most direct pathway to degree studies.
• Schools with college partnerships can waive TOEFL requirements for their graduates.
• Housing costs in San Francisco are high. Consider homestays or living in neighboring cities.

8. Conclusion

There are several English courses in San Francisco offers English for every situation and budget. Whether you are a newly arrived immigrant looking for free community classes, a professional seeking evening instruction, or an international student preparing for university, the Bay Area has a program that fits your needs.

The city's global population means you will encounter English in countless accents and contexts, from tech startup pitches to neighborhood conversations. This real-world exposure complements whatever classroom instruction you choose and accelerates your progress toward fluency.

I recommend starting by identifying your visa situation and budget, then narrowing down schools based on location, schedule, and program focus. Reach out to two or three schools that interest you, ask about current pricing and start dates, and visit the campus if possible. The right program for you depends on your specific goals, timeline, and circumstances.