Foothill + De Anza Colleges | Silicon Valley, CA

Program Options

 

Foothill and De Anza Colleges offer an exceptional range of majors, programs, and courses, giving students the flexibility to pursue their academic goals in a way that fits their interests, schedule, and location. Students choose what, how and when they want to study. 

Our flexible study options allow students around the world to access a top-notch education from anywhere. Whether the goal is to earn transferable university credit, complete an associate degree, or pursue a career-focused certificate, students benefit from the same high-quality instruction from California-based faculty, innovative curriculum, and academic support that define our colleges. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, our programs are shaped by one of the world’s leading centers of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students build a strong academic foundation that prepares them to transfer to prestigious universities, including the University of California and private universities, or to pursue career opportunities in high-demand fields. No matter which path they choose, students gain valuable skills, confidence, and access to opportunities that support their long-term academic and professional goals.

Study on Campus

Studying on campus at Foothill College or De Anza College offers international students the opportunity to experience a California college lifestyle in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most innovative regions. Explore everything the Northern California offers, from San Francisco and the Pacific Coast to hiking, food, culture, professional sports and entertainment. Students can choose from 100+ academic programs, learn in small, supportive classes, and connect with faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping students succeed. Each campus has its own unique character. Foothill College is located in the scenic hills of Los Altos, while De Anza College sits in the vibrant city of Cupertino. Students can participate in clubs, year-round campus events, and student activities, receive personalized support from our welcoming International Student Programs office. Students may also choose to live in campus housing and ride our free shuttle that transports students between the two campuses.

Foothill Full Programs List

De Anza Full Programs List

Campus Housing

Explore the Local Area

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Global Online from Abroad

Our Global Online option allows students to begin their studies with Foothill College or De Anza College from anywhere in the world. Students can enroll in individual online courses or, depending on the major, complete an entire associate degree online from abroad. For many students, this provides a flexible pathway to begin earning U.S. college credit while remaining in their home country, whether by choice or due to personal or travel circumstances. This flexible option allows students to experience the academic quality of Foothill and De Anza while building credits that may support future academic goals, including transferring to a four-year university. Students who study through Global Online still receive the support and resources that help our students succeed. Online students have access to academic advising, tutoring services, library resources, and opportunities to participate in virtual clubs, activities, and campus events when available.

Foothill Online Courses

De Anza Online Courses

Online Study FAQ

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Global High School Scholars

Our Global High School Scholars (GHSS) program, allows motivated high school students from around the world to enroll in a variety of online college courses offered by Foothill College and De Anza College while completing their secondary education in their home countries. By successfully completing a course, you earn U.S. college credit that appears on an official Foothill or De Anza College transcript and may be transferable to universities in the United States and internationally, depending on each institution’s transfer policies. You will also gain early exposure to the U.S. college academic environment. You’ll learn how to engage with college professors, manage university-level assignments, participate in online discussions, and meet academic expectations similar to those of full-time college students. For many students, this experience builds confidence, strengthens university applications, and provides a smoother transition to future undergraduate study, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Global High School Scholars FAQ

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Short-term Certificates

Certificate programs provide a flexible option for students who want to gain new skills, explore a field of interest, or add valuable credentials. Foothill College and De Anza College offer a variety of short-term certificate programs focused on specific areas of study and designed for students who want to prepare for immediate employment or strengthen their professional skills. These programs allow students to build practical knowledge in targeted fields without committing to a full degree program, and many certificates can typically be completed in about two to three academic quarters. Course units completed for a certificate may also count toward an associate degree, giving students the flexibility to continue their studies if they choose.

Foothill Certificates

De Anza Certificates

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