Prospective Students

International Student: Returning to CSUN

We’re so glad you are considering a return to CSUN! Whether you’ve been gone for a few semesters or several years, your decision to return reflects the kind of persistence and resilience we admire. Welcome back, Matador!

A returning CSUN international student is one who has completed non-extension course work in a previous spring or fall semester. Returning students include those in good academic standing and those wishing to return after previous disqualification in their last semester at CSUN.

Students pursuing a master's degree: Please note you can apply to as many campuses as you wish, each with a $70 application fee, but note you can only apply to one program per campus per admission term. Select only one graduate program in Cal State Apply. We are unable to issue a refund if you apply for two programs or submit two separate applications for the same term.

Readmission Requirements

Application Filing Periods

You may apply to return to CSUN via Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system, at these times:

  • Fall readmission - Apply between Oct. 1 and May 31.
  • Spring readmission - Apply between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31.

Please see important deadlines in the "Steps to Re-apply" sections below. Some deadlines depend on your academic standing.

I am returning in good academic standing.

No additional admission criteria are required to re-apply to CSUN. However, you will need to meet the international admissions criteria listed below under “Items to Submit.”

  • If you have completed any college or university courses since you last attended CSUN, you will need to send us your official transcripts.
  • If you have course work now in progress, send us your official preliminary transcripts.
  • If you have not taken courses elsewhere since your last attendance at CSUN, no transcripts are required.

Please read the "Steps to Re-apply in Good Standing" section on this page. If previously disqualified, please see the section immediately below.

Returning international graduate students, please contact your master's program coordinator/advisor or the department to determine readmission requirements, including whether an additional departmental application, other documents and earlier deadlines are required. You will also need to meet the "Application and Document Deadlines" and provide the "Items to Submit" described on this page.

I was previously disqualified.

At CSUN, we offer you a path to return after previous disqualification. Being disqualified means you must wait at least one semester before enrolling in CSUN courses through the regular process. You must also apply for readmission to CSUN.

Eligibility Requirements for Disqualified Undergraduates

To be considered for readmission as an undergraduate student, you must show improvements that prove your academic growth, which will continue when returning to CSUN. These include:

  • Successfully completing courses in your degree program at another institution.
  • Earning grades that demonstrate the ability to return to good academic standing in a reasonable timeframe if readmitted to CSUN.

You must also complete each of the four basic subject courses required for CSU general education with a grade of C- or better:

  • Written Communication (English)
  • Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (Must be college level, above intermediate algebra)
  • Critical Thinking (Logic)*
  • Oral Communication (Speech)

*Students re-applying as Engineering or Computer Science majors do not have to complete Critical Thinking prior to readmission.

Complete the online Cal State Apply application, including the previously disqualified student questions in the "Program Materials" section. 

We strongly urge you to meet with a CSUN academic advisor in the college of your major to review your specific readmission requirements.

While you are preparing to demonstrate your progress, you should also begin your Cal State Apply application. Review the "Steps to Re-Apply if Previously Disqualified (Undergraduate)" section on this page.

Eligibility Requirements for Disqualified Graduate Students

Your readmission will be determined by your respective graduate program. Please refer to the disqualification and readmission process for graduate students.

If this is your first disqualification, you will need to complete a Graduate Reinstatement form for the semester immediately following the one in which you become disqualified. Contact your program coordinator to complete the process.

If you are required to re-apply to the university, be sure to meet the university deadlines and provide the required items described on this page. Your graduate program may require additional documents and have earlier deadlines, so contact your program coordinator to understand your department's unique requirements and deadlines.

Steps to Re-apply in Good Standing

Steps to return in good academic standing.

 1. Review important deadlines.

Application and document deadlines for international applicants returning in good standing are shown in the table below. 

Application and Document Deadlines
Term of ReadmissionApplication DeadlineDocument Deadline

For Fall Readmission:
The application filing period opens October 1.

May 31June 15

For Spring Readmission:
The application filing period opens August 1.

October 31November 15

2. Prepare application materials.

Before you apply, assemble the materials you will need to complete your application. You can now upload the following documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) to the "program materials" section of Cal State Apply before submitting your application:

  • Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) (both pages) and bank statement. If uploading is not possible, you may email both pages of the financial affidavit and the bank statement to us at intladm@csun.edu.
  • A copy of your passport photo page.
  • Unofficial transcripts (not required but helpful to speed the processing of your application).

You will also need:

  • A credit or debit card. The $70 (U.S. currency) application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit or debit card.

3. Apply via Cal State Apply.

Once you're ready, create an account and complete your application on Cal State Apply. If you already have a Cal State Apply account, you can copy your existing application data to a new application.

Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.

4. Authenticate or update your CSUN Portal and CSUN email accounts.

After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to create or update your CSUN Portal and email accounts. For login help, visit CSUN user ID and password.

Once you've set up your accounts, you can check your application status in the CSUN Portal in My Checklist. You can expect your admission decision to be available as early as mid-March for the coming fall semester and mid-November for the coming spring. In-progress course work and/or missing transcripts can delay the readmission review process.

5. Send any additional transcripts.

If you are returning in good academic standing and have not taken courses elsewhere since you last attended CSUN, no transcripts are required.

If you did take courses, be sure to send us your:

  • Official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN
  • Preliminary transcripts for course work now in progress.

For information on how to submit transcripts, see the "Items to Submit" section below.

Steps to Re-apply if Previously Disqualified (Undergraduate)

Steps to return after disqualification.

 1. Review important deadlines.

You'll need to wait at least one semester after being disqualified before reapplying to CSUN.

  • If disqualified at the end of a spring term, the earliest you can return to CSUN is the next spring term.
  • If disqualified at the end of a fall term, the earliest you can return to CSUN is the next fall term.

Please review the application and questionnaire deadlines for returning international freshmen and transfer students in the table below.

Previously Disqualified Application and Document Deadlines
Term of ReadmissionCal State Apply Application DeadlinePreviously Disqualified Questionnaire Deadline

For fall admission:
The application filing period opens October 1.

April 1April 1

For spring admission:
The application filing period opens August 1.

August 31October 1

2. Prepare application materials.

Before you apply, assemble the materials you will need to complete your application. You will need:

  • A list of the courses you are taking or have taken since you last attended CSUN.
  • A credit or debit card. The $70 (U.S. currency) application fee is due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit or debit card.
  • Financial affidavit and bank statement. If you did not already upload the Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and your bank statement to Cal State Apply before submitting your application, both documents must be emailed to intladm@csun.edu.
  • A copy of your passport photo page (upload it or email it to intladm@csun.edu).

3. Apply Via Cal State Apply

Once you're ready, create an account to begin your application on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. If you already have a Cal State Apply account, you can copy your existing application data to a new application.

Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.

4. Fill out the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire.

After you've answered the initial questions in Cal State Apply, the My Application home page will display four sections in a grid.

  • Select the Program Materials section.
  • Choose the Questions tab inside the Program Materials section.
  • Under the Previously Disqualified Question heading on the Questions tab, select the “yes” radio button if you are applying as a returning student who was previously disqualified at CSUN.
  • When you select “yes,” the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire will display. Complete these questions as accurately as possible. See the note in Step 5.

5. Submit Your Application

After filling out the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire and all other required sections, submit your application through Cal State Apply.

Please note: If you do not complete the online questionnaire before submitting your application, you will need to prepare and submit the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire (PDF). You must submit the form and any attachments to the Office of International Admissions no later than the following deadlines:

  • By April 1 for readmission to the coming fall semester
  • By October 1 for readmission to the coming spring semester

You may email the completed Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire (PDF) and attachments to intladm@csun.edu, mail the packet, or deliver it in person during our business hours.

6. Authenticate or Update Your CSUN Portal and Email Accounts

After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to create or update your CSUN Portal and email accounts. For login help, visit CSUN user ID and password.

Once you've set up your accounts, you can check your application status in the CSUN Portal in My Checklist. You will be notified via CSUN email of your readmission decision as early as mid-April for fall admission and mid-November for spring admission. In-progress course work and/or missing transcripts can delay the readmission review process..

7. Send in your transcripts.

Be sure to send us your:

  • Official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN
  • Official preliminary transcripts for course work now in progress.

For information on how to submit transcripts, see the "Items to Submit" section below.

Application and Document Deadlines

Application and document deadlines for returning international students are shown in the table below.

Admissions Deadlines for Returning International Students
Semester and Returning StatusApplication DeadlineDocument Deadline

For fall admission — returning in good academic standing:

The application filing period opens Oct. 1.

May 31June 15

For fall admission — returning undergraduates who were previously disqualified:

The application filing period opens Oct. 1.

April 1April 1

For spring admission - returning in good academic standing:

The application filing period opens Aug. 1.

Oct. 31Nov. 15

For spring admission - returning undergraduates who were previously disqualified:

The application filing period opens Aug. 1.

 Sept. 30 Oct. 1

Items to Submit

All international applicants for readmission to CSUN are required to submit the following:

  1. Complete the online application at Cal State Apply. Please read the instructions carefully and complete all appropriate sections. If you already have a Cal State Apply account, you can copy your existing application data to a new application. Helpful: 

    • Learn more at Use an Existing Account to Reapply.
    • You might also need to Reset Your Cal State Apply Password.

    If you are an international freshman and transfer student who is returning to CSUN, please see the special instructions in the Steps to Re-Apply (Undergraduate) section on this page.

  2. A $70.00 (U.S. currency) non-refundable application fee is due at the time of submission and must be paid by credit or debit card.
  3. Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and bank statement. Complete this form and upload it with your bank statement to Cal State Apply before you submit your application.
  4. A copy of your passport photo page. Upload to Cal State Apply before you submit your application.
  5. Unofficial transcripts. Upload to Cal State Apply before submitting (not required but will speed the processing of your application).
  6. After you apply on Cal State Apply, send us the following transcripts:
  • Your OFFICIAL transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN.
  • Preliminary transcripts for course work now in progress.
  • No transcripts are required for returning students in good academic standing who have not taken courses elsewhere since their last attendance at CSUN.
  • Applicants who have studied in the U.S. since their last attendance at CSUN must have the U.S. institution(s) send official transcript(s) directly to CSUN.
  • If you are attending a California community college, please review eTranscript California. Note: Please do not send identical, duplicate paper and electronic transcripts!

Send OFFICIAL paper transcripts directly to:

California State University, Northridge
Attention: International Admissions
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207
U.S.A.

After You Apply

  1. Check your application status. Log in to the CSUN Portal and review your complete and incomplete tasks in My Checklist. Helpful: My Checklist Guide
    • Seeking Bachelor’s Degree: You will be notified by the Office of International Admissions of your admissibility to the university.
    • Seeking Master’s Degree: As soon as the graduate department has notified us in the Office of International Admissions of your admissibility, we will notify you.
  2. Check often for CSUN correspondence sent to your CSUN email address, by regular mail, and in the CSUN Portal (login required).

If you are readmitted, you'll need to take some additional steps. Please read the rest of the information on this page.

If you are denied readmission to the university, you may appeal this decision:

After You are Admitted

Returning International Student

You’ve been readmitted to CSUN. Well done! Here are your next steps:

  • If you have a J-1 visa, please visit J-1 Visa Holding Exchange Students for your next steps and advisement.
  • If you have an F-1 visa, review this page, noting your student group and situation below.

Step 1 — Obtain your Form I-20.

You will receive your Form I-20 by email based on your location as follows:

  • If you are transferring from a U.S. school: As soon as you receive our email offering admission, ask your high school advisor to transfer your SEVIS record to CSUN. Once you have completed your classes there and about three to five business days after your school releases you in the SEVIS database, our International Admissions Office will email your CSUN Form I-20 to you.
  • If you are living outside the U.S. when admitted: Once you have sent us your financial documents, our International Admissions Office will email your CSUN Form I-20 to the email address you provided in your Cal State Apply admission application.
Form I-20 Delivery Options: 

If you prefer one of the following options other than receiving your I-20 by email, please contact us at intladm@csun.edu as soon as possible:

  • Pick up your CSUN Form I-20 from our International Admissions Office at CSUN, or
  • Ask us to hold your I-20 for a friend or family member to pick up, or
  • Ask us to mail your I-20 to you or a friend or family member.

Step 2 — Complete visa and immigration advisement.

Upon admission, all new and returning F-1 students must complete the online Six-Step Immigration Requirements for New International Students, including the mandatory Reporting Session with CSUN's International and Exchange Student Center (IESC). These steps allow you to maintain visa status and register for CSUN classes.

IESC will email you instructions to complete the steps, but you can start now at Immigration Requirements for Newly Admitted International Students.

IMPORTANT!

If you are outside of the U.S. at the time of your admission, please arrange an appointment at a local U.S. Embassy to secure your F-1 student visa. This can be a long process, so please make the appointment as soon as possible.

If you are unable to enter the U.S. for the spring or fall semester of your admission, please contact the International and Exchange Student Center.

Step 3 — Meet with an academic advisor.

Before you enroll in classes, make an appointment with an academic advisor for guidance on your course selections. Find an advisor based on your degree goal and major or program:

Prepare for your advisement meeting with the Degree Planning Tools.

Once registration begins, you should receive an email from your academic department advisor directing you to set up an online or in-person advising appointment.

Step 4 — Prepare for registration.

You must complete the following requirements before you can enroll in classes:

  1. Complete IESC’s Six-Step Immigration Requirements for Newly Admitted International Students (Step 2 above).
  2. Meet with an academic advisor (Step 3 above).
  3. Clear any registration holds, which will block enrollment in classes. Access Title IX "Not Anymore" Training.
  1. Check your CSUN email inbox for a new student registration message with instructions for your first semester of enrollment. Your enrollment appointment and any registration holds will display in your CSUN Portal Checklist.

These tutorials are helpful for registration:

Step 5 — Pay for your classes.

Please see the Tuition and Payment Deadlines section immediately below.

Best wishes for your first semester back at CSUN!

Tuition and Payment Deadlines

You and your family should take time to understand what your costs will be so you can make informed choices when preparing for this next step in your education. Please note that our international students pay basic tuition as well as nonresident tuition. All students pay additional mandatory campus fees.

The resources below will help you to estimate the cost of attending CSUN:

  1. CSUN Cost of Attendance
  2. CSUN Net Price Calculator
  3. Complete the Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF)Note: Submit this form together with your bank statement if you did not already upload them to Cal State Apply. Please see instructions on the form.

 Although the university does not offer financial aid to international students, other resources can assist you with the cost of attendance. Please visit Scholarship Opportunities for International Students.

 For the most up-to-date information regarding tuition and other fees, refer to the Student Financial Services website.

How to pay for your classes

To view tuition and other fees:

  1. Go to the CSUN Portal login page.
  2. In the list of links below the Top Tools icons, select Make a Payment.
  3. On the Student Account Information page, review your Current Balance Outstanding.
  4. Select the CSUN Payment button.

Important payment information:

Helpful guides: