International Student: Returning to CSUN

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 and whether you are a transfer or a graduate student.

I am returning in good academic standing.

To return to CSUN in good standing or on academic notice, no additional admission criteria are required. However, you will need to meet the international admissions criteria listed below under “Items to Submit, Including Transcripts.”

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, Including Transcripts" described on this page.

I was previously disqualified.

At CSUN, we offer you a path to return after previous disqualification. Being disqualified means your GPA fell below the floor listed for your class level for a specified period of time.

Please see the eligibility requirements after disqualification for undergraduate (transfer) and graduate students below.

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.

Good news! Starting spring 2025, it’s easier for undergraduate students to return to CSUN after previous disqualification.

For Spring 2025 Readmission

You must complete the following two basic subject courses that are required for CSU general education with a grade of C- or better:

• Written Communication
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

We strongly recommend that you also complete the remaining basic subject CSU general education courses with a C- or better before returning to CSUN:

• Critical Thinking*
• Oral Communication (Speech)

*Note: Students re-applying as engineering or computer science majors do not need to complete a critical thinking course prior to readmission.

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

For Fall 2024 Readmission (past)

You must have completed each of the four basic subject courses required for CSU general education with a grade of C- or better at another institution:

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

*Note: Students applying as Engineering or Computer Science majors do not have to complete critical thinking prior to readmission.

While you are preparing to demonstrate your progress, you should also begin your Cal State Apply application. Refer to the "Steps to Re-Apply if Previously Disqualified (Undergraduate)" row below.

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 return in good academic standing.

 1. Review important deadlines.

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

2. Prepare application materials.

Before you apply, assemble the materials you will need to complete your application. Please upload* the following documents to the "Program Materials" section of Cal State Apply before submitting your application:

• Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) 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 (undergraduates only; 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.

*Note: If it is not possible to upload your documents before the deadline to submit your Cal State Apply application, please contact us at intladm@csun.edu for assistance.

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.

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

Before submitting your application, please upload the documents listed in #2 above to the Program Materials section of Cal State Apply.

Carefully review your information before submitting the application.

4. Reactivate your CSUN Portal and Email account.

After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the information you'll need to create or update your CSUN Portal and email account. You may need to wait for our email to access your CSUN Gmail, but you don't need to wait to access the CSUN Portal.

Log in to the CSUN Portal. If you’ve forgotten your CSUN user ID or password, try the options at CSUN Account Information. For more help, visit CSUN User ID and Password.

Check your application status in your CSUN Portal Checklist in the weeks after you apply. For a refresher, visit the Checklist How-to Guide.

You can expect updates regarding your admissions decision to be available in the CSUN Portal in the weeks after your apply.

5. Send additional documents.

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.

Other Documents

• If you did not already upload your completed Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a copy of your bank statement to Cal State Apply before submitting your application, please send them to us following the instructions on the form.

Deadlines

• All transcripts and other documents must be received by the dates in the Review Important Deadlines row above.
• For information on how to submit documents, see the "Items to Submit, Including Transcripts" row below.

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.

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. Begin your application on 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.

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

Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.

4. Submit Your Application

Submit your Cal State Apply application after you:

• Upload* your affidavit of financial support, bank statement and copy of passport photo page, and
• Complete all other required sections.

If possible, please send us your official transcripts for grades earned while away from CSUN no later than the following dates:

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

Submitting your transcripts by the dates above ensures we have enough time to review your records before the semester you intend to return begins.

*Note: If it is not possible to upload your documents before the deadline to submit your Cal State Apply application, please contact us at intladm@csun.edu for assistance.

5. Reactivate 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.

6. Send in your transcripts and other documents.

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. Including Transcripts" section below.

Transcript Deadlines

Transcript deadlines differ for undergraduate students in good standing vs. previously disqualified. Please refer to your student group in the table below.

Graduate students, whether returning in good standing or previously disqualified, should meet any earlier transcript deadlines that are set by their graduate programs. Official transcripts must be postmarked or hand delivered to the Office of International Admissions by the document deadlines for your group in the table below.

Other Document Deadlines

If you did not already upload the following documents to Cal State Apply before submitting your application, please send them to us following the instructions on the form(s):

• Your completed Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a copy of your bank statement.
• A copy of your passport photo page.

Returning graduate students should ask their program coordinator about any earlier deadlines that are unique to their graduate program.

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

All international applicants to CSUN are required to submit the following items.

Cal State Apply Application and Uploaded Documents

1. Online application at Cal State Apply.
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, uploaded* with your bank statement to Cal State Apply.
4. A copy of your passport photo page, uploaded* to Cal State Apply.
5. Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate students only). Not required but will speed the processing of your application. Upload* to Cal State Apply.

*Note: If it is not possible to upload your documents before the deadline to submit your Cal State Apply application, please contact us at intladm@csun.edu for assistance.

Send Us Your Transcripts

Provide the following transcripts after submitting your Cal State Apply application:

• 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. Follow up with final transcripts when your in-progress courses are completed and grades are posted.
• No transcripts are required for returning students in good academic standing or on academic notice who have not taken courses elsewhere since their last attendance at CSUN.

How to Submit Transcripts

• If you have studied in the U.S. since last attending CSUN, you must have the U.S. institution(s) send official transcript(s) directly to CSUN in sealed, unopened envelopes.
• If you have studied outside the U.S., send us any official English translations of all academic records for course work taken outside the U.S. since you last attended CSUN.

• Send OFFICIAL paper transcripts directly to:

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

• For electronic transcripts, choose "CSU Northridge" as the recipient.
• If you have any California community college transcripts, please review eTranscript California and have the transcripts sent through this system.
• You may also hand deliver transcripts in sealed, unopened envelopes to the Office of International Admissions in Bayramian Hall (BH), Room 160 during our business hours.

Please do not send duplicate paper and electronic transcripts!

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:

• Freshmen and transfer applicants, please see Admission Appeals.
• Graduate students, please contact the graduate program to which you applied.

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 New 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:

• Bachelor’s degree – Visit University Advising - I'm a Continuing Student.
• Master’s degree – Visit Master’s Programs by Option for advisor contact information.

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 New 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.

4. 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:

• CSUN Portal Checklist Guide
• How-To Guides
• View Holds

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!

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:

• Visit Payment Due Dates or contact University Cash Services.
• If you have questions about payment, please email us at ucs@csun.edu.

Helpful guides:

• How to Pay Your Fees (payment options)
• International Wire Transfer (PDF)
• View Your Student Financial Account