California State University, Northridge (加州州立大学北岭分校) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
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If you are researching California State University, Northridge (加州州立大学北岭分校) as an international student, this California State University, Northridge international student guide brings together the key official facts you need. CSUN is a leading public university in Los Angeles, and its International and Exchange Student Center (IESC) provides dedicated services for F‑1 and J‑1 visa holders. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background, and this guide helps you understand the institution’s profile, entry pathways, costs, and how to prepare a well‑informed application.
UNILINK offers application information and support tailored to your background. This service is not an admission or visa promise; it helps you prepare and submit your application with clarity. A consultant will contact you within one business day to discuss your situation. All admission outcomes depend on meeting the university’s current entry requirements and are confirmed solely by the official offer letter.
About California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge (加州州立大学北岭分校) traces its origins to the autumn of 1956, when it opened as the San Fernando Valley Campus of the Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences. On 1 July 1958, the campus separated from its parent institution, a date that marks the founding of today’s university. It was later known as San Fernando Valley State College before receiving its current name on 1 June 1972.
The campus covers 353 acres, and in autumn 2024 the total student enrolment stood at 36,848. Among those students, 69 percent were first‑generation university attendees. The academic offering is broad: in autumn 2024, there were 152 undergraduate majors and 109 master’s degree programmes. The president of CSUN is Dr Erika D. Beck.
CSUN’s location in Los Angeles places students in a dynamic, globally connected region. The university’s scale and the proportion of first‑generation students reflect an environment where many learners are navigating higher education as the first in their families to do so.
Programmes and Academic Pathways
CSUN offers undergraduate and graduate study across a wide range of disciplines. With 152 undergraduate majors and 109 master’s programmes recorded in autumn 2024, prospective international students can explore fields that align with their academic and career goals. The university’s programme structure is designed for direct entry into bachelor’s or master’s level study, with no pathway or foundation programme details specified in the current official materials reviewed here.
Because programme availability, curriculum content, and delivery mode can change between academic terms, you should consult the university’s current official programme pages for the most accurate and detailed information. When preparing your application, it is helpful to identify a primary programme of interest and at least one alternative, then check the specific entry requirements for each.
If you are comparing different types of preparation routes before starting a degree, you can also read our overview of common international student pathways.
Compare international student pathways
Entry Requirements for International Students
International applicants must meet the university’s academic and English language standards, which vary by programme and level of study. The official materials reviewed for this guide do not list specific minimum grades, test scores, or prerequisite subjects. Therefore, you should refer to the programme page for your intended major and the international admissions section of the CSUN website for the most current requirements.
In general, undergraduate applicants are expected to have completed secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, while graduate applicants need a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. English proficiency can typically be demonstrated through standardised tests, but the exact accepted tests and score thresholds are set by the university and confirmed at the time of application.
All international students are also required to attend New Student Orientation (NSO). The NSO registration for 2026 is already open. The orientation includes an international‑specific session and takes place at the University Student Union (USU), with check‑in at Plaza del Sol. Parking is available in nearby structures and lots, including the G3 parking structure, G3, G4, and F5 parking lots, and the G6 parking structure. If you are a newly admitted transfer international student, you will access the NSO through an online platform designed for your group.
For questions about your immigration status or the enrolment process, you can contact the International and Exchange Student Center directly by phone.
Step‑by‑step application guide for international students
Tuition Fees and Costs
Tuition fees for international students at CSUN are not published in the materials reviewed for this guide. As a public California university, CSUN sets different fee rates for residents and non‑residents, and international students generally fall into the non‑resident category. The total cost of attendance also includes living expenses, health insurance, books, and personal costs, all of which can vary depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Because fee structures are updated periodically and can differ by programme and credit load, you should check the university’s current official tuition and fees page for international students. When budgeting, plan for the full academic year and confirm whether the quoted fees are per semester or per year. The International and Exchange Student Center can also advise on the estimated cost of attendance for visa documentation purposes.
International Student Support and Campus Life
The International and Exchange Student Center (IESC) is the primary support office for F‑1 and J‑1 visa students. Its office is located at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330‑8445, and can be reached by phone at (818) 677‑3053 or by fax at (818) 677‑4191. The IESC is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The SEVIS school code for CSUN is LOS214F00261000, which you will need for your visa application.
Beyond immigration advising, campus life at CSUN includes student clubs and extracurricular activities. Engaging with these opportunities can help you build connections and adjust to studying in the United States. The university’s size and location in Los Angeles also mean that cultural, professional, and recreational options extend well beyond the campus.
For document preparation and credential evaluation, you may find it useful to review our document service overview.
Document service for international applications
How to Apply and What to Expect After Submission
The application process for international students typically involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a copy of your passport, and financial documentation. The exact list of required documents depends on your chosen programme and level of study. After you submit your application, the university will review your file and communicate its decision through the official admissions portal.
Once admitted, you will receive instructions for the mandatory New Student Orientation and for obtaining your visa documents. The IESC will guide you through the steps related to your F‑1 or J‑1 status. It is important to follow the timelines provided by the university and to respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Because application procedures and deadlines can change, always refer to the current international admissions page on the CSUN website. If you would like support in organising your application materials and understanding each step, you can learn more about how UNILINK follows up after you submit your details.
How UNILINK follows up on your application
FAQ
Q1: Does California State University, Northridge offer spring intake for international students?
Yes, students can apply for spring 2027 admission. Intake availability may vary by programme, so you should confirm that your intended major accepts spring applications.
Q2: What is the SEVIS school code for CSUN?
The SEVIS school code is LOS214F00261000. You will need this code when completing your visa application forms and paying the SEVIS fee.
Q3: Is New Student Orientation mandatory for international students?
Yes, New Student Orientation (NSO) is mandatory for all international students. The orientation includes an international‑specific session and takes place at the University Student Union, with check‑in at Plaza del Sol. Registration for 2026 NSO is already open.
Q4: Where can I get help with immigration or visa questions?
You can contact the International and Exchange Student Center (IESC) at (818) 677‑3053. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and serves F‑1 and J‑1 visa students.
Q5: How do I find the exact tuition fees for my programme?
Tuition fees for international students are not listed in the materials reviewed for this guide. You should visit the university’s current official tuition and fees page for international students, as rates are updated periodically and can differ by programme and credit load.
Q6: What is the size and setting of the CSUN campus?
The campus covers 353 acres and is located in Los Angeles. In autumn 2024, total student enrolment was 36,848, and 69 percent of students were first‑generation university attendees.
信息来源
- California State University, Northridge – “California State University, Northridge” page, verified 22 July 2026
- California State University, Northridge – “About California State University, Northridge” page, verified 22 July 2026
- California State University, Northridge – “International and Exchange Student Center | CSU Northridge” page, verified 22 July 2026
- California State University, Northridge – “International Students | CSU Northridge” page, verified 22 July 2026
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.