National University (国立大学) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission

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National University (国立大学) is a private nonprofit institution headquartered in San Diego, California, founded in 1971 by a retired U.S. Navy captain. It is the largest private nonprofit university in San Diego and serves approximately 50,000 students. If you are looking for a National University international student guide that covers programmes, entry requirements, fees, and application support, this page gives you the key facts drawn from the university’s official public information. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background — our team can help you understand what National University offers and how to prepare a complete application file, always with the understanding that final admission decisions rest with the university and must meet the institution’s current entry requirements.

Before you proceed, please note the service boundary clearly: UNILINK provides application information and support based on the applicant’s background. We do not make admission or visa promises, and all outcomes depend on meeting the institution’s current official entry requirements and receiving an official offer. If you reach out to us, we will contact you within one business day.

At a Glance: National University Profile

National University (国立大学) was established by Dr. David Chigos, a U.S. Navy captain, with a clear mission to serve working adults and military-affiliated learners. The university is accredited by WSCUC and holds Carnegie classification recognition from the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. It is also recognised by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and Excelencia in Education. Over 250,000 alumni have graduated from National University, and the institution currently enrols roughly 50,000 students.

In 2022, National University merged with Northcentral University, adding more than 10,000 students and over 80 graduate and doctoral programmes to its academic portfolio. The university offers more than 150 degree programmes spanning associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Course delivery is built around online and hybrid formats with four-week and eight-week terms, and the university operates on a year-round admissions cycle with monthly start dates.

Programmes and Academic Pathways

National University provides over 150 degree programmes across multiple levels. The academic offering covers associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Following the merger with Northcentral University, the institution added more than 80 graduate and doctoral programmes, significantly expanding its postgraduate options.

The university structures its courses into four-week and eight-week terms, with new cohorts starting every month. This rolling enrolment model is designed to let students begin their studies without waiting for a traditional semester calendar. The programmes are delivered online and in hybrid formats, which gives students flexibility in how they attend classes. Because the university does not publish a single fixed list of all available majors in its general overview pages, prospective applicants should check the current programme catalogue on the official National University website for the most up-to-date list of fields and specialisations. For students considering a pathway approach before entering a full degree, UNILINK’s pathway comparison can help you understand how different preparatory and bridging options compare.

Entry Requirements and Admissions Process

National University accepts and reviews applications year-round, and students who complete the admissions process may be able to start as early as the following month. The university does not charge an application fee for any degree programme, which lowers the upfront cost of applying.

Admissions requirements vary by programme and degree level. The university’s official public pages do not list a single set of standardised entry criteria that applies across all programmes, so specific requirements — such as prior academic qualifications, minimum grade point averages, or professional experience — must be confirmed on the programme page of interest. For applicants whose prior education was completed outside the United States, credential evaluation may be required, but the exact policy depends on the programme and the applicant’s background.

A critical point for readers of this National University international student guide is that National University currently only admits U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). This means that international students who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible for admission at this time. If your immigration status falls outside these categories, you will need to look at other institutions. UNILINK’s application guide explains how to prepare documents and meet common admissions requirements for universities that do accept international applicants.

For any applicant who meets the eligibility criteria, the admissions office can be reached at (855) 355-6288. Because policies and intake eligibility can change, always verify the latest admissions information directly with the university before preparing your application.

Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Support

National University does not publish a single flat tuition rate that applies to all programmes on its general information pages. The cost of attendance depends on the specific degree, the number of courses taken per term, and the student’s residency and military status. Prospective students should consult the official tuition page for the programme they are considering to get an accurate fee breakdown.

The university offers several scholarship and discount programmes. The Key Grant Scholarship is a need-based award of up to $3,600 per year. Transfer students who hold an associate degree may qualify for a transfer scholarship that can save up to $10,000 per year. For eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents, National University provides a 25% tuition discount. In the 2023–2024 academic year, the university awarded $37 million in scholarships and grants. Each of these financial support options has its own eligibility criteria, and applicants should confirm the current terms on the university’s financial aid pages. For support with organising your application documents before you submit, UNILINK’s document service can help you prepare a well-structured file.

How UNILINK Supports Your Application

When you work with UNILINK, the process focuses on giving you clear, factual information and helping you put together an application that matches the university’s requirements. We start by understanding your academic background, your programme interests, and your eligibility status. Because National University currently restricts admission to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the first step is to confirm whether you fall within the eligible categories. If you do, we can guide you through the document preparation, application timeline, and scholarship options. If you do not, we can help you explore alternative institutions that accept international applicants.

After you submit your application, UNILINK follows up to make sure you know what to expect next. Our follow-up commitment outlines how we stay in touch and provide ongoing support without making promises about outcomes. All admission decisions are made solely by the university, and you must meet the institution’s current entry requirements and receive an official offer to secure a place. To learn more about who we are and how we work, visit our about page.

FAQ

Q1: Does National University accept international students?

According to the university’s official international students page, National University currently only admits U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). If you do not hold one of these statuses, you are not eligible for admission at this time. Always check the latest policy on the university’s website, as admission criteria can change.

Q2: How much does it cost to apply to National University?

National University does not charge an application fee for any degree programme. This means you can submit your application without paying an upfront fee, which is helpful if you are comparing multiple institutions or want to explore your options before committing.

Q3: What scholarships are available at National University?

The university offers several financial support options. The Key Grant Scholarship is a need-based award of up to $3,600 per year. Transfer students with an associate degree may qualify for a scholarship that can save up to $10,000 per year. Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents can receive a 25% tuition discount. In the 2023–2024 academic year, the university distributed $37 million in scholarships and grants. Eligibility requirements vary, so check the current terms on the official financial aid page.

Q4: How quickly can I start a programme at National University?

National University operates on a year-round admissions cycle with monthly start dates. Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you may be able to begin classes as early as the following month. The exact start date depends on when you complete the admissions process and which programme you choose.

Q5: What is the class format at National University?

National University delivers courses in four-week and eight-week terms through online and hybrid formats. This structure is designed for students who need flexibility, including working adults. The specific format available for your programme depends on the course and degree level, so confirm the delivery mode on the programme’s official page.

信息来源

• National University, “National University I Earn Your Degree Online | Private College with Flexible, Accredited Programs,”.
• National University, “About | National University,”.
• National University, “Contact National University | Take The First Step in Your Journey,”.
• National University, “Admissions & Application Information | National University,”.
• National University, “International Students | National University,”.

Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.