Transfer Admissions

We’re so glad you are exploring California State University, Northridge as your next institution of higher education. We’re looking for students like you — determined to succeed no matter the obstacles. We'll help you find a career and make a difference in your community. Join the Matador nation!

 New: Accepting All Transfer Student Applications!

Beginning with spring 2027, you can apply to CSUN as a transfer student whether you have completed:

  • Fewer than 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units), or
  • 60 or more transferable semester units (90 quarter units).

Get started with the steps below.

 

How to Apply as a Transfer Student

Your admission requirements are based on the following factors:

  • The semester you plan to enter CSUN — fall 2026 or spring 2027.

  • The number of college-level units you will have completed by the time you plan to enter CSUN.

  • Completion of at least two of the Golden Four CSU General Education courses — English Composition and Mathematics — with a grade of C minus or better.

  • Attaining an overall college GPA of 2.0 or better. *

*Note: GPA requirements may be higher for applicants who chose a competitive major. Visit our Transfer Impaction page to see if your major is impacted.

For Additional Requirements:

Review Transfer Admission Requirements and Eligibility

Other Admission Pathways:

International Transfer Admission

Undergraduate Veteran Students Admission

Fall 2026 Admissions

  • Apply from Oct. 1 to May 15, 2026 for most majors.
  • A few competitive majors will close earlier due to high demand.
Earlier Application Deadlines by Major
  • Jan. 31, 2026
    • Cinema and Television Arts – Film Production option
    • Cinema and Television Arts – Television Production option
    • Music – All options
  • Feb. 28, 2026
    • Associate Degree in Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ADN to BSN, Community College Collaborative program)

    • Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN post-licensure program)

Learn more at impacted majors and Nursing programs.

Spring 2027 Admissions

  • Apply from July 1 to Oct. 15, 2026 for all majors.

Other Dates

You'll also want to make sure you apply for financial aid and scholarships in a timely manner.

Review Dates and Deadlines

Explore our majors and decide which program you'll select on your Cal State Apply application.

  • Transfer applicants with 59 or fewer units may choose “Undecided” as their major.
  • Transfer applicants with 60 or more units must select a major in Cal State Apply.

Every year, some competitive (impacted) majors receive more applicants than we can accept. These majors will have higher GPA minimums.

Learn about CSUN's Transfer Impaction

To apply as a transfer applicant, you'll need:

  • Unofficial transcripts. You will be required to enter all courses you have completed, coursework in progress, and courses you plan to take before you enter CSUN.
  • Social Security number, if you have one.
  • Your citizenship status. Please note this is for CSU tuition purposes and will not affect your admission application.
  • Application fee of $70. Due at the time of submission and can only be paid by credit or debit card. If you are a California resident, the online application will automatically calculate your eligibility for an application fee waiver.
  • Annual income. If you are a dependent, then you'll report your parents’ or guardian’s income. If you are independent, report your income.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): CSUN welcomes students who are historically low-income, educationally disadvantaged and first-generation college students.

If you are applying for fall admission as a transfer student with 60 or more units, be sure to complete the EOP application section of Cal State Apply. Also visit CSUN EOP Admissions for instructions to complete your EOP application process.

Once you're ready, create an account and complete your application on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.

After you apply, watch for an email from our office with the info you'll need to activate your CSUN Portal and email account. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. You can expect your admission decision to be available in the CSUN Portal as early as mid-March for fall and mid-November for spring.

Although not required for admission, your test scores for any AP, CLEP or IB exams you may have taken before applying to your previous college may help you satisfy admission and college preparatory subject requirements. To order test scores, see:

Please note the test score due date in the Transcript Submission Information section below.

Send us your official transcripts for:

  • All courses taken at other colleges and universities previously attended even if the course work was not completed.

  • All college courses in which you are currently enrolled (preliminary, work-in-progress transcripts)

  • Your final transcripts for work-in-progress as soon as you complete the courses and grades are posted *

*Students with a verifiable Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) will be admitted only when CSUN receives official transcripts meeting all requirements.

Please see the "Transcript Submission Information" section below.

What To Do After You Apply

Transfer Student Opportunities

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) participates in three programs that help you transfer to CSUN from the California Community Colleges and earn your Bachelor's degree in a timely and cost-effective way. They are:

  • Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
    Receive priority admission consideration, enter CSUN as an upper-division junior and complete your Bachelor’s degree in only 60 additional units.

  • Through in Two Program:
    If you enter CSUN with a verified ADT, you can pledge to complete your CSUN degree in only two additional years. 

  • Transfer Success Pathway (TSP):
    If you enroll at a California community college directly from high school, you could be eligible for dual admission to CSUN.

Transcript Submission Information

How to Submit Transcripts

  • Paper transcripts must be received in sealed, unopened envelopes. Ask your previous school(s) to send your official transcripts to:

    California State University, Northridge
    Office of the Registrar
    18111 Nordhoff Street
    Northridge, CA 91330-8207
    U.S.A.
     
  • For electronic transcripts, choose "CSU Northridge" as the recipient. If this option is not available, use registrar@csun.edu as the recipient email address.
  • 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 the Registrar, at the Records and Registration window of the Student Services Center, Bayramian Hall lobby (BH 100) during our business hours.
  • Please do not send duplicate paper and electronic transcripts.

Required Transcript Coursework

For Fall 2026 Admission: Official transcripts must show completion of 60 units (90 quarter units) and the four CSU General Education Courses known as the Golden Four.

For Spring 2027 Admission: Official transcripts must show completion of at least six (6) units (9 quarter units) including the following two CSU General Education Courses — English Composition and Mathematics.

Transcript Deadlines

Official transcripts showing completion of 60 units (90 quarter units) and the four CSU General Education Courses must be received electronically, postmarked or hand delivered to the Office of Admissions by the following due dates:

  • Fall Admission

    • Preliminary transcript deadline for work in progress: Feb. 15
    • Final transcript deadline: July 15
  • Spring Admission

    • Preliminary transcript deadline for work in progress: Oct. 1. If applying between Oct. 1 and 15, submit preliminary transcripts as soon as possible.
    • Final transcript deadline: Jan. 15

All coursework must be completed by:

  • The end of the spring term before the fall semester in which you intend to enroll.
  • The end of the fall term before the spring semester in which you intend to enroll.

Optional Test Scores

Official test score reports for any AP, CLEP or IB exams you may have taken must be received by the following due dates:

  • Fall Admission: July 15
  • Spring Admission: Jan. 15

These test scores are not required for admission but helpful for course placement purposes.

Additional Information

International Transfer Students

As an incoming international student, you'll have a few extra steps. Get the information you need to apply.

Review International Transfer Student Details

Veteran Students

If you're a veteran transfer student or the dependent of a veteran, our Office of Veterans Affairs will review your benefits documents and guide you through the application process.

Learn More About Veteran Student Details

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

As one of the largest communities of Deaf and hard-of-hearing college students in the country, we have tons of extra resources. If you're an incoming transfer student who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing, explore NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and register for our prospective Student Access and Accommodation System (SAAS) following the steps at NCOD: How to Apply.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

If you are a resident of one of the member U.S. states or insular areas of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, you can enjoy reduced nonresident tuition rates by participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program at CSUN.

a CSUN admissions staff member sitting at her desk

Get Started

Apply, register or talk to a counselor to help you start your academic career as a Matador.