National Student Exchange
Thank you for your interest in the National Student Exchange (NSE) program. If you are interested in finding out about NSE, please sign up for an information session.
The National Student Exchange (NSE) provides opportunities for undergraduates to study for up to one calendar year at another NSE member college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and some schools in Canada. With 160 colleges and universities to choose from, you should be able to find a campus with just the right combination of courses, facilities and environment to meet your personal and academic needs and interests. Find out more at www.nse.org. To begin the application process, please visit the myCSUNglobe application portal. Your CSUN NSE Coordinators are Eleanor Wolgast and Rebecca Spector.
If you're an incoming NSE student who has been accepted to study at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), visit the Incoming NSE Students page.
COVID-19 UPDATE: CSUN students applying for study abroad and/or exchange should be aware that all future plans will be contingent upon CSU travel restrictions and health advisories at that time. The International and Exchange Student Center will relay any decisions that might impact program participation as updates become available. Students are encouraged to continue planning and preparing for their study abroad/exchange experience, as the IESC will continue to work with students on all possible options if any program changes do occur.
You must be a full-time student at your home campus at both the time of application and in the term prior to exchange. You are also expected to remain a full-time student while on exchange. To participate, you may be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior.
The National Student Exchange Program offers students who have a minimum GPA of 2.5 the opportunity to study at one of 160 schools in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Canada for one or two semesters.
You will receive 12 units per semester of TRANSFER credit towards your CSUN degree. Students must meet with their academic department to determine course substitutions.
To find out more about the program, please visit the National Student Exchange website and select the "Campuses" tab at the top. You can then select from various filter options (i.e. Location, Program of Study, Institution Type, etc.) and narrow down your list of schools based on your interests. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the campus brochure for their selected school options to get a better understanding of course, cost, and housing options. Students may select up to five colleges to put on their application form.
Students may participate in the exchange for a period not to exceed one academic year. The exchange may take place for one semester or one academic year.
Learn more about the National Student Exchange!
- Sign up for one of the upcoming live sessions posted below, or watch recorded sessions from previous virtual fairs.
- Do your research at NSE.org; we have over 170 campuses to choose from.
- Schedule an appointment with your NSE Coordinator to learn how NSE works on your campus.
Fall 2021 Virtual Fair Sessions
Special Programs
September 8, 2021 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Pacific)
Register for the NSE Special Programs session
Do more with your NSE exchange! This session will feature many of NSE's Special Programs. Learn about opportunities for field study, internships, research and more.
Hispanic Serving Institutions
September 9, 2021 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Pacific)
Register for the Hispanic Serving Institutions session
Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) enroll 67% of Latino undergraduates in the United States. Hear from NSE campuses serving a high percentage of Hispanic students.
LGBTQ+ Students
September 14, 2021 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Pacific)
Register for the LGBTQ+ Students session
Learn about services, clubs, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for LGBTQ+ students throughout the NSE consortium.
College Towns
September 14, 2021 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Pacific)
Register for the College Towns session
"College Town" has a different meaning for different people. Join this session to learn how several NSE campuses define the term.
Previous Virtual Fair Sessions
NSE Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
View Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NSE Western States
View Western States recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in the Western U.S. including California, Idaho, New Mexico, and Arizona.
NSE Big Cities
View Big Cities recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in large cities such as Calgary, Montreal, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Montclair, New Orleans, Tuscaloosa, and Minneapolis.
NSE Small Campuses
View Small Campuses recording
During this session, hear from representatives from small campuses such as Sonoma State University, Widener University, Southern New Hampshire University, SUNY Plattsburgh, Frostburg State University, Bridgewater State University, Northern Vermont University-Johnson, Keene State College, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
NSE Central States
View Central States recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in the Midwest including Indiana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
NSE Northeast USA
View Northeast USA recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in the Northeast including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
NSE Wilderness Adventure
View Wilderness Adventure recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in Idaho, Alaska, New Mexico, Montana, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, and California.
NSE Island/Beach
View Island/Beach recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Rhode Island, California, and Florida.
NSE Southeast USA
View Southeast USA recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in the Southeast including Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma.
NSE Big Sports Schools
View Big Sports Schools recording
During this session, hear from representatives from various participating campuses in Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma.
NSE HBCU Experience
View HBCU Experience recording
During this session, hear from representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) such as Florida A&M University; University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas; University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix; Virginia State University; Alabama State University; and Prairie View A&M University.
NSE Language Immersion in Puerto Rico
View Language Immersion in Puerto Rico recording
During this session, hear from representatives from Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo; Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas; Universidad del Sagrado Corazon; University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras; and University of Puerto Rico, Cayey.
NSE Large Campus Experience (20,000+)
View Large Campus Experience recording
During this session, hear from representatives from University of New Mexico, Stony Brook University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Texas State University, Towson University, Utah Valley University, Oklahoma State University, Iowa State University, Louisiana State University, and University of Calgary.
Still have questions? Attend one of the general virtual NSE info sessions.
Want to apply? Visit the myCSUNglobe NSE application to apply!
Q. I'm interested in the National Student Exchange (NSE) program. What should I do to learn more?
A: If you have a GPA of 2.5 or above, please sign up for an information session. After attending an information session, please schedule an appointment with a CSUN NSE Advisor to review your options.
Q: What is the National Student Exchange program?
A: The NSE program offers more than 160 different schools within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.
Q: Can I study at another school in the U.S. for more than one semester?
A: Yes, students can apply for either one semester or a full academic year.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
A: Yes, the minimum requirement for the NSE program is GPA of 2.5. Please note that certain individual campuses may have a higher GPA requirement.
Q: Is this competitive a program?
A: Generally speaking, no. Some locations may be more competitive than others, so students are encouraged to speak with a CSUN NSE Advisor to determine best chance of placement.
Q: How do I apply to the National Student Exchange program?
A: Come by the IESC and speak with Eleanor Wolgast or Rebecca Spector. They will answer any questions you may have and review the online NSE application. You will need one faculty/staff recommendation (which is part of the application form), your unofficial transcript from CSUN, the NSE application fee, and the completed online application.
Q: Can I go on the NSE program with a friend who is also at CSUN?
A: Yes, you will apply as "Linked Students." Your applications will be processed together for either your first choice college only or all the colleges on your list.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Depending on which school you apply to, you can usually choose whether you pay CSUN fees, or the host institution's tuition fees. Transportation, room and board, and personal expenses will be your responsibility.
Q: Will I still receive financial aid while on exchange?
A: If you are eligible, you will continue to receive financial aid either from CSUN or your host school. If you are placed on Home Payment (Plan B), you will continue to receive financial aid from CSUN. If you are placed on Host Payment (Plan A), you will receive financial aid from your host school. If you are applying on Host Payment (Plan A), you must enter the FAFSA codes on your host school choices on your FAFSA application.
Q: Can I participate in these programs as a graduate student?
A: No, the NSE program is specifically for undergraduate students.
Q: Will the classes I take while on exchange count toward my degree?
A: Yes, you will receive transfer credit while on exchange in the NSE program. Students must meet with their academic department to determine course substitutions.
Q: Can I be a part-time student on exchange?
A: No, all NSE students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester.
Q: How much does it cost to apply?
A: There is currently a nonrefundable application fee of $250. However, students can list up to five college choices on their application form.