International Research & Study Program


Gain hands-on research at California State University, Fullerton

Program Overview

students researching at CSUF

The International Research & Study Program (IRSP) provides research opportunities at California State University, Fullerton for undergraduate and graduate international students. In this program, selected applicants will:

  • Enroll in credits/units under the supervision of Cal State Fullerton faculty
  • Pick a 3-unit research project
  • Study and conduct research on campus with Cal State Fullerton faculty and students
  • Gain skills needed to succeed as professionals in increasingly diverse and international workplaces
  • Apply enhanced intercultural communication skills in lab and community-based contexts
  • Enroll in courses aligned with your academic interests and professional goals

Note: Program applicants should have recently scored above 500 on the paper-based TOEFL (iBT-61) or 5.5 on IELTS or other comparable test (such as the Cambridge Assessment).  MyBest™ Scores TOEFL reports are acceptable. Please submit an online inquiry form, if you have questions about this requirement or other acceptable tests.

Faculty Research Projects

The following projects have been selected for applicants to the International Research and Study Program. More projects may be added; you can join our IRSP email list to receive program and application updates.

Civil Engineering

Accurate Prediction of Service Life of Concrete Bridge Decks and Pavements Due to Chloride Induced Corrosion

Length: 16 weeks

CSUF faculty member:

Computer Science

Situation Assessment of Cognitive Autonomous Systems

Length: 16 weeks

CSUF faculty member:

Using Test-driven Development to Enhance Computer Programming Exercises

Length: 16 weeks

CSUF faculty member:

Reinforcement Learning for Coordinated Sampling in Sensor Networks

Length: 16 weeks

CSUF faculty member:

Mechanical Engineering

Fabrication of high performing functional 3D micro devices using additive manufacturing

Length:
Summer(10 weeks), Fall(16 weeks)

CSUF faculty member:

Design, Fabrication, and Analysis of Low-Cost Smart Solar Powered Energy Harvesting Micro Air Vehicles using 3D Printing

Length:
Summer(10 weeks), Fall(16 weeks)

CSUF faculty member:

Fabrication of Smart Devices using 4D Printing Technology

Length: 16 weeks

CSUF faculty member:

Requirements

If you recently scored at least a TOEFL 61 (500pBT) or IELTS 5.5 or PTE 43 or other comparable result in a test of English (such as the Cambridge Assessment), you may take up to 12 units* of undergraduate courses.

To take up to 6 or 9* graduate courses (Master Level) you need to have a bachelor’s degree, currently attend a graduate program at your home university, and must obtain a minimum TOEFL of 80 (550pBT) or IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58.

MyBest™ Scores TOEFL reports are acceptable. Please submit an online inquiry form, if you have questions about this requirement or other acceptable tests.

*Spring and Fall only

Application Steps

It's easy to apply, just submit an online application and upload the following items:

  • Bank document or scholarship for at least $15,000. Bank document must show names and amounts in English.
  • Passport copy (information page and photo)
  • High school or university transcript
  • English proficiency test score
  • Qualifying health insurance is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 visa students. For more information, visit Health Insurance.

Dates

Term Length Dates
Spring 2020 16 weeks

January 17 - May 15, 2020

Deadline to apply: November 15*

*Subject to change

Summer 2020
Session A (3 Units) +
Session B (3 Units)
10 weeks late May – early August 2020
Summer 2020
Session A only (3 Units)
5 weeks

late May – late June 2020

Summer 2019
Session B only (3 Units)
5 weeks

early July – early August 2020

Note: Students on F-1 visas must enroll in 6 units during summer.

Cost

Semester Length Units Course Cost
Summer 5-8 weeks 3 Research project $1,900
Summer 8 weeks 6 Research project + academic course $2,998
Fall / Spring 16 weeks 12 1 Research project (3 units) + 3 academic course (9 units) $5,622

Refunds: Please see our Refund Policy page for more information.

CSUF students walking at University Village

Housing

The International Programs Housing office can help program participants find short-term housing during their stay in or around Fullerton.

Join Our Email List


Join the SIRI email list for program and application updates.