New Students / University Semester Abroad & Exchange

Danish students at CSUF

University Semester Abroad & Exchange

Congratulations on your admission! To help you prepare for your trip to Fullerton, we have created a pre-arrival checklist specifically for new University Semester Abroad (USA) & Exchange students. Bookmark this page and visit often to successfully prepare for your semester at Cal State Fullerton.

Pre-Arrival Checklist 

Please complete all items before the semester begins. Many items will have to be completed well before the semester starts, so please read the entire list and prepare early.

After you receive your Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" or Form DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" from California State University, Fullerton, you can begin the process of applying for U.S. student visa. Students who receive a Form I-20 can apply for a F-1 visa. Students who receive a Form DS-2019 can apply for a J-1 visa.

Before you apply for a visa, you must first pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. For information on how to apply for a visa and schedule your visa interview, visit the US Department of State's webpage on student visas.

  • Required International Student Orientation (typically held before semester begins):
    • Spring 2025: Friday, January 17, 2025
    • Fall 2025: To be announced

Accommodations are not provided by the University and staying in hotels in and around the area will be costly. Learn more about housing options in and around Fullerton.

All international students are required by federal law to maintain valid health insurance during their temporary stay in the United States. CSUF requires international students to purchase the Anthem Student Advantage Plan provided by JCB Insurance Solutions. Visit our health insurance page to learn more.

University Semester Abroad Program: You are required to pay for tuition and fees before arriving in the United States. The total amount to pay is USD 5,622.00. You can pay tuition in the following ways:

  • Online payment: You may make a payment online at any time through your CSUF Student Portal, which allows payment by bank account, debit/credit cards and international funds. You will need your CSUF campus-wide ID (CWID). Please be sure to enter your CWID correctly, so that your payment can be accurately applied to your student account here at CSUF.
  • In-Person or Mail-In Payments: Personal checks, Cashier's Check, Money Order, Traveler's Clerk can be dropped off at Gordon Hall-180 at Window #10 or mailed to Student Business Services office at: Gordon Hall - 180, PO Box 6808, Fullerton, CA 92834 . Please include your CWID on the check or payment document.
  • Please refer to the Student Business Services' website for a complete list.

Exchange Program: Please fulfill all financial obligations with your home university.

Your attendance is required at the International Student Orientation, typically held on the Friday before semester begins. Details for Orientation are sent to new students via email.

  • Spring 2025: Friday, January 17, 2025
  • Fall 2025: To be announced

Additionlly, you are required to complete Virtual Check-in before the Friday of your first semester. Failure to attend the mandatory Orientation and complete the check-in will negatively impact your F-1 or J-1 visa status.