CSUDH uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students. For these purposes, "foreign students" are residents of a country other than the United States or those who hold visas as students, exchange visitors, or who are in other nonimmigrant classifications.

Verification of English proficiency, financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations. All applicants regardless of citizenship, who have not attended schools full time at the secondary level or above for at least three years where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a score of 550 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least eight weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Foreign Visa applicants are required to comply with the following requirements and instructions:

1. Foreign applicants are encouraged to consult with an advisor in the Information Center or individual department before applying for admission to the University. Because the evaluation of foreign credentials may take considerable time, separate filing deadlines are in effect for applications from foreign students.
   
   
2. Applicants must file the application for admission accompanied by a $55 nonrefundable application fee (Make checks payable to CSUDH). An application is for a specific term and is not transferable to any other term.
   
   
3. Applicants must show evidence of competence in English. The results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 are required to show evidence of English competence.
   
   
4. Applicants must submit a financial responsibility statement. The form is available as part of the online application.
   
   
5. Freshman applicants must be determined by the University to have academic preparation equivalent to US high school graduates.
   
   
6. Applicants whose academic credentials are from a country other than the United States are required to submit a certified English translation along with the academic records. Academic records include: year-by-year records for each college or university attended, indicating number of lecture and laboratory hours a week for each course, grades received for each subject; and official documents indicating the awarding of degrees with the title and date conferred. If photocopies are submitted rather than original documents, they must bear the seal of the issuing institution and the actual (not photographed) signature of the college or university registrar. Admission of students who have not attended US institutions is based on demonstration of preparation equivalent to that required of California residents. The Office of Admissions has the final authority for assessing the transferability of credit.
   
   
7. Applicants who are transfer students must have completed 56 transferable semester units (84 quarter) with a grade point average of 2.4 at an accredited US institution. Official transcripts for each institution are required.