In the San Fernando Valley, on the north side of Los Angeles, CSUN teaches close to 38,000 students. It was founded in 1958. Film and television production, engineering, business and music draw large numbers, and its location puts it close to the studios in Burbank and Studio City. CSUN is also well known for deaf studies and runs a long-standing national centre on deafness.
Northridge, Los Angeles, California, United States
Official website: w2.csun.edu
1958
Public, California State University system
Around 38,000
San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles
$18,000 – $21,000
International students, tuition plus nonresident fees
$18,000 – $24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on w2.csun.edu before you apply.
BA Cinema and Television Arts
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Electrical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Film and TV programmes a short drive from major studios.
Engineering and computer science with many graduate students.
A long history in deaf studies and deaf education.
Cinema graduates work in production and post-production across Los Angeles.
Engineering alumni join aerospace and defence firms in the valley.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT; STEM degrees may get the extension.
Undergrad
Oct to early Dec
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Selected programmes
The campus is flat and wide, with the Oviatt Library at its centre. The valley runs hotter than the coast in summer.
Many students share apartments around Reseda Boulevard. Metro's G Line busway stops near campus, but a car still helps.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduates apply through Cal State Apply between October 1 and early December for fall. Graduate departments set their own deadlines, many in early spring.
Undergraduates start in the fall. Many graduate programmes admit in both fall and spring.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, California State University - Northridge issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Cinema and television arts, computer science, electrical engineering and business are popular. Undergraduate entry is based on school grades; graduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and about IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80.
Scholarships for international students are limited but some departmental awards are open to them. Graduate students can ask about teaching and research assistant posts.
