National University is a private, non-profit university based in San Diego, built around adult learners, with four-week courses taken one at a time and many programmes online. For international students on an F-1 visa, on-site options are more limited, so check which programmes accept F-1 students before applying. Its main strengths are business, education, nursing, cybersecurity and data science.
San Diego, United States
Official website: nu.edu
1971 in San Diego
Four-week courses, one class at a time
Private non-profit university
$16,000 – $24,000
International students, on-site programmes
$20,000 – $25,000
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 nu.edu before you apply.
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Cybersecurity
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
Four-week courses taken one at a time.
Designed for working adults.
A large veteran and military student community.
Graduates work in business, education, health and IT, often in California.
Online-only study does not qualify for F-1 status.
Check OPT eligibility with the international office.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
National University has learning centres around San Diego rather than a traditional campus.
San Diego has beaches, sun and a large biotech and military economy, with high rent.
Form I-20 issued by National University
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
National University enrols on a rolling basis. International students should apply three to four months ahead and confirm the programme accepts F-1 students.
Courses start monthly, but F-1 students usually begin in fall or spring.
You need an F-1 student visa for on-site study. National University issues the I-20 after admission and proof of funding. Online programmes do not qualify, so confirm your study format first.
Data science, cybersecurity, the MBA and computer science are popular. Graduate entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
Ask the university about scholarships, as options for international students are limited.
