Becoming a National University Student

National University accepts applications for admission throughout the year. The approval process usually takes 4-6 weeks. With new classes beginning every month, you can start your program as soon as your application is approved! In reviewing your application for admission, we consider your previous academic record, professional experience, and educational objectives. National University admits students without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national, or ethnic origin.

Here's what you'll need to apply:

Transcripts
Academic transcripts from an institution outside the US may require a credit evaluation by an outside evaluation service. In such cases, the University will refer you to the appropriate evaluation service. The fee for this service is paid by the student. In cases where questions may arise, the University reserves the right to make all final decisions with respect to awarding academic credit. Further information is available from the Office of the Registrar in San Diego at (858) 642-8260.

English Language Proficiency
To ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your education at the University, we require that all international student applicants demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. You can meet this requirement any of the following ways:

  • Attain a minimum TOEFL score of 525/197 (undergraduate students) or 550/213 (graduate students) within 24 months of your admission, or
  • Attend the National University English Language Program in San Diego. This program is designed to address the needs of international student applicants. If you need English language training prior to admission to the University, we strongly encourage you to enroll in this valuable program, or
  • Complete the appropriate level of proficiency at an approved English language school. Contact us for a list of approved schools.

The University may also require an oral interview and/or an English placement evaluation to verify English proficiency. Students who do not demonstrate sufficient English language skills will be required to complete English language training at the University or an approved language school before they can be admitted.

Required Documentation
Applicants requiring a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) student status (also known as the I-20 form) for academic and language students, should contact the IPO directly for information on specific admission requirements as they apply to each individual's visa type and nonimmigrant history. Students must apply for and be accepted into a degree program before the University will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) student status.

Other required documentation includes:

  • Your completed, dated, and signed International Admission Application (Download the application now)
  • Your non-refundable application fee of US$65, payable to National University (Download the enrollment agreement now)
  • Your official transcripts or documentation of previous educational training
  • Bank Documentation or proof of financial support: materials must be originals - not photocopies - in English, dated within six months of your admissions date, and show a current account balance (a minimum of US$28,818 is required in a foreign bank account or two consecutive US bank statements for $3,202)
  • Affidavit of Support (Download the form now)
  • Proof of English Proficiency or information on how the language proficiency requirement has been or will be fulfilled as described above

Students currently residing in the US must also include the following documentation:

  • School transfer information and letter if requesting a transfer (Download the form now)
  • A copy of your current Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) student status for academic and language student form, also known as the I-20 form
  • A copy of both sides of your I-94 card
  • Your visa page
  • A copy of the passport page containing its expiration date (passports must be valid for at least six months)

Once you have collected and completed all of the required documentation to support your application to the University, submit it by mail or fax to:

National University
International Programs Office
9388 Lightwave Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123-7960
Fax: (858) 541-7995

** If application pages are faxed, you will be required to submit original application pages upon arrival at National University.