Applying to California State Universities is an incredible accomplishment! Congrats to you! Sometimes the process can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several resources out there to help you! Including, our website! So you are in the right place. Whether you are applying to a CSU as a first time student or as a transfer student, the process can be overwhelming. Keep on reading to get started! 

* This quick guide is intended to support undocumented first-time freshmen and transfer students applying to the CSUs for Fall 2025* To check which CSU’s are still accepting applications click here. 

Applying to the CSU as a first-time student

Overview of Applying to the CSU (for full details and steps click here: Quick Guide for Undocumented Students Applying to the CSU as a First-time Freshmen)   

1. Visit the Cal State Apply page (Cal State Apply | CSU) 
2. Completing Your Profile
   • Degree goal: Select “First Bachelor’s Degree” 
   • Current educational goal: As a first year applicant, you will choose “Graduating High School Senior or equivalent” with or without college credit. This is based upon classes completed and your academic transcripts. 
   • Previous attendance: If you have attended a CSU campus before and are returning to complete an earlier program, make that clear. Contact the campus to find out how to apply for re-admission. 
   • U.S. Military status: Indicate your current or anticipated U.S. Military status at the time of application. 
   • Residency: Indicate if you have or will need an F1 student or J1 exchange visa. Undocumented 
3. My Application Dashboard: Your dashboard gives you access and details to each part of the application you need to complete. The four sections you must submit are:
   • Personal Information 
   • Academic History
   • Supporting Information 
   • Program Materials

NOTE: In order to be officially coded as an AB540/ SB68 student and pay resident fees at the CSU, you must submit your affidavit and an official copy of your transcripts/attendance records to the Admissions offices at each of the universities where you applied. Check with each campus for their deadline.

1. Choosing Your Programs
   • Selecting programs: Click on the plus icon next to add programs/major. Add alternatives if desired.
   • Residency: The state where you claimed residency in the profile section will already be entered. Visit your profile section to change it. Select the state you claim as your permanent home. If you qualify for AB540/SB68, choose “yes” for California residency. Enter the date your present stay began.
   • Race and Ethnicity: Indicate how you identify. You may decline to answer these questions.
   • Parent/Guardian Information 
   • Other Information
2. Academic History 
   • High Schools Attended
   • High School Coursework 
   • College Coursework 
3. Submitting Your Application 
   • Be sure to review each section to ensure that your information has been properly entered. Mistakes could complicate or prevent your admission to the CSU. 
   • When you apply through Cal State Apply, you are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information you entered.
   • REMEMBER: Undocumented students who will qualify for AB 540/SB 68 non-resident tuition exemption can be considered for the fee waiver.

For the full guide, go Quick Guide for Undocumented Students Applying to the CSU as a First-time Freshmen 

Applying to the CSU as a transfer student

Overview of Applying to the CSU as a transfer student (for full details and steps click here: Quick Guide for Undocumented Students Applying to the CSU as a Transfer Student   

1. Visit the Cal State Apply page (Cal State Apply | CSU)
2. Completing Your Profile 
   • Level of degree you’re seeking: Select “First Bachelor’s Degree” 
   • Entry status: As a transfer applicant, you have two options:
     • If you are transferring with an Associate Degree for Transfer, select “Transferring with an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T, AS-T) from a California Community College.” Indicate your community college and ADT program. You may enter up to two. 
     • If you are transferring from a CA community college or another college, select “Transferring from a California community college or from another two-year or four-year institution.” 
3. Choosing Your Programs 
   • Selecting programs: Click on the plus icon next to add programs/major. Add alternatives if desired. 
   • You may be asked to select an alternate choice for certain programs that are impacted. Impacted programs are majors that receive more applicants than available spaces. You will automatically be enrolled in this alternate program should your first choice become unavailable.

1. My Application Dashboard 
   • Personal Information 
   • Academic History 
   • Supporting Information 
   • Program Materials

NOTE: In order to be officially coded as an AB540/ AB2000/SB68 student and pay resident fees at the CSU, you must submit your affidavit and an official copy of your transcripts/attendance records to the Admissions offices at each of the universities where you applied. Check with each campus for their deadline.

1. Submitting Your Application 
   • Be sure to review each section to ensure that your information has been properly entered. Mistakes could complicate or prevent your admission to the CSU. 
   • When you apply through Cal State Apply, you are automatically considered for an application fee waiver based on the information you entered.
   • Payment: Cal State Apply charges $70 to apply to each program
   • REMEMBER: Undocumented students who will qualify for AB 540/SB 68 non-resident tuition exemption can be considered for the fee waiver.

For the full guide, go Quick Guide for Undocumented Students Applying to the CSU as a Transfer Student

Provided by: