Fall Timeline
Whether you're a first-year, transfer, or international student, this timeline is designed to help you navigate each important step of the Fall 2026 admissions process with ease and confidence. From submitting your application to moving into your new home on campus, we’ve highlighted the key dates and deadlines to keep you on track every step of the way.
To ensure a smooth start to your semester, be sure to explore the Stay On Track Guide—your go-to resource for completing all the necessary steps smoothly before classes begin. Discover what’s ahead, stay organized, and feel prepared as you take your next step toward joining the Seawolf community.
Undergraduate Fall 2026 Timeline
October 2025
- October 1 - Fall 2026 Applications Open - Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply.
- October 1 - March 2 - Apply for Financial Aid during the priority period - Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if eligible under AB 540. Be sure to include Sonoma State’s school code: 001156.
- October 18 - Join us for Sonoma State's Preview Day - our signature campus open house event! Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply by October 8, 2025, to receive an early admission decision from our admissions team. (This opportunity is available to undergraduate applicants only and does not include Nursing or International applicants.)
- October - March - Admission Decisions Released - Decisions are sent on a rolling basis — check your email frequently for updates.
November 2025
- November 1 - February 1 - Apply for Sonoma State Scholarships for the 2026 -2027 academic year.
- Review the Stay on Track Guide so you don’t miss an important deadline.
December 2025
- December 1 - Fall 2026 Priority Application Period Closes - Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply. If you miss the priority deadline, you can still apply through a late application request.
February 2026
- February 1 - Fall Housing Applications Open - You must accept your admissions offer before applying for on-campus housing.
- February 1 - Scholarship Application Deadline - Deadline to submit materials for general scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. Learn more about Sonoma State Scholarships.
March 2026
- March 2 - Priority filing deadline for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) financial aid applications.
- March 14 - Attend Seawolf Decision Day, our admitted student event at Sonoma State. Visit campus, meet fellow Seawolves, and explore SSU.
April 2026
- April 17 - Transfer Orientation session for students who deposit by April 1.
May 2026
- May 1 - Intent to Enroll Deadline - Submit your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and accept your admission offer. Log into your MySSU account and click "Stay on Track”. Reminder: Request official transcripts to be sent to SSU.
- May 1 - After submitting your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) - Submit Immunization Records - Submit all required immunization documentation. Visit the Health Center Immunizations website to review requirements and upload documents.
June 2026
- June - In-Person Orientation for Transfer Students - Orientation includes academic advising and class registration.
July 2026
- July 1 - Submit Final Transcripts - Submit final official college / high school transcripts and test scores with Spring 2026 grades to the Office of Admissions. Your offer of admission is conditional on meeting the requirements stated in your admission letter. Visit the Submit Transcripts page.
- July - In-Person Orientation for First Year Students - Orientation includes academic advising and class registration.
August 2026
- August 6 - Submit your Fall 2026 tuition and fees for registration occurring between 4/14/26 - 8/6/26. Learn how to pay on the Student Charges & Fees page. You can still register during the add/drop period listed on the Academic Calendar, but late fees may apply.
- August 13 - September 2nd - Schedule Changes & Late Registration - Need to change your classes? Late registration and add/drop details will be posted on the Academic Calendar.
- August 18- Move-in for students living on campus. Visit the Housing website for details and tips.
- August 24 - First Day of Fall 2026 Classes
September 2026
- September 2 - Submit your Fall 2026 tuition and fees for registration occurring between 8/13/26 - 9/2/26. Learn how to pay on the Student Charges & Fees page. All students who begin the registration process on or after January 22, 2026, may be subject to a $25 late registration fee.
Graduate Spring 2026 Timeline
October 2025
- October 1 - Fall 2026 Applications Open - Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply.
- October 1 - March 2 - Apply for Financial Aid during the priority period - Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if eligible under AB 540. Be sure to include Sonoma State’s school code: 001156.
- October 18 - Join us for Sonoma State's Preview Day—our signature campus open house event! Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply by October 8, 2025, to receive an early admission decision from our admissions team. (This opportunity is available to undergraduate applicants only and does not include Nursing or International applicants.)
- October - March - Admission Decisions Released - Decisions are sent on a rolling basis — check your email frequently for updates.
November 2025
- November 1 - February 1 - Apply for Sonoma State Scholarships for the 2026 -2027 academic year.
- Review the Stay on Track Guide to not miss an important date!
December 2025
- December - Check the application deadlines page for specific program application deadlines. Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply.
February 2026
- February 1 - Fall Housing Applications Opens - You must accept your admissions offer before applying for on-campus housing.
- February 1 - Scholarship Application Deadline - Deadline to submit materials for general scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. Learn more about Sonoma State Scholarships.
March 2026
- March 2 - Priority filing deadline for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) financial aid applications.
May 2026
- May 1 - Intent to Enroll Deadline - Submit your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and accept your admission offer. Log into your MySSU account and click "Stay on Track”. Reminder: Request official transcripts to be sent to SSU.
- May 1 - After submitting your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) - Submit Immunization Records - Submit all required immunization documentation. Visit the Health Center Immunizations website to review requirements and upload documents.
July 2026
- July 1 - Submit Final Transcripts - Submit final official college transcripts and test scores with Spring 2026 grades to the Office of Admissions. Your offer of admission is conditional on meeting requirements stated in your admission letter. Visit the Submit Transcripts page.
August 2026
- August 6 - Submit your Fall 2026 tuition and fees for registration occurring between 4/14/26 - 8/6/26. Learn how to pay on the Student Charges & Fees page. You can still register during the add/drop period listed on the Academic Calendar, but late fees may apply.
- August 13 - September 2 - Schedule Changes & Late Registration - Need to change your classes? Late registration and add/drop details will be posted on the Academic Calendar.
- August 18- Move-in for students living on campus. Visit the Housing website for details and tips.
- August 24 - First Day of Fall 2026 Classes
September 2026
- September 2 - Submit your Fall 2026 tuition and fees for registration occurring between 8/13/26 - 9/2/26. Learn how to pay on the Student Charges & Fees page. All students who begin the registration process on or after January 22, 2026, may be subject to a $25 late registration fee.
International Fall 2026 Timeline
October 2025
- October 1 - Fall 2026 Applications Open - Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply.
- October 18 - Join us for Sonoma State's Preview Day—our signature campus open house event! Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply by October 8, 2025, to receive an early admission decision from our admissions team. (This opportunity is available to undergraduate applicants only and does not include Nursing or International applicants.)
- October - March - Admission Decisions Released - Decisions are sent on a rolling basis — check your email frequently for updates.
November 2025
- November 1 - February 1 - Apply for Sonoma State Scholarships for the 2026 -2027 academic year.
- Review the Stay on Track Guide to not miss an important date!
February 2026
- February 1 - Fall Housing Applications Opens - You must accept your admissions offer before applying for on-campus housing.
February 1 - Scholarship Application Deadline - Deadline to submit materials for general scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. Learn more about Sonoma State Scholarships.
March 2026
- March 14 - Attend Seawolf Decision Day, our admitted student event at Sonoma State. Visit campus, meet fellow Seawolves, and explore SSU.
April 2026
- April 17 - Transfer Orientation session for students who deposit by April 1st.
April 30 - Fall 2026 Priority Undergraduate Application Period Closes - Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply. If you miss the priority deadline, you can still apply through a late application request.
May 2026
- As soon as you have your visa document (I-20) - Apply for a visa - It is very important that you begin the visa application process as soon as you receive your I-20 (F-1 visa document). Delays can impact your ability to travel and enroll on time.
- May 1 - Intent to Enroll Deadline - Submit your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and accept your admission offer. Log into your MySSU account and click "Stay on Track”. Reminder: Request official transcripts to be sent to SSU.
- May 1 - After submitting your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) - Submit Immunization Records - Submit all required immunization documentation. Visit the Health Center Immunizations website to review requirements and upload documents.
June 2026
- In-Person Orientation for Transfer Students - Orientation includes academic advising and class registration. All Undergraduates are required to attend.
- Complete the Mandatory Online International Student Pre-arrival Course - You will be required to attend an online International Student Pre-Arrival Course.
- Submit the International Transfer In Form - Students requesting a SEVIS transfer from another school in the U.S. must fill out and submit the Transfer In Form for F-1 Students.
- Purchase Health Insurance - Health Insurance must be purchased before you arrive in the U.S.
- Make Travel Arrangements - We recommend arriving at SSU several days (but no more than 30 days) before the mandatory on-campus international new student onboarding. Visit our Getting to SSU webpage for more information.
July 2026
- July 1 - Submit Final Transcripts - Submit final official college / high school transcripts and test scores with Fall 2025 grades to the Office of Admissions. Your offer of admission is conditional on meeting requirements stated in your admission letter. Visit the Submit Transcripts page.
- July - In-Person Orientation for First Year Students - Orientation includes academic advising and class registration. All Undergraduates are required to attend.
August 2026
- August 6 - Submit your Fall 2026 tuition and fees for registration occurring between 4/14/26 - 8/6/26. Learn how to pay on the Student Charges & Fees page. You can still register during the add/drop period listed on the Academic Calendar, but late fees may apply.
- Attend Mandatory On-Campus International New Student Onboarding - On-Campus International Student Onboarding generally takes place right before school starts.
- August 13 - September 2nd - Schedule Changes & Late Registration - Need to change your classes? Late registration and add/drop details will be posted on the Academic Calendar.
- August 18 - Move-in for students living on campus. Visit the Housing website for details and tips.
- August 24 - First Day of Fall 2026 Classes
September 2026
- September 2 - Submit your Fall 2026 tuition and fees for registration occurring between 8/13/26 - 9/2/26. Learn how to pay on the Student Charges & Fees page. All students who begin the registration process on or after January 22, 2026, may be subject to a $25 late registration fee.