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.
*Dates are subject to change.
First-Year and Transfer Applicants
Fall 2026
October 1, 2025
Fall 2026 Application Opens
Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply.
October 2025
October 1, 2025 - March 2, 2026 - Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) for students eligible for AB 540. Don’t forget to add the Sonoma State code (001156) to your application.
October 18, 2025
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.)
Late October
Admission decisions begin being sent to students on a rolling basis. Please be sure to check your email on a frequent basis.
November 2025
November 1, 2025 - February 1, 2026
Apply for Sonoma State Scholarships for the 2026 -2027 academic year.
December 2025
December 1, 2025 - 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, 2026 - Fall Housing Application Opens
You must accept your admissions offer before applying for on-campus housing. You may also explore off-campus housing options.
February 1, 2026 - 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, 2026
Priority filing deadline for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA financial aid applications.
March 18, 2026 - Seawolf Decision Day
Attend Seawolf Decision Day, our admitted student event at Sonoma State. Visit campus, meet fellow Seawolves, and explore SSU.
May 2026
May 1, 2026 - Intent to Enroll Deadline
Your First Step to Becoming a Seawolf
Submit your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and accept your offer of admission by logging into your MySSU Login and selecting "Stay on Track".
May 1, 2026 - Official Documents Deadline
Your offer of admission is conditional & contingent upon verification of official transcripts provided to the university. Submit official college transcript with Fall 2025 grades posted and Spring 2026 course work listed. Learn more on submit transcripts website.
Prior to Enrollment
Submit Immunization Records
Submit all required immunization documents
Please review your immunization requirements and submit the proper documentation as prompted on the Health Center Immunizations website.
Summer 2026
Submit Immunization Records
Submit all required immunization documents. Please review your immunization requirements and submit the proper documentation as prompted on the Health Center Immunizations website.
Attend Noma Nation Orientation
All new undergraduate students are required to attend Noma Nation Orientation and register for classes. Learn about campus life, academic advising, and get set for fall! More information on specific dates will be announced in the future!
July 2026
Schedule Changes & Late Registration
Need to change your classes? Late registration and add/drop info will be posted on the Academic Calendar.
July 1, 2026 - Submit Final Transcripts
Submit final official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions, including final grades for Spring 2026. Admission offers are conditional based on meeting all requirements in your admission letter. Learn more on submit transcripts website.
July 15, 2026 - Submit Final Documents
Submit final documents. Please also be sure to visit the Stay On Track Guide to ensure you complete everything you need to do before classes begin. Learn more about the Stay On Track Guide.
August 2026
August 5, 2026 - Registration and Tuition Fee Payment Deadline
Submit payment for your fall registration. Learn how to pay your SSU tuition and fees.
You can still register during the Academic Calendar drop/add period. Be sure to pay any associated student charges/fees.
August 14, 2026 - Move-In Day
Move-in for students living on campus. Visit the Housing website for move-in details and tips.
Attend Welcome Week
Kick off your first week of school with SSU’s Week of Welcome events. It’s a fun way to meet new friends and to kick off the school year.
August 24, 2026
First day of classes for the fall semester.
*Dates are subject to change.
International Student Applicants
Fall 2026
October 2025
October 1, 2025 - Fall 2026 Application Opens
Apply to SSU online through Cal State Apply.
Late October 2025
Admission decisions begin being sent to students on a rolling basis. Please be sure to check your email on a frequent basis.
October 18, 2025
Join us for Sonoma State's Preview Day—our signature campus open house event (if you are already in the U.S.)!
February 2026
February 1, 2026 - Fall Housing Application Opens
You must accept your admissions offer before applying for on-campus housing. You may also explore off-campus housing options.
March 2026
March 1, 2026 - Intent to Enroll Deadline
Your First Step to Becoming a Seawolf
Submit your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and accept your offer of admission by logging into your MySSU Login and selecting "Stay on Track".
April 2026
April 30, 2026 - Fall 2026 Application Closes
Fall 2026 Priority Application Period Closes for undergraduate, international students, except for Nursing. Graduate deadlines are listed and vary.
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
May 1, 2026 - Intent to Enroll Deadline
Your First Step to Becoming a Seawolf
Submit your Enrollment Reservation Deposit (ERD) and accept your offer of admission by logging into your MySSU Login and selecting "Stay on Track".
May 1, 2026 - Official Documents Deadline
Your offer of admission is conditional & contingent upon verification of official transcript provided to the university. Submit official college transcript with Fall 2025 grades posted and Spring 2026 course work listed.
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.
June-July 2026
Attend Noma Nation Orientation
All new undergraduates are required to attend Noma Nation Orientation and register for classes. Learn about campus life, academic advising, and get set for fall! More information on specific dates will be announced in the future!
Complete the Mandatory Online International Student Pre-arrival Course
You will be required to attend an online International Student Pre-Arrival Orientation Course.
Submit the International Transfer 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 US.
Make Travel Arrangements
We recommend arriving at SSU several days (but no more than 30 days) before the mandatory on-campus international orientation. Visit our Getting to SSU webpage for more information.
August 2026
International Student Arrival & Orientation (Required)
On-Campus International Student Arrival & Orientation generally takes place right before school starts.
July 1, 2026 - Submit Final Transcripts
Submit final official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions, including final grades for Spring 2026. Admission offers are conditional based on meeting all requirements in your admission letter. Learn more on submit transcripts website.
Schedule Changes & Late Registration
Need to change your classes? Late registration and add/drop info will be posted on the Academic Calendar.
August 10, 2026 - Final Documents Deadline
Submit final official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Learn more on submit transcripts website.
August 5, 2026 - Registration and Tuition Fee Payment Deadline
Submit payment for your Fall registration. Learn how to pay your SSU tuition and fees.
You can still register during the Academic Calendar drop/add period. Be sure to pay any associated student charges/fees.
August 14, 2026 - Move-In Day
Move-in for students living on campus. Visit the Housing website for move-in details and tips.
Attend Welcome Week
Kick off your first week of school with Sonoma State's Week of Welcome events. It’s a fun way to meet new friends and to kick off the school year.
August 24, 2026
First day of classes for the fall semester.