The Semester at CSUB (fee-paying) program and Exchange (fee-waived) Program provide an opportunity for students from around the world to study alongside American students a semester at a time. Students can take classes across a wide range of disciplines including business, engineering, computer science, communications, natural sciences and more.

Semester at CSUB: this program is for students who are either from non-partner universities or partner universities with a current exchange imbalance and will thus be tuition fee-paying students for 1-2 semesters at CSUB. Please select "Semester At CSUB" in the application as your program type if this best describes your relationship to our university.

Exchange: this program is for students from partner universities with maintained exchange balances and are thus officially nominated to our university as Exchange through your home university study abroad/exchange office. Please select "Exchange" as your program type in the application after your home university office nominates you with the knowledge that we have a maintained exchange balance in order to be a fee-waived student.

Please contact your home university's study abroad/exchange office if you are unsure if you would fall under the Semester At CSUB or Exchange category.

CSUB Exchange/Semester At Fact Sheets

Here is the fact sheet 2024/25 for Semester at CSUB and Exchange Programs.

Here is the fact sheet 2025/26 for Semester at CSUB and Exchange Programs.

Why Bakersfield? It's Close to Everything!

When you choose to study at CSU Bakersfield, not only will you receive world-class instruction from CSUB faculty, you'll be within a short drive of many of California's most popular destinations - including:

• 2-hour drive to Los Angeles, Hollywood and the beach
• 4-hour drive to San Diego and San Francisco
• Skiing at Mt. Pinos is just an hour drive
• Premium shopping on Rodeo Drive (about 90 minutes) and a new outlet mall just outside of Bakersfield
• Many shops, restaurants, museums, and outdoor activities near the CSUB campus

Learn more about campus life

Check out our campus life section to learn more about the CSUB campus, our academic and social offerings, and housing options.

Apply Now!

Spring 2025 Exchange and Semester at CSUB Programs applications will be accepted in October/November 2024.

Students wishing to apply to the Semester at CSUB and Exchange Program must first be nominated, and then need to complete the online application form.   

Please refer to the Admissions Requirements to review the English proficiency requirements as well as financial support documentation required. English proficiency documentation must be submitted within the online application form; financial support documentation may be submitted after the application form, but within the specified timelines.