Graduate Admission Deferral Information
Newly admitted graduate students have the option to defer admissions. This deferral option is designated for those who face personal hardship which precludes them from attending any college or university in the semester they are to initially begin studies. Only one deferral request will be accepted per student for a given admission term.
Those approved for deferral will have their admission moved to the next available term. For example, if a department offers their program only in the fall, the subsequent fall term will be the default term for deferral.
Only one submission per student, per term is allowed. The Deferral Request Form will become available at the bottom of this page during the open period. Approved deferrals only apply to the original program you were admitted for. Deferral requests and approvals are NOT to be used to gain access into a different program.
Please note: An approved deferral request will permanently deactivate your initial admission status and defer your admission toward a subsequent term. We urge you to consider your options carefully and opt for a deferral request only if absolutely necessary, as this decision will be final and deferred students will no longer be able to enroll into courses after their request has been processed. Approved deferrals cannot be reversed.
If my deferral request is approved, do I need to submit another Cal State Apply application?
No. There is NO NEED to use Cal State Apply if you are granted an admission deferral. Please wait for special notifications within your MySJSU account for admission deferral confirmation.Am I eligible to defer my admission?
Only a student who is formally admitted to a program, not enrolled in any coursework, who faces personal hardship which precludes them from attending any college or university, and meets deferral deadlines is eligible to submit a deferral request. An admitted student who has already enrolled for courses will not be considered for deferral until all courses are dropped. Additionally, an applicant who has not been officially admitted is not eligible for an admission deferral.Note: A refund and/or prorated charges may occur when courses are dropped. Please visit the Bursar’s website for university procedures regarding Refunds and Pro-Rata Charges.
What admission term can students defer into?
Approved requests will be deferred to the next available term. For example, if a department offers their program only in the fall, the subsequent fall term will be the default term for deferral. Otherwise, a fall deferral request will result in a deferral into the subsequent spring term.
How far into the future may I continue to request a deferral of admission?
Extending deferral past one year is NOT allowed due to the need to allow departments to properly plan for their incoming classes.
Deferral requests can only be allowed for one full year from a student's initial admission term. Beyond this year, a new Cal State Apply application must be used to be reconsidered for graduate education at SJSU.
Will I be able to enroll into my initial admit term if I am approved for admission deferral for a future term?
No. An approved deferral will permanently deactivate your initial admission status and defer admission toward a subsequent term. Deferred students would no longer be eligible to enroll into courses for their initial admitted term.What are the deadlines to request a deferral?
See the submission dates at the bottom of this page.What happens after I submit a formal request for admission deferral?
Upon receipt of your formal deferral request and careful consideration, you will be able to view the outcome of your request in the message center of your MySJSU account 3-4 weeks from the date of submission. The entire deferral process may take 4-6 weeks beyond your initial request. Please note that an approved deferral request will permanently deactivate your initial admission status and defer your admission toward a subsequent term. We urge you to consider your options carefully and opt for a deferral request only if absolutely necessary, as this decision will be final and deferred students will no longer be able to enroll into courses after their request has been processed. Approved deferrals cannot be reversed.Will I get a new I-20 if my deferral request is approved?
Yes, we will work with you to defer your I-20 start and end dates. The deferral of I-20 dates would not typically require you to pay a new SEVIS fee. Those approved for an admission deferral, will be followed up with an amended I-20 planned to be sent electronically for secure delivery.Submitting Your Deferral Request
GAPE will only accept deferral requests during specific periods for each semester. The submission links will be active at the appropriate time.
You must use your SJSU account login to use the form.
| Spring Semester | Fall Semester |
| December 20 - January 15 | July 15 - August 15 |
| Submissions Closed | Submissions Closed |
After you submit your request, please allow 3-4 weeks for the decision status to appear in your MySJSU account and 4-6 weeks for the entire deferral process to be completed.
