California's two largest public university systems will require most undergraduates to submit their applications online beginning in fall 2005, officials announced Monday.

California State University and University of California are the first major university systems in the nation to implement such a policy, said a college admissions expert who described the change as "a major shift in policy with significant consequences."

Barmak Nassirian, associate executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, said the change includes several benefits for both students and universities, but he said the greatest challenge will be ensuring that all students can access applications.

"It's very easy for those families that have access to not only a computer but also broadband (high-speed Internet connections) and can actually take their time to fill out the form at their convenience to benefit from this sort of change," he said. "The trick is to ensure that low-income applicants, those that don't have access to a computer and the Internet, won't be disadvantaged."

But CSU and UC officials said the switch is a positive change that will allow them to capitalize on a growing trend and will make it easier to process the thousands of undergraduate applications they receive each year.

Nearly 100,000 potential students applied to UC in fall 2003, while CSU receives about 500,000 applications a year. Together, the two systems serve about 604,000 students.

Students who don't have access to a computer may still use paper copies, but they will either have to print the application from the universities' Web sites, or call the admission offices and request that a paper copy be mailed to them.

UC spokeswoman Lavonne Luquis said officials don't think the change will create an undue hardship on students who don't have computers at home because computers are readily available at schools, community centers, public libraries and other locations.

"It's our understanding from what we're hearing from counselors and from schools that the vast majority ofstudents won't have any problem with this," Luquis said.

"No student will be harmed by online applications," said CSU spokeswoman Clara Potes-Fellow. "The idea is to help them, to facilitate the process, and if the measure does not facilitate the process, then we will accept (applications) on paper."

Officials said more students are turning to online applications, which they say are easier and more convenient.

Last year, more than 70 percent of the students who applied to both systems submitted electronic applications.

"Over the past few years, our applicants have displayed tremendous interest in filing online," Leon Washington, CSU's associate director of enrollment management services, said in a statement. "Taking this step made perfect sense especially now that both systems are implementing it at the same time."

Nassirian said there are several benefits to online applications. He said they tend to be "cleaner" and more complete than paper applications, and students know instantly that their application has been received.

The online system will be available to students 24 hours a day, and online and telephone support is available.

Students applying for next school year -- fall 2004 -- may submit either paper applications or apply online.

During the filing periods, students can access CSU applications at www.csumentor.edu and UC applications at www.ucop.edu/pathways/appctr.html

Nassirian said only time will tell if more university systems follow California's lead.

"We'll see whether they're trend setting in the sense this will be commonplace or not," he said. "My suspicion is, it will be."