international admissions: frequently asked questions

OUR LOCATION

Where are you located?
What is the climate like in Flagstaff?
How safe is the campus?

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA AND PROCESS

What are your deadlines?
What documents must I submit with my application?
Can I study at Northern Arizona University if I am not proficient in English?
Do you accept transfer credit?
How do I transfer my I-20 to NAU?
Do my documents need to be translated into English?
Can I take ESL classes at Northern Arizona University?
Are you on a semester or quarter system?
Do I have to choose a major when I apply?
When can I enroll in classes? Will l I have an academic advisor?
What is the average class size at Northern Arizona University?
Will I be taught by student teaching assistants?
Is it possible to graduate in four years?

CAMPUS LIFE

How many students attend Northern Arizona University?
How many students live on campus?
Can I live on campus?
I completed the Housing application and will be living on campus. When can I move in?
Do you have student clubs and organizations?

PREPARING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL AND THE VISA PROCESS

How do I get a VISA? What do I need to know about the immigration process?
Can you write a letter to speed up my U.S. visa?
Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?
I’m transferring from another U.S. university. Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?

 

 

Where are you located?

Northern Arizona University is located on 738 acres set in the safe, friendly, small city of Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff is at 2,200 meters altitude in the mountains; with a population of 60,000 and a beautiful environment, Flagstaff is consistency rated in the top 10 cities to live in the United States.

What is the climate like in Flagstaff?

Northern Arizona University has four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. We enjoy more than 288 days of clear sunshine per year and students do not need a car; one can walk or ride a bicycle on campus and throughout the town. Our average summer temperature is 25 degrees Celsius and our average winter temperature is 5 degrees Celsius.

How safe is the campus?

The campus and city of Flagstaff are very safe. There is virtually no crime, people walk everywhere, locks are not always necessary, and Flagstaff is rated among the best cities to live in the United States.

What are your deadlines?

Fall term (starts in August): April 15
Spring term (starts in January): September 15

Northern Arizona University accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Once we have received all the required documents, we will make an admissions decision and let you know within two weeks.

Priority will be given to students who apply by the deadline dates listed above. The visa application process can take a long time, and we encourage you to apply for admission as early as possible. Please note that it could take several weeks for you to schedule your mandatory visa interview. We encourage you to plan ahead - the entire application, acceptance, and visa process could take 2-6 months.

What documents must I submit with my application?

Please visit our Application & Requirements section to learn more about the application procedures.

Can I study at Northern Arizona University if I am not proficient in English?

Yes. You will be conditionally admitted to Northern Arizona University if you have met the academic and financial requirements but lack the minimum English level place score required for general admission to the university. Until you are able to meet our English language requirements, you will enroll in our Program in Intensive English (PIE) to study English. Once you meet the English proficiency requirement, you will be admitted to your degree program.

Do you accept transfer credit?

If your university is recognized by the Ministry of Education in your home country or if it is directly accredited by one of the US regional accrediting bodies, we will grant transfer credit. Students can receive up to 90 credits from a 4-year institute and up to 64 credits from a two-year institute. Students must submit official post-secondary transcripts and course descriptions in English in order to receive transfer credit and have a grade of C or better.

How do I transfer my I-20 to NAU?

Once you have gained admission to NAU, you must give the foreign student advisor at your current school a transfer form that will be mailed with admission letter. Please email studynau@nau.edu if you need a copy of this form.

Do my documents need to be translated into English?

Yes; however, an official copy in the original language must be sent along with the translation.

Can I take ESL classes at Northern Arizona University?

Yes, Northern Arizona University offers both full-time and part-time ESL Programs. Click here to learn more about the Program in Intensive English.

Are you on a semester or quarter system?

Northern Arizona University is on a semester system. Fall semester is from mid August to mid December; Spring semester is from early January to mid May. International students are STRONGLY encouraged to attend begin their studies in either the Fall or Spring semesters.

Do I have to choose a major when I apply?

Yes. For the immigration document, you must choose a major. If you wish to change your major after arriving at Northern Arizona University, you must complete formal documents and meet with your NAU international student advisor.

When can I enroll in classes? Will l I have an academic advisor?

Yes, you will enroll for your classes after you arrive on campus and meet with your academic adviser. New students must meet with their academic advisor and provide proof of immunizations before registering for class.

What is the average class size at Northern Arizona University?

The average class size is 28 students. Student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1.

Will I be taught by student teaching assistants?

No. Our classes are taught by faculty members, of which 92% have a Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree.

Is it possible to graduate in four years?

Yes. Our undergraduate programs are designed so that you can finish your general education and major coursework in four years. Student must take an average of 16 credits per semester to graduate in for years.

How many students attend Northern Arizona University?

Approximately 14,000 undergraduates and 1,600 graduate students attend the Flagstaff campus.

How many students live on campus?

Approximately 6,500 undergraduate students live on campus in over 25 residence halls.

Can I live on campus?

Yes. The campus offers a variety of places to live and dine. Students must complete a housing form and pay the required application fee.

I completed the Housing application and will be living on campus. When can I move in?

International students who will be attending International Student Orientation and who have completed the housing application to live on-campus in a year round hall, can check in to their residence halls beginning on the first day of Orientation by going to the Welcome Center.

If you arrive on campus BEFORE the beginning of Orientation, you will NOT be able to move in until the first day of Orientation. You will need to make your own arrangements for lodging until the first day of Orientation.

Do you have student clubs and organizations?

Yes, we have over 200 student clubs and organizations, including the International – Club (get copy from new brochure … culturally-based clubs. Student organizations also include academically-based clubs, faith-based clubs, and Greek organizations (sororities and fraternities).

How do I get a VISA? What do I need to know about the immigration process?

All of the recommended arrival details are included in our International Student Guide. In addition, more information can be found here.

Can you write a letter to speed up my U.S. visa?
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to expedite the processing of your visa application. We encourage you to make a visa appointment immediately after you receive your acceptance packet. Getting an appointment and securing your visa can take up to 5 months. The U.S. Embassies and Consulates are responsible for this process for the United States of America federal government.

Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?
Yes, the International Student Orientation is mandatory. During orientation you will meet with your academic adviser and enroll in classes; you may NOT enroll before you come to campus and meet with your academic adviser. You will also learn about working on campus, academic skills, Northern Arizona University laboratories and research facilities, applying for a Social Security Card, immigration requirements, and international student services.

I’m transferring from another U.S. university. Do I have to attend International Student Orientation?
Yes, the International Student Orientation is mandatory even for transfer students.