Frequently Asked Questions
Many of the most frequently asked questions can be found here.
- Do you offer an intensive ESL program?
- Will you accept transfer credit from my university (outside of the US)?
- I’m from Ghana (or Nigeria). Will you accept TOEFL scores to prove my proficiency in English?
- If English is my native language, do I still need to submit proof of my English proficiency?
- I am applying from outside the U.S. How much is the application fee?
- What if I will be living with my (host) parents/aunt or uncle in the U.S. as an F-1 international student? Do I still need to submit proof of my financial support?
- I’m an F-1 international student and I’ve been told by the International Admissions office that I must submit a tuition deposit. Why?
- I would like to take vocational courses at NKU--does your school issue M-1 visa?
- What are the requirements to be admitted to NKU?
- I would like to apply for graduate (Master’s) study in your Computer Science Program and I am in F-1 status. Is that possible?
- What type of scholarships and/or financial aid do you have available to international students?
- Will you waive the GMAT or GRE if I already have a master degree?
- Do I have to submit original documents? Can I submit photocopies or fax them?
- How do I qualify for the International Award?
- Can I start in the summer as an F-1 international student?
- I have attended other universities outside the US. How do I get my coursework accepted at NKU?
- How long will it take to get my I-20?
- What is the I-901?
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- Q: Do you offer an intensive ESL or an Intensive English program?
A: Yes we have an Intensive English Program. To learn more information please visit http://aelp.nku.edu
Q: Will you accept transfer credit from my university (outside of the US)?
A: Yes, but the school must be an accredited university. Additionally, we will need professional transcript evaluations and course descriptions (catalog) in order to evaluate which courses may receive NKU equivalent courses. Without the course descriptions, any transferable courses will receive general elective course credit.
Q: I’m from Ghana (or Nigeria). Will you accept TOEFL scores to prove my proficiency in English?
A: No. You need to take the SAT or ACT. This requirement is driven by the U.S. consulate procedures in these areas.
Q: If English is my native language, do I still need to submit proof of my English proficiency?
A: Yes, all NKU applicants prove English proficiency regardless of native language.
Q: I am applying from outside the U.S. How much is the application fee?
A: The application fee is waived for applicants outside the U.S. For any international student in any status and permanent residents, the application fee is $25 if you are applying from within the U.S.
Q: What if I will be living with my (host) parents/aunt or uncle in the U.S. as an F-1 international student? Do I still need to submit proof of my financial support?
A: Yes, but if you submit a host letter, we can deduct $4,500 from the total estimated annual expenses amount. This deduction takes into account that someone still needs to have funds to support the student’s housing and board, even if combined with the host’s other household expenses.
Q: I’m an F-1 international student and I’ve been told by the International Admissions office that I must submit a tuition deposit. Why?
A: When there has been repeated difficulty of moving foreign currency out of a particular country, NKU may require a tuition deposit, or proof of funds from an alternative country. This policy helps protects the student against class cancellation and ultimate loss of legal status.
Q: I would like to take vocational courses at NKU--does your school issue M-1 visa?
A: Yes, but you can’t change visa status from an M-1 to an F-1 (student) visa later from within the United States. If you will wish to study for a Bachelor’s degree (F-1 visa) later, you will have to leave the U.S. and apply from your country of origin.
Q: What are the requirements to be admitted to NKU?
A: It depends on whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or you are a transfer student. Please go to Applications .
Q: I would like to apply for graduate (Master’s) study in your Computer Science Program and I am in F-1 status. Is that possible?
A: While most students in the Masters of Science in Computer Science program are part-time students, it is possible to accommodate international students with a full-time (9 credit hour) course load.However, it may not be possible for students to schedule all required coursework in only four semesters, as would be the case in a traditional full- time Masters program. Prospective full- time students should contact the program director to discuss their plan of study.
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- Q: What type of scholarships and/or financial aid do you have available to international students?
A: NKU offers only competitive, academic scholarships for international students (no need-based). We have an international student scholarship for freshmen ($3,000 for the year, renewable), and several other incoming student scholarships are available through the Financial Assistance office. The deadline to apply for any scholarship offered through the Financial Assistance office is February 1st. The international student scholarship has a rolling deadline and no additional application is required. NKU also has competitive, academic scholarships for continuing international students. Please see the Office of Financial Assistance website for further details.Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) as well as institutional scholarships (both need-based and academic).
Q: Will you waive the GMAT or GRE if I already have a master degree?
A: Yes, our graduate programs will waive these entrance examinations if you have a master degree from an accredited school in the US or the equivalent from an accredited international school.
Q: Do I have to submit original documents? Can I submit photocopies or fax them?
A: No. All documents must be either original or certified copies.
Q: How do I qualify for the International Award?
A: This is a scholarship offered by the Office of International Student Affairs. We select from our applicants the academically overall best in test scores and grades. Once awarded this scholarship is renewable based on the student’s NKU academic performance.
Q: Can I start in the summer as an F-1 international student?
A: No. One of the F1 Regulations is that the student must be full-time (which is 12 hours for undergraduate students and 9 hours for graduate students) at NKU. This applies to fall and spring semesters and to the semester of matriculation (when you enroll for the first time). If you start in summer then you must be full-time in summer which can be difficult with registration, therefore, we have a general rule that a student may not matriculate in summer semester.
Q: I have attended other universities outside the US. How do I get my coursework accepted at NKU?
A: You must submit official transcripts from each university or school and they must be evaluated by a professional US evaluation service. You can pick any one from our website. Get a course-by-course evaluation and a GPA (grade-point-average) Evaluation Services
Q: How long will it take to get my I-20?
A: This of course depends on which country you live in but your admission packet with the I-20 will be sent out within one week after you receive an email indicating your application file is complete.
Q: What is the I-901?
A: The I-901 is a US government fee for students who apply for F1, J1, or M1 visas. It pays for the creation and maintenance of the SEVIS system. You can't get an interview unless you can prove you paid this fee. If you go to the website you can read all about it. www.ice.gov/sevis There is lots of information on it in your admission packet.
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