Steps to apply: international student

Join a diverse global community at NAU! Whether you're finishing high school or pursuing graduate study, we’ll walk you through the international admissions process step by step.

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Step by step: how to apply to NAU as an international student

1. Determine if you’re considered an international student

You’re an international student if you:

  • are not a US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
  • will require a visa (typically an F-1 student visa) to study in the United States
Four NAU students pause during a hike to take a break and chat with each other on a scenic outdoor trail.

2. Make sure you meet English language requirements

NAU accepts many ways to prove English proficiency, including:

  • TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition
    • minimum score of 70 (NAU school code: 4006; MyBest Score accepted)
  • IELTS
    • minimum overall band score of 6
  • Duolingo English Test
    • minimum score of 95
  • ACT (English and Reading sections)
    • minimum score of 21
  • SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing)
    • minimum score of 350
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    • minimum score of 56
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English A
    • score of 5 in Higher Level or 6 in Standard Level
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English B
    • score of 7 in both Higher and Standard Levels
  • Transfer from a U.S. college or university
    • completion of one 3-credit English composition course with a passing grade
  • Exchange students from Europe
    • minimum B2 level in English
  • Graduates from English-taught high schools
    • completion of four years of English (composition and literature) with passing grades, plus verification from the school that all courses were taught in English
  • Citizens of English-speaking countries
    • No additional proof of English proficiency is required.

If you do not meet NAU’s English proficiency requirement, you may need to take an English placement test upon arrival and/or enroll in our Program in Intensive English (PIE) until you meet the required level.

3. Gather materials

Your application steps will vary depending on your student type, but most international applicants will need to be ready to:

  1. Complete the online application and pay an application fee ($50 for undergraduates and $75 for graduate students).
    • You will be required to pay the application fee while completing your online application.
  2. Submit academic transcripts and certificates.
  3. Demonstrate English language proficiency.
  4. Provide a copy of your passport.
  5. Submit proof of financial support documentation for visa eligibility.

*Graduate applicants may have a few more items like letters of recommendation. Additional items like these vary by program.

Submit your application

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After you apply: what's next

1. Activate your NAU accounts

Look for a confirmation email with your NAU user ID. Use this to set up your email and student account in LOUIE. Be sure to check both your NAU Gmail and personal email for updates.

2. Submit a copy of your passport

If you did not upload a copy of your passport during the application process, you can email it to studynau@nau.edu.

3. Submit your official school records

You must submit official transcripts (school records) from all schools you have attended, including:

  • your high school (also called secondary school)
  • any college or universities you've attended, if applicable
  • any vocational schools or English language programs (ESL), if attended

If your transcripts are not in English, please include certified translations. Official transcripts and evaluations must be sent directly from the institution electronically to studynau@nau.edu (from a verifiable school email address) or by mail to the address below:

Northern Arizona University
Center for International Education
Attn: International Admissions
523 S Knoles Dr.
PO Box 5598
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5598

4. Send us your English test scores

To be considered for admission, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the options listed above.

If you do not meet NAU’s English proficiency requirement, you may need to take an English placement test upon arrival and/or enroll in Northern Arizona University’s Program in Intensive English (PIE) until you meet the required level.

5. Provide proof of financial support

Send a bank statement and a completed financial sponsor form showing you can cover the estimated cost of tuition and fees. Bringing family? You’ll need to show an extra $6,000 per dependent. Please submit the financial sponsor with dependents form. This is required to issue your I-20 for your visa.

6. Check your application status online

How to check your application status:

  1. Sign in to LOUIE with the user ID provided in your confirmation email.
  2. Click “SA Self Service.”
  3. Click “Learner Services.”
  4. Click “Admissions”, then “Application Status.”

Forgot your password?

Visit the NAU Password Change application and enter the user ID from your confirmation email. You’ll be prompted to answer a security question to retrieve or reset your password.

Need help accessing LOUIE?

Contact the Student Technology Center at ask-stc@nau.edu or call 928-523-9294 for assistance.

7. You're in! Now take the next step

Accept your offer and visit the international post-acceptance page to get ready for life at NAU.

Review the post-acceptance checklist

Need help?

Our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Email us at admissions@nau.edu or call 928-523-5511.