Steps to apply: international student

Submitting your application: step-by-step

1. Review international student qualifications

You’re an international student if you:

• Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
• Will require a visa (typically an F-1 student visa) to study in the U.S.

2. Review the English proficiency requirements

To be considered for admission, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following options:

• 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 Northern Arizona University’s Program in Intensive English (PIE) until you meet the required level.

3. Prepare for these application steps

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

1. Complete the online application and pay the application fee ($50 for undergraduates or $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 financial documentation for visa eligibility

Submit your application

Apply now as an international student and take your education to new heights.

Next steps after applying

1. Set up your NAU email and student account

After you apply to NAU you’ll receive a confirmation email with your user ID. This user ID will enable you to set up your NAU accounts and access important tools like LOUIE and Canvas.

Check your NAU Gmail, personal email, and LOUIE regularly for important updates.

2. Submit a copy of your passport

Please upload a clear copy of your passport to your online application. If you cannot upload it, you can email it to studynau@nau.edu.

3. Submit your official transcripts

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

• High school (also called secondary school)
• College or university, if applicable
• Vocational schools or English language programs (ESL), if attended

If your transcripts are not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation. Not sending complete and accurate documents may delay your admission decision.

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. Submit your English test scores

To be considered for admission, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following options:

• 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 Northern Arizona University’s Program in Intensive English (PIE) until you meet the required level.

5. Provide proof of financial support

Provide proof of financial support via bank statements and complete the financial sponsor form for the total amount of estimated tuition and fees for bachelor’s degree students for the academic year (summer not included). This document is required to issue your SEVIS form I-20 (needed in order to apply for your student visa).

If you bring dependents with you, please submit the financial sponsor with dependents form and provide an extra $6,000 per dependent.

6. Check your application status

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. If you’ve been admitted, congratulations! 

Accept your offer and follow 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.