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      2. Admissions, Tuition, and Aid

      International Students

      Information about applying and registering for courses as an international student

      How do I apply as an international student?

      1. Complete and submit your online application.
      2. Upload your passport: Once you have completed the online application, International Student Services will contact you by email to request your passport and other documentation for review.
      3. Upload your certification of finance: Download instructions for certification of finance and bank letter/statement. Upload your completed certification of finance and bank letter/statement.
      4. Pay your application deposit: Students are required to submit a $300 deposit before review and issuance of the I-20 document. Deposit may be paid via NCC's Flywire portal for those outside the United States. Use Cashnet and select “International Payments/Deposits” to make payments from inside the United States. Deposit will be applied to your student bill upon registration. The deposit is valid for one year and may be applied to a future semester in cases of deferral. Deposit is non-refundable.
      5. Placement exams or proof of English proficiency: All F-1 visa applicants need to complete placement exams or submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, etc.) before receiving a Form I-20. Applicants can upload proof of English proficiency. Students can be exempt from English placement exams and ESL courses if they submit proof of proficiency through other standardized exams:
        1. A minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT and a minimum score of 100 on the Duolingo English exam or
        2. A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS and a minimum score of 100 on the Duolingo English exam.
      6. Review of materials and issuance of I-20: Once you have completed the online application, submitted your passport and certification of finance, and paid your deposit, International Student Services will review your materials and, with all materials accurate and complete, issue your I-20.
      7. Complete Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee: For detailed instructions, visit the Study in the States website.
      8. Apply for Visa: Visit the U.S. Department of State website to review detailed instructions on applying for an F-1 Visa.
      9. Application completion deadlines: Applicant must complete all application requirements described on page 1 of the Certification of Finance before:
        1. Fall Semester: July 1
        2. Spring Semester: December 1
        3. Summer II Semester: June 1
      If you have questions about the process, complete the Contact Us form and a member of our team will be in touch.
       

      How do I register for classes as an international student?

      Once you apply to NCC, follow these steps:

      1. Your student ID number and login information will be emailed to you. Use this information to log in to Workday and your student email account.
      2. Follow the instructions above to submit your application requirements and complete all steps.
      3. Then, we will connect you to an academic advisor so you can register for classes.
      4. NCC’s International Student Services will stay in contact with you during this process to answer your questions. You may contact us at international@northampton.edu.

      Does NCC offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

      Prepare for college-level courses, your career, and day-to-day conversations in full-semester, for-credit ESL classes. You’ll gain cultural experience and make friends from around the world alongside fellow Northampton County residents, neighbors, and international students from over 70 countries!

      NCC’s ESL program offers four levels of English classes, from beginner to advanced. You’ll practice skills in reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Your courses will also bring you up to speed on American culture, using computer technology, and how to succeed in college. Our ESL classes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Study full-time or part-time to improve your English skills.

      Additionally, NCC offers free non-degree ESL classes for community members. Community ESL classes and Community Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) classes are designed for non-native speakers of English who want to improve their ability to communicate in English at home or at work. Classes focus on reading, writing, speaking, listening, numeracy, and digital literacy. IELCE classes also focus on civics, citizenship, health, wellness, and consumer economics, and students may be eligible to obtain free training in high-demand occupations.

      For more information, please call: Northampton County – 610-332-8650 or Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties – 570-369-1883.
       

      Are financial aid or scholarships available to international students? 

      International students do not qualify for state or federal financial aid or NCC scholarships, but we highly encourage students to visit an Education USA Advising Center to learn more about financing your education at NCC. Continuing international students are eligible to apply for an NCC Global Ambassador Assistantship. For more information, please email: global@northampton.edu.

       

      What type of housing is available?

      NCC has on-campus housing at our Bethlehem campus and offers residence halls and an apartment building. You also may also choose to live off campus.

      Can my spouse and children come to the U.S. with me?

      Yes. As an international student, you will apply for an F-1 Student Visa. Your dependents (spouse and/or children) will apply for F-2 Visas. When completing your Certification of Finance as part of your NCC application, you will need to provide proof of an additional $2,000.00 for each dependent.
       

      Can I work while I study at NCC?

      As a student with an F-1 Visa, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on NCC's campus. However, positions are very limited. Generally, F-1 Visa students cannot accept off-campus employment at any time. Under very limited circumstances, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year of study.

      Can I study part-time as an international student? 

      No. As a student with an F-1 Student Visa, you must enroll full-time with at least 12 credits in order to maintain status.  You can enroll in either 12 credits of ESL classes or 12 credits of academic classes.

      Can I participate in sports while I study at NCC?

      NCC has an excellent, nationally ranked athletics program. Interested international athletes should visit NCC's athletics website. Additionally, students may participate in any of the many intramural sports programs on campus and may use the free campus fitness center.

      How can I transfer from another U.S. college to NCC? 

      If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa, your SEVIS record can be transferred to NCC. 

      First you must apply to NCC. When you are accepted at NCC, complete NCC's Transfer Request Form. Give the form and your NCC acceptance letter to your current institution so they can transfer your SEVIS record to NCC. You must continue to attend classes at your current institution while your transfer is being processed. Your current institution and NCC will notify you of the transfer release date. You should contact NCC soon after the transfer release date and ensure that the DSO has the biographical and financial data needed to update the student's SEVIS record. You must also report to NCC within 15 days of the program start date and enroll full-time in the first required session or term at NCC.

      I am already in the U.S. on another type of visa. How can I change my status and apply to become a student? 


      If you are already in the U.S. on another type of nonimmigrant visa, first you must apply to NCC. You will need to indicate your type of visa and provide a copy of it with your NCC application.
       
      When you are accepted by NCC, we will send your Form I-20 and SEVIS Remittance Form I-901 to you. Complete the Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee. Then you can apply for your change of status by filing a Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Click here to download the Form I-539 and filing instructions. Please note that some classes of nonimmigrants must wait for their change of status application to be approved before they can begin taking classes.
       

      Contact International Student Services

      Fill out our Contact Form

      We are available Monday-Thursday through the end of July and Monday-Friday the rest of the year from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.