APPLYING TO NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

As an international student at Nova Southeastern University, you'll have access to a wealth of academic resources. You'll also discover something far more powerful: the sense that you fit in perfectly.

You’ll find all the steps you need to take to successfully apply to NSU below—and if you run into any questions, a dedicated admissions counselor is available to help guide you through the admissions process.

Dates and Deadlines

November 1

Early Decision & Early Action Admission

February 1

Regular Decision Admission

February 1

Premier Programs

Admissions Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to NSU.

Applying to Nova Southeastern University is quick and easy whether you choose to apply with our Shark Select International Application or the Common App.

Either way, the essay is optional. You can choose one of the five Common App prompts or provide an original writing sample of your choice if you’re using the Shark Select Application.

Please note that a nonrefundable $50 (USD) fee is required for either application.

If you’re interested in pursuing a nursing degree, visit the nursing admissions page for additional requirements.

There is also a supplemental application and interview requirement if you’re interested in a Dual Admission program. Not all programs accept transfer students, so be sure to read the program details carefully before applying.

Questions? Browse FAQ's

Information for Parents and Families

Submit Application for Admission

International undergraduate applicants may apply using our streamlined NSU Shark Select International Application or the Common App.

If you apply with the Common App, your college or guidance counselor should complete the School Report and submit it with your official transcripts and school profile.

Submit Secondary School or Postsecondary Credentials

You will need to send original or certified copies of your home country’s credentials as part of your application. You must also submit a copy of any terminating or qualifying examination results or certificates if applicable.

Students who have external exams that form part of their secondary school curriculum must send available results with their application. Examples of relevant exams include CXC exams, O-level/A-level exams, GCSE/IGCSE/BGCSE, WAEC exams, and national board exams. Students taking the BGCSE or CSEC are expected to have at least 5 passing scores upon graduation.

Students may apply to NSU before they are scheduled to take their last year's exams.

Please see "Examinations" for possible college credit for certain examinations.

All documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Please note that both documents are required—the original in your first language and the English translation.

Students with Postsecondary Credentials (Transfer)

If you completed coursework at an university in the United States, you must send a copy of the U.S. transcript.

If your university coursework was completed outside the United States, you must have your transcript evaluated by a NACES-accredited organization. A list of these organizations can be found at Naces.org. Please ensure the degree and course equivalencies along with the grade point average (GPA) are included in the evaluation. A preliminary review of your application can be made with unofficial transcripts.

Submit Letter(s) of Recommendation (optional)

You may submit up to a total of three letters of recommendation. The letter(s) can be completed online through the Common App Teacher Evaluation form, or you can submit the letter(s) in the supplemental items area of the NSU Shark Select International Application.

Paper letters of recommendation may be emailed to your admissions counselor or mailed to:

Enrollment Processing Services
Nova Southeastern University
P.O. Box 299000

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33329

Submit Proof of English Language Proficiency

We require proof of English proficiency from ALL students unless they are citizens of a country where English is the official language or they are a student at a school that is taught primarily in English.

Students for whom their high school education was NOT at an English-speaking institution or for whom English is NOT their native language must be able to demonstrate adequate English skills by submitting one of the following:

  • Proof of graduation from an accredited U.S. high school.
  • College transcript with one "English Composition One" course at an accredited U.S. college with a grade of C or better.
  • Proof of English language proficiency with a passing score on one of the following:
    • TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test
    • IELTS: 6.0 or higher on the test module
    • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
    • Duolingo Test of English: 105 or higher
    • PTE Academic: Overall score of 54 or higher
    • iTEP Academic: Overall score of 3.9 or higher
    • Passing Level 4 or higher from TALK English Schools
    • Completion and passing of ELS Level 112 Intensive Program English for Academic Purposes
    • SAT verbal scores of 520 or higher or ACT English score of 20
    • CLT Verbal Reasoning & Grammar/Writing Score of 42 or higher

Immigration Regulations

All international students must either obtain an F-1 visa to study at Nova Southeastern University or have visa status that permits a nonresident alien to study in the United States.

International students need to obtain an I-20 in order to apply for an F-1 (student visa) at the American Embassy in their home country. The Office of International Students and Scholars at Nova Southeastern University is in charge of issuing the I-20 when the following criteria are met:

  • Students must be officially accepted for admission to Nova Southeastern University, having met both academic and English requirements.
  • Students must indicate their acceptance for admission by submitting a $200 (USD) enrollment deposit. 
  • Full-time day students must demonstrate availability of funds. View the Cost of Attendance on step one of receiving your I-20 to see the I-20 total financial statement amount needed. An original bank statement or original letter on bank letterhead is required.

Freshman Class Profile

17,800

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants

2,050

Number Enrolled

52%

Florida Residents

38%

Out of State

10%

International

Premier Program Application Process

NSU’s Premier Programs are ideal for motivated students—those who want to work at an accelerated pace so they can get out and make positive changes in their careers and communities even sooner.

You can apply for just about any combination of the following Premier Programs:
  • Dual Admission
  • The Fischler Academy of Education
  • Huizenga Business Innovation Academy
  • Hochberg-Miniaci Razor’s Edge Scholars

Explore Premier Programs

Apply for Admission

You can use the Shark Select International Application or the Common App to apply to NSU, following the steps above.

Submit a Supplemental Application

Complete the supplemental Premier Program Application.

Interview During Shark Preview

If you’re admitted to NSU and submit the supplemental application, you will be invited via email to choose which Shark Preview Weekend works for your schedule.

The Undergraduate Admissions office is located next to the Welcome Center on the first floor of the William and Norma Horvitz Administration Building, on NSU's Ft. Lauderdale-Davie campus in Davie, Florida. Click here for a map.

Phone: (954) 262-8000 or Toll-Free: 800-338-4723

Fax: (954) 262-3811

If you would like to schedule a visit for your group, please email admissions@nova.edu.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Select Saturdays
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.