International Students
An international student is any student who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
If you are interested in becoming a Northwood Tech International Student, please review the Admissions Procedures prior to applying.
English translations by a formal Foreign Credential Translation and Evaluation Service provider must be included for all documents written in another language.
Foreign Credential Evaluations
If you have credits from educational institutions outside the United States, a detailed course by course evaluation is required to determine if credits transfer. Northwood Tech accepts foreign credential evaluations from any current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For additional NACES-affiliated credential evaluation options, please visit the NACES website. Contact Jami Koivisto, Registrar, to learn how college course work completed outside the U.S. will transfer to Northwood Tech.
Download list of Recommended Foreign Credential Evaluators
Steps to Become an International Student at Northwood Tech:
1. Choose your degree/technical diploma/certificate. Check out the degree program options available at Northwood Tech. Graduate studies and four-year degree programs are not offered as part of the Northwood Tech curriculum.
2. Complete and submit the following forms for the International Student Admissions.
- New AND Transferring International Students:
Complete any additional admissions requirements as needed. Please note: All required documents should be postmarked by May 1 for fall term start and October 1 for spring term start.
3. If English is not your native language, you must provide your TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or DuoLingo scores for proof of English language proficiency. All test scores must be sent directly to Northwood Tech through the TOEFL (Northwood Tech's school code of 1580), IELTS or DuoLingo.
Minimum acceptable scores (valid up to three years from date of exam) are:
- TOEFL IBT - 61 (with a minimum speaking and writing score of 17)
- IELTS - 5.5
- DuoLingo - 95
While Northwood Tech does offer English language training, it is not considered intensive. Therefore, Northwood Tech is unable to admit you if you do not meet the minimum English language proficiency score.
Proof of English Proficiency is not required for applicants whose native language is English.
Students from the following areas are exempt from the English proficiency exam requirement:
| Anguilla | Grand Turks Island | Seychelles |
| Antigua | Grenada | Shetland Islands |
| Australia | Guyana | Sierra Leone |
| Bahamas | Ireland | Singapore |
| Barbados | Jamaica | South Sudan |
| Belize | Kenya | St. Kitts-Nevis |
| Bermuda | Lesotho | St. Lucia |
| Botswana | Liberia | St. Vincent |
| British Virgin Islands | Malawi | St. Helena |
| Caicos Islands | Montserrat | Swaziland |
| Canada (except Quebec) | Namibia | Tanzania Turks |
| Cayman Islands | New Zealand | Trinidad/Tobago |
| Dominica | Newfoundland | Uganda |
| England | Nigeria | United Arab Emirates |
| Falkland Islands | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom |
| Gambia | Pitcairn Islands | Wales |
| Ghana | Pohnpei | Zambia |
| Gibraltar | Scotland | Zimbabwe |
4. Provide written proof of adequate financial resources for period of study to pay for tuition, books, room and board, and any other financial responsibilities that may incur. Please submit the Confidential Financial Statement form with the International Student Application. As an international student, you are not eligible for financial assistance or federal work-study while pursuing education at Northwood Tech.
5. Submit an official high school transcript and any post-high school transcripts (if applicable).
6. Students are required to participate in the Student Health and Accident Insurance Plan as offered through a local insurance agency or evidence of comparable health insurance coverage (to include repatriation of body) Proof of insurance coverage must be given to the College within 30 days of being in the United States.
7. Northwood Technical College does not provide on-campus housing for students. Some campuses may be able to offer suggestions or information regarding housing; however, it is the student's responsibility to secure housing and provide proof prior to admission to a program.
8. Complete the Accuplacer placement assessment after arrival to determine your course placement.
After You're Admitted
- Complete the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USCIS) form and pay the $350 (U.S. dollars) SEVIS fee.
- Schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. There is an online visa application available, which allows you to complete and print the Form DS-160 to take to your M-1 or F-1 visa interview. Applying for the M-1 or F-1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you are dealing with. Present the I-20 and original letters of support during the embassy visit. Financial support documents must be attached to the Certificate of Eligibility when applying for the student visa at the United States Embassy or Consular Office.
- Once you have been granted the student visa, contact Allison Carroll, with your estimated date of arrival. Once in the area, please call 715.319.7337 to schedule an appointment to take the Accuplacer assessment and to register for classes. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester to maintain your student visa status. The program of study indicated in the Certificate of Eligibility is tentative since final placement into college programs and courses is dependent upon Accuplacer placement test scores, student interest, and advisement/counseling requirements.
The following documents are required for your visa interview:
- A valid passport; must be valid for at least six months after you plan to enter the USA
- Non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160 (you can print the confirmation page online)
- Receipt of your application payment
- Two passport photos (see photo requirements)
- A Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant (M-1 or F-1) Student Status Form I-20 (issued by Northwood Tech)
- Receipt of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment
Contact Information
Northwood Tech is excited that you have taken the time to learn more about what the college has to offer for international students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Allison Carroll.
