Applying
International Students
National College extends a warm welcome to those from other countries who want a career-focused education. In any given academic year our student body may have as many as 35 countries represented. We all benefit from the diversity they bring to the classroom, the college, and the community.
National College offers a Partnership for International Education Grant to international and legal non-resident students for their first year of study. Click here to learn more.
The information below is for those international students seeking an undergraduate education, which includes our diploma, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree programs. Click here for information about applying for our Master of Business Administration graduate program.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Graduation from high school is a minimum requirement for admission as an undergraduate student. National College does not require the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL), but you must have a basic command of the English language, both written and verbal. You will need to submit a copy of your high school transcript with your application.
Credit for courses you have taken at other colleges may be considered for transfer to National. If you want any courses you have taken to be considered for transfer credit, you will need to submit those transcripts with course descriptions with your application.
The College and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security require international students to prove that they will be responsible for their debts and expenses. To do this, you must submit a "Sponsor's Letter" which explains how your financial needs (for housing, food, clothing, healthcare, tuition and fees, etc.) will be met. This letter may be written by a family member, an employer, a sponsor from the U.S. or from your own country, or anyone who will be supporting your stay here. Remember, as a student with a F-1 visa, you are not allowed to work in the U.S. without permission from the Immigration Department.
Important note to all international applicants. National College's campuses are non-residential. No housing or dormitory space is provided by the college, nor are host family arrangements. International students will need to secure their own housing arrangements.
The Application Process
Please note that all documents must be submitted in English. The online application process is not available for international applicants. Please print the pdf file and mail to the address below:
Print and complete the:
- International Student Application Materials Checklist
- International Student Application (Campuses not in Tennessee.)
- International Student Application (Campuses in Tennessee.)
- Partnership for International Education Grant Application (Campuses not in Tennessee.)
- Partnership for International Education Grant Application (Campuses in Tennessee.)
Transfer Students: If transferring from another college, please also print and complete one of the following and present to the college you are currently attending:
- International Student Transfer Eligibility Form (KY Division)
- International Student Transfer Eligibility Form (OH-IN Division)
- International Student Transfer Eligibility Form (TN Division)
- International Student Transfer Eligibility Form (VA Division)
Click here if you are applying for the Master of Business Administration graduate program.
Click here if you are applying to change your VISA status or reinstatement.
You must include with your application a non-refundable application fee of US$125. You may authorize the College to charge your credit card, or you may enclose an international money order with your application.
Send your completed admissions application, your non-refundable application fee of US$125, your completed grant application, your transcripts, and your sponsorship letter to:
Ron Smith
Director of International Programs
National College
1813 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153, USA.
Once You Are Accepted
The College will send you two forms:
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status SEVIS Form I-901
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information Service is part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Use your Form I-20 to complete Form I-901, and submit a US $100 fee ($200 beginning October 27, 2008.) This is required in order for you to be able to receive an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a student.
It is highly recommended that you:
- Complete this form on-line at http://www.fmjfee.com
- Pay with a credit card
- Print a copy of your receipt.
Please note that the fee must be paid and a copy of your receipt must be presented to the U.S. Consulate in order to receive a student visa.
To read more about SEVIS Form I-901, visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/faq.htm.
US Government Forms:
We look forward to having you on our campus!
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