Application deadlines are posted on the deadlines page.
- International Admissions
- Life at NIU
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The admission process can take four to six weeks from time of receipt of all required documents during peak processing periods. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that a completed application and all official transcripts and supporting documents have been submitted to NIU Admissions. You can monitor your application status and review your application file information online using MyNIU.
Yes. Applications completed online are received immediately by the NIU Admissions office. The online application is the preferred method for applying to NIU.
There is no application fee for undergraduate admissions.
Every new NIU international student must attend International Orientation. During this very important week we will provide you with valuable information about how Northern Illinois University operates. You will also meet with your academic advisor and register for classes.
All newly admitted international students will have an immigration hold on their account that prevents them from registering from classes. You must check in with International Student and Scholar Services before you are allowed to register for classes. This information will be provided to you during the International Orientation.
NIU has five residence halls:
- New Residence Hall
- Stevenson Towers
- Grant Towers
- Neptune Hall
- Gilbert Hall (upper-division environment for juniors and seniors)
Please visit Housing and Residential Services for more information.
The university residency requirement stipulates that all single students classified as freshmen (under 24 hours of NIU accepted college credit) who will have not reached their 21st birthday by September 1, and are not residing with their parents or legal guardians, must live in a Northern Illinois University residence hall for the full academic year (August–May).
You can have a car on campus, but you don't need one to get around. Learn about your transportation options.
Tuition and fee information is posted on the website of the Office of the Bursar.
The undergraduate and graduate catalogs are available free online. Printed catalogs are provided to all undergraduate students at Orientation. You can also search for courses.
Health Services provides medical care to all registered students, full or part time, who have paid on-campus tuition and fees. All international students will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students may use Health Services without being enrolled in the insurance plan. For more information, read about immunizations and health insurance for international students.
We provide support services for students with a variety of disabilities. A wide range of services can be obtained including, but not limited to, housing, transportation, adaptation of printed materials, testing accommodations, sign language interpreters and advocacy with faculty and staff.
Your credits will be evaluated after you are admitted.
It is important to understand that even though you finished three years of study at another university, it does not mean you will be able to receive an NIU degree in one year.
If you were not previously required to take general education courses, you will have 1.5 - 2 years of courses to complete plus any other requirements from your academic department.
If you were not previously required to take general education courses, you will have 1.5 - 2 years of courses to complete plus any other requirements from your academic department.
Contact Us
All supporting documents necessary to process your application must be sent to:
International Admissions
Northern Illinois University
1425 West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115
USA
Phone: 815-753-8276
Email: IntlAdmissions@niu.edu
Request More Information
Register as a prospective student to receive more information about NIU.