Study in Washington, DC!

We look forward to welcoming you to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), located on six campuses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The second largest community college in the United States (over 80,000 students per year from over 150 countries), NOVA is one of the most internationally diverse colleges in the USA. Students benefit from its location in the nation's capital, amidst embassies from most nations of the world, leading universities and a vibrant cultural environment. Best of all, NOVA has the lowest tuition of any college or university in the Washington area.

NOVA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate in arts (A.A.), associate in science (A.S.), and associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degrees. Over 160 degree and certificate programs are offered in all. Graduating students transfer to universities all over the United States. The most popular are George Mason University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, and the University of Virginia.

Classes are small, and the faculty is dedicated to teaching and personal attention to students. The College offers a widely respected comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program and intensive English programs, free tutoring and writing assistance centers, and academic advising. International Student Centers are located at the two largest campuses, Annandale and Alexandria. Similar services are available at all other campuses, each of which have international student clubs and associations.

Academic Programs

Associate Degree Programs include Biotechnology, Business, Communication Design, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, Music and Music Recording, Science and Technology, Semiconductor Lab Processes, Teacher Education, Web Design and a wide range of health technologies.

Intensive English Programs

In the intensive English-language program, you will study twenty hours per week in classes that will help you improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The college offers classes from beginning to advanced levels. You may enter the intensive English-language classes three times a year: in fall (late August or early September), in spring (January), or in summer (late May).

Many students who complete the advanced level of English-language studies go on to enter academic degree programs at the college.

The cost of the intensive course is $2800 per semester.

Admission

NVCC welcomes international students to attend the college:

1. for intensive English-language training,
2. for academic studies in pursuit of a degree, or
3. for a combination of both English-language training and degree studies.

Applications will be accepted to study in the associate degree program either for fall semester (which begins in late August) or spring semester (which begins in early January).

Students who intend to take only Intensive English-Language Classes may apply for fall, spring or the summer semester, which begins in May or June.

To be admitted as an F-1 Student:

1. You must be a high school graduate or have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school education.
   
   
2. If you are applying for admission to the associate degree program, you must provide evidence of English proficiency. If you will be coming to study in our Intensive English Program, you do not need to submit test scores. You can meet this requirement in the following ways:
   
   I. If you come from a country where English is the official language you are considered to be proficient in English. II. If you are in northern Virginia and are able to visit NOVA, you can take the English placement test. III. Provide official TOEFL or IELTS scores less than 2 years old.
   
   Required TOEFL score:

   Paper based	500
   Computer based	173
   iBT	61

   
   Required IELTS score: 6.0
   
   Please use the TOEFL institution code of 5515 to report your score.
   
   
3. All students take an English placement test when they arrive at the college. The results of this test will determine the most appropriate level for your first semester of study at Northern Virginia Community College.
   
   Applicants who are in the US and can come to the college may take the College English Placement Test instead of the TOEFL.
   
   
4. Your application and all required documents must reach the college by the appropriate deadlines.

Application Deadlines for Academic Studies:

Fall Semester Deadline: May 15
Spring Semester Deadline: October 15

Application Deadlines for Intensive English-Language Training Only:

Fall Semester Deadline: May 15
Spring Semester Deadline: October 15
Summer Session Deadline: March 1

Application Deadlines for F1 Transfer Students

Fall Semester Deadline: July 1
Spring Semester Deadline: December 1
Summer Session Deadline: April 15