International Student Admissions
Northampton Community College

Begin Your Academic Journey Abroad at NCC

Join a vibrant student body at Northampton Community College (NCC)! NCC is home to approximately 100 international students each year, representing nearly 35 countries. Our international community is growing, and you can be a part of it.

 

Why Do International Students Choose NCC?

  • Reach your full potential with 120+ academic programs.
  • Affordable tuition and dedicated support that will put you on the path to success.
  • With New York City and Philadelphia, two prominent East Coast cities, only about an hour away, you’ll have access to exciting career and educational opportunities.
  • Prime location in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, which includes the vibrant cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, means there is always something to explore, from excellent restaurants and art galleries to beautiful parks and hiking trails.

 

Apply How to Apply

 

Connect With Our International Student Services Team

At NCC, we understand that moving to the U.S. for your degree is a big transition, but you don’t have to face the process alone. Our International Student Services staff is here to help you start the international student admissions process and guide you through your arrival in the U.S. and the start of your classes.

 

Bethlehem Campus

College Center 287
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (NCC is closed on Fridays during the summer.)
610.861.4157
international@northampton.edu

 

We offer in-person and virtual appointments. Additionally, the Pocono campus has limited hours. Please contact the office for Pocono availability.

Contact Us


Discover How NCC Helps International Students Succeed

Learn how Northampton empowers international students from around the world and hear about their experiences at NCC. From transferring in as a dual enrollment student to joining student clubs and organizations, our international students immerse themselves in campus life and become thriving members of our campus community.

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How to Apply as an International Student

Ready to begin your studies at NCC? You can start the process today! Below, we’ve outlined all the required steps to help you stay on track.

Please note the following application deadlines:

  • Fall Semester start: July 1
  • Spring Semester start: December 1
  • Summer II Semester start: June 1

To begin your journey to NCC, you must first fill out our online application. The online application is easy and straightforward..

Once you have completed the online application, a staff member from NCC’s International Student Services Office will email you to request that you upload your passport and other documentation for review. The personal information you submit helps us verify your SEVIS Form I-20.

The certification of finance form confirms that you have sufficient funds to cover your educational expenses as a full-time student. You must have $30,040.00 available in checking, savings, or money market accounts.

To confirm your financial status, please:

When finished, please upload to Dropbox your completed certification of finance form and bank letter/statement.

Your next step is to submit a $300 non-refundable deposit before the I-20 document is reviewed and issued. You can make your deposit online using the following methods:

  • Use Flywire to make payments from outside the United States.
  • Use Cashnet and select “International Payments/Deposits” to make payments from inside the United States.
Your deposit will be applied to your student bill at the time of registration. It is non-refundable and valid for one academic school year. In cases of deferral, it may be applied to a future semester.

As an F1 visa applicant, you must complete placement exams or provide proof of English proficiency before receiving a Form I-20 and registering for courses.

If you are a candidate from a country where English is a native or primary language, you do not need to submit proof of English proficiency; however, you must complete placement testing.

All non-native English speakers are required to pass an English proficiency exam to enroll in NCC’s English 101 and other academic classes.

If you are from a non-English-speaking country and cannot take placement exams or provide proof of English proficiency, you will receive a Form I-20 indicating English as a Second Language as your program of study. Once you successfully complete level four of the ESL program at NCC, you may enroll in English 101 and other academic classes.

For more information, please review our placement policy.

 

Proof of English Proficiency:

You may be exempt from English placement exams and ESL courses if you submit proof of proficiency through other standardized exams. Emphasis is placed on the writing and production sections of all exams:
  • A minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT and a minimum score of 105 on the Duolingo English exam, or
  • A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS and a minimum score of 105 on the Duolingo English exam

As an international student studying in the U.S., you must have a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from your designated school official. This document ensures you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States.

Once you have completed the online application, submitted your passport and certification of finance, and paid your deposit, the International Student Services Office will review your materials for accuracy and issue your I-20.

Visas & Arriving in the U.S.

  1. To secure your F-1 student visa, please follow these simple steps:
  2. Once you have received your acceptance package and Form I-20 in the mail, please read the materials carefully and review all documents for accuracy.
  3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. For detailed instructions, visit the Study in the States website.
  4. Apply for your student visa. This process requires you to submit an online application and schedule a visa interview. The U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page provides detailed instructions for applying for an F-1 Visa.
  5. Once you have received your visa, please review it for accuracy and notify International Student Services via email at international@northampton.edu.

  1. Plan your arrival date so that you arrive in the United States after the “Earliest Admission Date” listed on your Form I-20.
  2. Keep your original immigration documents with you while traveling to enter the United States, including your passport, student visa, I-20 or DS-2019, NCC acceptance letter, and financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
  3. Upon your arrival, present your original immigration documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent. Having all immigration documentation and being prepared to enter the U.S. can help you avoid a secondary inspection.
  4. If you are admitted to the United States, you will receive an admission stamp in your passport.

International Student Resources

Classroom
Cost of Attendance

Start planning how you can invest in your education. Learn more about the expected costs of attending NCC as an international student.

Cost of Attendance
Class
International Student Forms

We’ve gathered all the forms you may need to ensure your enrollment process goes smoothly. From transfer forms to family visit forms, you can find them here.

Forms
CCEI
International Student FAQs

We’ve compiled the most common questions our international students have, so you can find the information you need, from how to join NCC clubs and organizations to employment options to what our weather is like and more!

View FAQS

Start Studying With NCC Online

With NCC’s virtual campus, you can begin your academic journey from anywhere in the world! We offer 42 program options and 250+ courses that may be completed 100% online, ensuring you receive a high-quality education with maximum flexibility.

Online Learning

Embrace Student Life

At Northampton, we have something for everyone. There are over 60 student clubs and organizations, including our vibrant International Student Organization. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness center, a health and wellness center, three on-campus dining facilities, a community garden, nine different sports teams, and 24-hour campus security.

Smiling international student
Student Housing

NCC provides housing for more than 600 students. Here, you enjoy FREE parking and laundry as well as 24-hour security. Learn more about living on campus!

Housing & Residence Life
international students in their classroom
Health Insurance

To ensure all your health needs are met, students with an F-1 visa must purchase and enroll in the health care plan that NCC has selected. You will receive instructions before arrival to guide you through the process.

Learn More
smiling international student
Transportation

Start planning your journey to NCC. Review our resources on international transportation options and discover nearby airports and available bus services, so you can arrive on campus without delay.

Transportation Info

Find Your Major and Program

At NCC, you’ve got options. With more than 120 programs to choose from, 100+ transfer agreements with colleges nationwide, and countless certifications to enhance your skillset — we offer an extensive range of options when it comes to pursuing your education or advancing your career.

students attending class

Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.