Normandale welcomes students from all over the world!
An international student is defined as a person seeking admission to the college who is not a U.S. citizen or is not a U.S. immigrant. These are students with an F-1 Student Visa. Study in the States - Offers free government resources that explain the rules and regulations governing the international student process in the U.S.
Out of our more than 14,600 total students, over 100 are international students from 10+ nations. We are the largest community college in Minnesota with a diverse, safe, and respectful campus community.
We welcome you to start your U.S. educational journey with us. Normandale offers a wide range of degree programs and certificates with reasonable tuition costs. We provide transfer options for many colleges and universities nationwide.
Being away from home and studying in a different country can seem daunting. Our small class sizes and award-winning support programs will help make your transition easier. Improve your English writing and reading skills with the help of ESL Tutors. Practice speaking English while participating in student activities.
The number of international students enrolled in Normandale in 2020.
The percentage of students who are people of color.
Number of nations represented by international students.
International students must provide the following materials to apply:
Other materials may be required depending on your specific admissions situation.
I-20
International students will receive a SEVIS-Student Exchange and Visitor Information System I-20 from Normandale. An I-20 is a legal document that must contain accurate information and remain up-to-date. If any items on the I-20 change, you will want to request a new I-20.
Passport
International students must always have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months into the future while in the U.S. Students needing updated passports should contact their consulate in the U.S.
Entry Visa
The F-1 entry visa stamp for student passports is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. Students must have a valid entry visa stamp in their passport to re-enter the U.S. from overseas. Canadian citizens are not required to have an entry visa.
Prospective international students should start by applying to Normandale as an F-1 International Student. Complete, sign, and return the International Application Form. Note, we are no longer charging the $20 application fee. Submit all application materials digitally (PDF preferred) as attachments.
Information about your admissions status will be sent to the email address provided on your application or to your assigned Normandale student email account.
F-1 students currently attending another U.S. college or university who would like to transfer to Normandale must submit the Complete, sign, and return the International Application Form. Note, we are no longer charging the $20 application fee. Submit all application materials digitally (PDF preferred) as attachments. Transfer students must also submit International Transfer Release form and a copy of their current I-20 to the admissions office.
F-1 Students must have completed secondary education. You will need to provide official academic records and exam results from your secondary school. Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by English translations from a certified English translation service. Copies of originals are not accepted.
If records are not official or original, send certified or attested true copies signed by an authorized government official, US embassy staff, or a notary public. The college may decline to use any documents submitted. Academic records must show equivalent grades of "C" or better in a minimum of five academic subjects.
Students whose native language is not English must submit one of the following options as proof of English language proficiency:
Minimum Scores:
Note: Students show home country's official language is English are exempt from these requirements. Official English-speaking countries include:
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland (Northern and Republic of), Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, Wales, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Provide a certified copy of original immunization records or submit an immunization records form showing rubella, mumps, measles, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Show you have adequate financial support to cover all educational and living expenses. You can do this by submitting a notarized, current, original bank statement showing a balance of at least $22,108 in U.S. currency.
If you have a sponsor, your sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support (I-134) and a notarized, current, original bank statement showing a balance of at least $23,000 in U.S. currency.
The bank statement must be in English, certified by a bank official, and not less than two months old at the time of application.
Submit all application materials digitally (PDF preferred) as attachments.
Submit all application materials by email (PDF attachments preferred).
Submit photocopies of your passport including photo, date valid, your visa and I-94 card.
Contact the Admissions Office at 952-358-8207 to determine the documentation needed for English proficiency.
If you are looking to take a limited number of classes at Normandale while remaining on that school's I-20, submit documentation Items 1-4 and a letter from the International Advisor at your current (I-20) school.
Students who would like to transfer from a U.S. school/college/university should submit the International Transfer Release form and a copy of your current I-20.
Students wishing to transfer credit from a university outside of the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved academic credentialing agency. The companies listed below provide acceptable evaluations for a fee. Order a Course-by-Course evaluation.
P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113
Phone: 1-800-937-3895
Fax: 212-739-6100
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: 414-289-3400
Fax: 414-289-3411
All application requirements must be submitted by the appropriate deadline or the student will be considered for the following term.
Students outside of the United States or who are currently in the U.S. but will be returning home:
This includes students who are currently in the U.S. but will be returning home.
Fall Semester - June 1
Spring Semester - October 1
Students inside of the United States & who will be remaining in the U.S.:
Fall Semester - July 1
Spring Semester - November 1
We review applications for acceptance only after all steps are completed and materials are received.
The 2022-2023 tuition rate is $225.69 per credit. The application form has more information about financial requirements. It also provides a list of estimated annual expenses.
F-1 students are eligible to apply for scholarships.
No. The college does not provide student housing, but apartments are available in the area for students to rent.
Yes. On-campus employment opportunities for international students are limited and not guaranteed. While school is in session, students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. During summer semester and breaks students may work up to 40 hours per week.
Working off-campus without authorization will result in losing active visa status.
Learn more about student employment.
You may also have the option for training in the United States after your program ends.
All admitted F-1 students are required to purchase a medical insurance plan approved by the MN State System. You will buy this insurance through the college.
This insurance plan may be waived with proof of insurance through an exchange program or government agency. The college is not responsible for any medical bills incurred by any student.
You cannot pay for your classes in advance. Your cost for tuition and books will be determined once you register for courses
As an F-1 visa student, you must enroll for a full-time course load, which is 12 or more credits each semester. A minimum of 9 of those credits must be in-person. During the coronavirus pandemic, F-1 students can temporarily count more online credits towards full-time course load.
Continuing international students are not required to take summer courses, but can take them if they choose. There is no credit minimum required for summer.
Students must remain in good academic standing, which includes staying above a cumulative 2.0 GPA and passing at least 66.6% of the credits they attempt.
Within the US
International students are allowed to travel within the U.S. as the wish. This includes Hawaii, Alaska, or any U.S. Territory. No special documents are required; however, it is recommended that students should bring their passport, I-20, I-94 card, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial support.
Outside of the U.S.
International students should have their I-20 signed each time they leave the U.S. and want to reenter. Students should contact the international student coordinator at least one full month ahead of the scheduled travel date.
You may apply for Dietetic Technology, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Nursing Mobility programs. You must be admitted to Normandale first, and then apply for a specific program.
Start by completing an international admissions application. Contact the Health Science department for additional details.
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