Welcome to NSCC!
NSCC proudly welcomes students from around the world. Our Admissions team provides guidance on admissions, visas, academic planning, and campus life to help you succeed in the United States. Whether you’re beginning a degree program or transferring from another U.S. school, we are here to support every step of your journey.
Application deadline
-
New International Students:
Friday, July 31, 2026 -
International Transfer I-20/Active F-1 Visa Students:
Friday, August 14, 2026
Requirements for International Student
To apply for admission and receive an I-20, international students must submit:
- Completed NSCC application
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcript(s)
- Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation agency
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL required; IELTS not accepted)
- Passport biographical page
- Proof of financial support demonstrating ability to meet one year of expenses
- For international transfer students: current I-20 and immigration records
- If you currently hold a different visa status, a copy of the visa page on your passport as well as a copy of your most up to date I-94
Once all admissions requirements are met, NSCC will issue your SEVIS I-20 so you can schedule your visa appointment. Certain programs are not eligible for F-1 students, including credit-level ESL, Aviation, and some selective admissions programs.
Additional information for International Students
If you completed schooling outside the United States, NSCC requires a course-by-course credential evaluation from an approved agency. This helps determine U.S. equivalency and whether transfer credit may be awarded. Submission does not guarantee that credit will transfer.
Please contact one of these agencies directly. There will be a fee associated with the service.
Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
P.O. Box 170116
Boston, MA 02117
Web: www.cedevaluations.com
Phone: 617-338-7171
Fax: 617-338-7101
North American Educational Group.
International Educational Credentials
505 Paradise Road Unit # 254
Swampscott, MA 01907
Web: www.naeg.org
Phone: 888-539-2804
E-Mail: info@naeg.org
World Education Services
Documentation Center
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
Web: www.wes.org/students/
International applicants must demonstrate adequate English proficiency. NSCC requires:
- TOEFL iBT scores (minimum might vary by program). We accept the follow minimum TOEFL score report:
- 500 or higher on the paper-based test
- 173 on the computer-based test
- 61 on the iBT
- NSCC does not accept IELTS
- Students needing additional language support may explore noncredit ESL options, though these are not eligible for the F-1 visa
International students must show financial ability to fund their first year. Total estimated cost for one academic year is approximately US $33,886. Estimated costs include:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Required health insurance*
- Housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses
NSCC does not offer financial aid or in-state tuition rates for international students.
Dependents (spouse/children) require additional financial documentation.
*International students are required to have health insurance according to the Massachusetts' Universal Health Insurance law. International students may waive the school’s health insurance only if their current health insurance is U.S. based (no international/global health insurance allowed).
To apply for the student visa, you must:
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Present your I-20, financial documents, and supporting materials
Students already in the U.S. on another visa type may request a change of status, if eligible.
- Complete the Form I-539 along with a copy of the Form I-94:
- Form I-539
- Form I-94
- Pay the appropriate filing fee and biometric service fee (if applicable)
- The application must also include receipt of the SEVIS fee, the affidavit of support, your sponsor's financial bank statement, the I-20 Form, your valid passport and acceptance letter from the College.
International students must:
- Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester (full-time)
- Make normal academic progress
- Report address changes to NSCC
- Follow all federal immigration regulations
If you are currently studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa and wish to transfer to North Shore Community College, you must submit:
- A completed International Student Application
- Official college transcript(s) from all U.S. institutions attended
- A signed copy of your current Form I-20
- A completed International Student Transfer Form (to be filled out by your current school’s Designated School Official)
Once your application is reviewed and accepted, NSCC will work with your current institution to complete your SEVIS transfer.
Work may be available on campus, subject to availability and regulations. Off-campus employment is available only after one full academic year. Approval is required before beginning any employment.
Off-Campus Employment (after one full academic year)
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
New international student applicants are not eligible to apply for Certificate programs, non-credit certifications programs, or any of the following special admissions credit programs:
- Aviation Management
- Aviation Science Professional Pilot
- English as a Second Language Program
- Funeral Service
- Nurse Education
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technology
NSCC does not provide on-campus housing. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Housing at Salem State University
NSCC students can experience the benefits of residence life at Salem State University. Contact NSCC Student Financial Services.
Email: sfs@northshore.edu
Subject Line: SSU Housing
Transportation
Transportation options vary:
- Lynn Campus: accessible by public transit
- Danvers Campus: limited transit; personal transportation recommended
NSCC offers a wide range of support to help you succeed:
- Academic Advising
- Transfer and career counseling
- Tutoring and academic support centers
- Health & wellness resources
- Virtual and in-person services via CentroHub
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us or visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual campus, for live support with admission and advising needs.
Email: admissions@northshore.edu
Phone: 978-762-4188
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Locations: Danvers Campus (DH-260), Lynn Campus (LS-134)