Northern Illinois University
International Admissions
Division of International Affairs

Application deadlines are posted on the deadlines page.

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.

The application fee is $40. For online applications, it is IMPORTANT that you pay this fee using a credit card at the time you apply. You will not be able to pay the required application fee after you submitted the application. An application with no fee will not be processed.

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 the International Student & Faculty Office 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 the Housing and Residential Services site 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 don’t need a car to get around campus. With the Huskie Bus Line, Huskie Safe Line, Zipcar and the FreedomMobile for students with disabilities, there are a number of options for transportation.

Tuition and fee information is posted on the Office of the Bursar's site.

The Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs are available free online. Printed catalogs are provided to all undergraduate students at Orientation. Class schedules are searchable using the NIU Course Finder.

Health Services provides medical care to all registered students, full-time 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.

Limo Services

Custom Limousine Service
Phone: 815-895-6500
Toll-free Number: 800-397-7921

DeKalb O’Hare Limousine Service
136 Terrace Drive DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-758-0631
Toll-free Number: 877-367-5525

Home James, Inc. Professional Limousine Service
9145 Rich Road DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-748-5466 or 815-758-1597
Toll-free Number: 877-740-4663
Email: homejamesdekalb@aol.com

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Taxi Services

A1-Cab
847-888-3990 or 630-529-3990
Email: a1cabtaxireservation@gmail.com 

Fox Cab Dispatch
277 Ford St Geneva, IL 60134
630-262-8822

J&J Taxi
151 N 4th St. #7 DeKalb, IL 60115
815-787-7490

Sycamore Transportation Services
815-899-1902
office@sycamoretaxi.com

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Huskie Line

Shuttle Bus to Elburn (train station location to Chicago). Friday and Sunday schedule only.

You may also use private arrangements between you and a friend.