Inbound Exchange Students (J-1 Visa)
Northeastern State University (NSU) welcomes exchange students from partner universities around the world through bilateral exchange agreements. This page outlines eligibility, application steps, academic expectations, costs, and arrival requirements for incoming exchange students.
NSU has partnered with Aoyama Gakuin University, Toyo University, Viadrina University, and ISEP to offer bilateral exchange opportunities through which international students may study abroad at NSU as non-degree–seeking students on a J-1 visa.
Program Overview
Exchange students enroll at NSU for one semester or one academic year while remaining degree-seeking students at their home institution. Students take courses on the Tahlequah campus and participate fully in academic and campus life.
Programs included under this page:
- Bilateral partner universities (AGU, Toyo University, Viadrina)
- ISEP Exchange
Note: Program terms and financial arrangements vary by exchange agreement. Please verify through your host institution or ISEP.
AGU, Toyo and Viadrina students will pay tuition and fees to their home institution and will be charged NSU housing and meal plan costs. ISEP Exchange: Students will pay tuition, fees, housing, and meals to their home institution.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for exchange at NSU, students must:
- Be officially nominated by their home (partner) university
- Meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement set by NSU and the exchange agreement
- Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent, if required)
- Be eligible to study abroad according to their home institution’s policies
Additional restrictions:
- Exchange students may not enroll in fully online degree programs
- Study is limited to the Tahlequah campus (no other NSU campuses)
Academic Enrollment
Exchange students at NSU may enroll in courses offered on the Tahlequah campus or online. Undergraduate exchange students are required to enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester at NSU to maintain valid student immigration status.
Of the required 12 credit hours, up to 3 credit hours may be taken online, with the remaining 9 credit hours completed in person. Any credit hours beyond the 12-hour minimum may be taken through online coursework.
Student Application Process & Deadlines
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Nomination by Partner University
Students must be formally nominated by their home institution before applying to NSU.
Nomination deadlines:
- Fall semester: April 1
- Spring semester: October 11
Step 2: Student Application Submission
Once you have been nominated by your home university and been notified of placement by NSU Study Abroad, you can begin the application process.
Application deadlines:
- Fall semester: May 1
- Spring semester: November 1
- Select “Undergraduate Admission” and complete application
- Pay $25 USD Application Fee upon submitting all documents
Required Documents During Application Process:
- Transcripts from current university (upload as part of application)
- Copy of Valid Passport Picture (email to studyabroad@nsuok.edu)
- English Proficiency Scores (email to studyabroad@nsuok.edu)
- International Financial Statement and Proof of Finances (email to studyabroad@nsuok.edu) (see more below)
- Pay and submit application (part of application)
International Financial Statement And Bank Docs
Bilateral Exchange Students must show proof of funds per semester to cover room and board, books and supplies and health insurance while studying in the US. This can be shown through bank statements, scholarships, etc.
Required Document:
- Students must fill out the International Financial Statement form with proof of finances.
Please email this document along with a copy of the valid passport photo page, English proficiency score, and acknowledgment you have completed the online application to studyabroad@nsuok.edu.
ISEP Exchange Students do not need to complete the International Financial Statement
Important Acceptance Letter Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: Receive Acceptance Letter by Late May-Mid June
- Spring Semester: Receive Acceptance Letter by Early-Mid November
If you apply for Fall and Spring semesters (Full Academic Year), please submit application by deadlines above.
Receive Acceptance Letter DS-2019
Accepted students will receive a DS-2019 form from NSU and must apply for a J-1 visa. Begin the J-1 VISA process at the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country. Please apply for your J-1 visa accordingly.
If you are participating in the ISEP Exchange Program, your DS-2019 will be sent to you by ISEP.
Students are required to:
- Maintain full-time enrollment
- Carry required health insurance for the duration of the program
- Follow all J-1 visa regulations
Start the Checklist
Before arriving at NSU, students will need to review the Inbound Exchange Student Checklist and begin submitting required documents.
- Activate NSU account and email, including multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Submit required immunization records
- Provide proof of compliant health insurance (or enroll in an approved plan) Requirements of coverage for all international students.
- Confirm arrival information to remove registration holds
- Review orientation details and prepare required documents
Fill out the “Confirm Arrival Form”
Confirm Arrival Form (Google Form)
- You will have a “hold” from the NSU Office of International Programs that will prevent you from enrolling in classes
- Once the form is filled out, your hold will be removed
Enroll in classes, select housing and meal plan
The Study Abroad Coordinator will contact you after you have been admitted via zoom or email. They will discuss your housing and enrollment of classes prior to your arrival in the U.S.
- NSU Course Catalog
- Course Schedule
- Important Semester Dates will also be listed on the course schedule page.
- Housing Information for Exchange Students
- Cobb Hall is recommended for Bilateral Exchange Students
- Meal Plan
AGU, Toyo, and Viadrina students will be able to select preferred meal plan and housing.
ISEP students will be automatically placed in Leoser Housing with 16 Meals Per Week & $200 Flex Points.
Enrollment in Math and English courses requires completion of a placement test. The first test is free and can be scheduled and completed prior to arrival.
Arrival & Orientation
All exchange students are required to attend international student orientation.
During orientation, students should bring:
- Passport and visa (or copy)
- DS-2019 (or copy)
- Your Class Schedule
- Immunization Records (if not already submitted)
- Proof of health insurance (if not already submitted)
- Any additional documents requested by the International Office
Orientation includes check-in, campus resources, and academic guidance.
Courses
Exchange students at NSU may enroll in courses offered on the Tahlequah campus or online. Undergraduate exchange students are required to enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester at NSU to maintain valid student immigration status.
Of the required 12 credit hours, up to 3 credit hours may be taken online, with the remaining 9 credit hours completed in person. Any credit hours beyond the 12-hour minimum may be taken through online coursework.
Housing Information for Exchange Students
For detailed information about housing, please refer to the link below.
ISEP Exchange students are automatically placed in Leoser Housing.
AGU, Toyo & Viadrina students can select preferred housing and meal plan option.
Application
Please review the eligibility and application instructions in the Fact Sheet for exchange students. Applicants must be nominated by NSU partner institutions.