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For International Students

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The resources below will help you prepare for life in Evanston. 

Connect with Current Students

Want to learn more about life as an international student at Northwestern? The Global Wildcats are international student volunteers available to answer your questions. To connect with a Global Wildcat via email or to schedule an online meeting using Zoom or other conferencing platform, email globalwildcats@u.northwestern.edu. 

There are many ways for you to get involved in the campus community. Explore Northwestern's student organizations to get a feel for what’s going on at Northwestern.

Plan Ahead

Airport Shuttle and On-campus Move In: September 7, 2025

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) will provide shuttle transportation from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to the Evanston campus on September 7, 2025. There will be four shuttles throughout the day offered on a first-come, first-served basis for students traveling alone. A sign-up request will be sent closer to arrival. Students traveling with families and friends could travel to Northwestern via various methods.

International undergraduate students move into their campus residence on September 7 and do not need to select a move-in appointment. 

International Wildcat Welcome (IWW): September 8–9, 2025

International Wildcat Welcome is a required in-person orientation for incoming international students. This is a great opportunity for international students to connect with other peers, build community, and get familiarized with campus resources.

Wildcat Welcome (WW): September 9–15, 2025

International Wildcat Welcome will immediately precede Wildcat Welcome, Northwestern's mandatory orientation for all new students. Wildcat Welcome discusses college transition issues, advising and course registration for your first quarter and provides an opportunity to meet your entire class. Wildcat Welcome will be held the week prior to the start of classes. You will register for classes during Wildcat Welcome.

Do not plan to make any other arrangements during that time period, as you'll be in programming most of the time.

Fall Quarter Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 16, 2025


Immigration Documentation & Student Visas

Northwestern University’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) is the main source for support and advising services to international students. Incoming students who do not hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or a U.S. visa status that allows full-time study will need to secure a student visa or transfer a current SEVIS record to study at Northwestern.

Visit the OISS website for instructions:

Before submitting your request, please ensure the following:

  • You have confirmed your intent to enroll at Northwestern by paying the nonrefundable $400 tuition deposit  or using an approved fee waiver
  • Your NetID is activated

To allow ample time for visa processing, Northwestern recommends submitting your immigration document request by May 20.

Requesting Your I-20 or DS-2019

For detailed guidance on completing your Immigration Document Request, please visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) website.

After Receiving Your I-20 or DS-2019

Once you receive your immigration document, take the following steps:

Financial Assistance Next Steps

Financial aid awards were extended only to those international students who were admitted and applied for financial aid at the point of application. For international students who received a financial aid award, please reach out to our International Financial Aid Team if you have any additional questions or concerns. Some students may qualify for additional financial support for transportation costs, fees related to immigration, or technology costs.