International FAQ's
Questions about SNHU
Where is SNHU located?
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is in Manchester, New Hampshire, which was named one of the 10 “most livable” U.S. cities by Forbes magazine, and is just 1 hour from the city of Boston.
Where can I find out more information about Manchester, NH, and the surrounding area?
Manchester, NH, is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in northern New England. With a population of over 110,000, Manchester combines small-town charm with a lively cultural scene. Downtown Manchester boasts more than 70 restaurants. Here, you can go surfing, go for a hike or go skiing – Manchester has it all. Learn more about the Manchester area.
Is SNHU accredited?
How many international students attend SNHU?
SNHU enrolls more than 3,000 students with over 450 international students from more than 70 countries – offering you endless opportunities to meet other students from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
How safe is the SNHU campus?
New Hampshire has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 2nd safest state in the U.S. At SNHU, we take the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff seriously. The preservation of life, protection of property, prevention of criminal behavior and the creation of a safe environment is our foremost responsibility. We work around the clock to maintain campus safety through a variety of initiatives, including escort and education services. Learn more about SNHU’s Office of Public Safety.
Can I schedule a visit to campus?
Absolutely. SNHU welcomes all prospective students currently in or visiting the United States to contact SNHU International Admission to schedule a tour and a meeting with our admission staff. Weekday tours are 9 am, 11:30 am and 2pm. A virtual tour can also be found here. Email international@snhu.edu or call +1 603.645.9629 to make tour arrangements. See directions to campus.
International Covid FAQs
What are SNHU’s current vaccination requirements?
All SNHU students will be required to provide proof of vaccination to start classes and/or physically be on the Manchester campus. Appropriate medical or religious exemptions will be considered.
Which vaccinations will be accepted by SNHU?
SNHU will accept the three vaccines that are currently authorized in the United States: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen.
The SNHU Wellness Center will work to facilitate access to the COVID-19 vaccines for international students arriving in the United States wherever possible.
Do I need to provide a COVID-19 test result and/or do I need to quarantine before arriving?
Students who are fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine against COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or provide pre-arrival testing. These students must test 3-5 days after arrival to campus at a surveillance testing site.
Unvaccinated students arriving to campus from within the United States do not need to quarantine upon arrival to campus but must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 5 days before their arrival to campus. Please send your test results to the Wellness Center at wellness@snhu.edu.
Unvaccinated students arriving to campus from outside the United States must quarantine in a designated quarantine location for 10 days before checking in with International Student Services (ISS).
- Students who are living in campus housing will be assigned a temporary quarantine room for 10 days. During this time, you will be able to order your meals from our campus dining hall and all meals will be delivered to you. After 3-5 days in quarantine housing, a staff member from the Wellness Center will visit you to give you a COVID-19 test.
- Students who are living off campus will be required to quarantine off campus for 10 days and must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 5 days before their arrival to campus. Please send your test results to the Wellness Center at wellness@snhu.edu.
Do I need to wear a face covering on campus?
Unvaccinated students are required to wear face coverings in all public SNHU spaces.
Vaccinated students are not required to wear face coverings. Please note, there are a few caveats to this policy:
- Faculty will have the authority to require masks in their classrooms, and faculty and staff may require masks in their individual workspaces. All members of our community should carry an approved mask with them in order to accommodate such requests.
- Some spaces may still require masks for all students, faculty, and staff. Managers will have authority to make these decisions for their respective areas. All members of our community should carry an approved mask with them in order to accommodate such requests.
- If you are vaccinated and exposed to a positive case, you do not need to quarantine, but public health guidance recommends you should monitor for symptoms and continue wearing your mask for 10 days after your exposure.
- We encourage and actively support anyone whose circumstances or preferences lead them to continue mask wearing.
For more information on face coverings and masks, please refer to the CDC face covering guidelines.
What if I have additional questions about international travel or COVID-19?
If you have additional questions about international travel requirements, you can visit the CDC website. Should you have additional questions, you can contact covid19@snhu.edu or international@snhu.edu.
Applying to SNHU
How do I apply to SNHU as an international student? What documents are required to apply?
Learn more about the international admission requirements.
I’ve been accepted to SNHU but cannot join in the term I applied for. Can I defer my admission to a future term?
We understand that due to a variety of circumstances, students may need to defer their admission. SNHU permits deferrals to the future term of your choice (within one year of acceptance) with no need to fill out a new application or pay another application fee. If you need to defer longer than one year, SNHU will require you to fill out a new application and pay another application fee.
When can I send my documents?
After you have filled out the online application and paid the application fee, if required, you can then send your documents:
Southern New Hampshire University
ESS - International
33 South Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03106 USA
Can you accept required documents (including transcripts) via email?
Documents can be submitted to SNHU by email, but transcripts submitted this way will be considered unofficial. While SNHU continues to require official transcripts and academic documents for full admission, some applications may be considered for a limited admission called “Accept, Evaluation Pending” or “AEP” based on unofficial transcripts. Students whose status is AEP will be asked to submit a signed attestation of degree completion or expected degree completion for the equivalency of a U.S. high school degree or U.S. conferred bachelor’s degree and attest to the accuracy of the submitted unofficial transcripts. An official transcript (or attested copy) showing degree conferral must be provided to SNHU by the end of the first term at SNHU or the student will be unable to continue in their degree program. Specific secured pathways, such as Parchment, will be accepted to send official academic credentials.
What email address should I use to submit documents?
Emailed documents must be sent to intgrdocs@snhu.edu.
How and when should I submit my official transcripts?
Official transcripts must be mailed by courier to SNHU at the address below:
Southern New Hampshire University
ESS - International
33 South Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03106 USA
Students should submit official transcripts to international admission as soon as possible, ideally prior to arrival and the start of the semester as final transcripts may impact first term course requirements. No transfer credits or course waivers will be processed, nor scholarships disbursed based on unofficial transcripts. Transfer credits, course waivers, and scholarship disbursement will be completed after the necessary official final documentation is received. Students may submit academic documents in person after they arrive on campus at the beginning of the semester, as long as they remain sealed. Additionally, if a student is utilizing our third-party partner for evaluation, they would work with the international admission team to know where to send official documents.
What qualifies transcripts as “official”?
To be considered official, the document must be in a sealed/stamped envelope from the issuing institution. The envelope containing the document must remain sealed – only to be opened by us. Receipt of a transcript that is not contained in a sealed/stamped envelope by the issuing institution cannot be accepted as official. Official e-transcripts from U.S. institutions using approved transcript services (such a Parchment and others) are also permitted.
How can I expedite the processing of my documents?
Documents are processed quickly when the guidelines below are followed:
- Ensure your scanned copies are of good quality.
- Send one email with multiple PDF attachments.
- Please do not scan all required documents into one PDF. Your email should contain a separate PDF for each requirement. (For example, attach one PDF for your bank statement. Attach a separate PDF for your passport.)
- Please do not send ZIP files.
- Documents should not be inserted as an image into the body of your email. All documents should be attached as a PDF.
- Ensure your email size is smaller than 15MB.
When do SNHU’s terms start? When is the application deadline?
SNHU offers 2 academic term starts for undergraduate students in January and September and 3 academic term starts for master's students in January, May and September. SNHU's ESL program has 6 term starts per year. Application deadlines are 3 months before the program start dates. Find the upcoming start dates and application deadlines.
Are SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT scores required?
No. SNHU does not require applicants to take the SAT/ACT for undergraduate programs or GRE/GMAT for master's degree programs. The PhD application process is different than our other levels of study. Please see our PhD Frequently Asked Questions page for specifics.
How do I find out the status of my application?
Students can inquire about the status of their application by emailing us at international@snhu.edu, calling +1 603.645.9629 or messaging on WhatsApp at +1 603.645.9629. Once an application is complete, it typically takes 10-14 days to process a decision.
Can I Skype or call someone about SNHU or my application?
Absolutely. To request an appointment for a phone or Skype consultation, email us at international@snhu.edu. We also offer application walk through events.
Do I need to officially report to SNHU my TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE score?
Yes. English proficiency scores must be officially reported. SNHU verifies all English proficiency test scores with the testing organizations. Our ETS code is 3649.
What if I am unable to meet SNHU’s English Language Proficiency requirement?
Students from non-English speaking countries with no proof of English proficiency (or scores below the minimum requirement) may be enrolled in SNHU's Intensive English (ESL) program prior to their degree program. In this situation, students are granted conditional admission to their degree program. Learn more about our ESL program.
What if my country’s official language is English?
Although English proficiency scores are required, international admission is able to offer waivers on a case-by-case basis. If you have received a degree taught fully in English, you may be eligible for a waiver. Please consult our catalog or email international@snhu.edu to inquire about our current list of exception countries or to request a waiver.
I studied at an institution that adheres to the Bologna Process. Does SNHU consider that equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree?
Southern New Hampshire University recognizes 3-year 180 ECTS credit bachelor’s degrees (conferred after 2003, or year of Bologna Process adherence) from institutions in member countries that adhere to the Bologna Process as the equivalent of a 4-year 120 semester credit bachelor’s degree from the United States. In order to validate equivalency, SNHU must receive official transcripts of the conferred degree along with a European Commission recognized Diploma Supplement, both in English. These international transcripts are excluded from the requirement of being evaluated by a recognized NACES or AICE international transcript evaluation agency.
My grades/marks are not on the American scale. Is there a conversion method? Am I required to get a transcript evaluation prior to applying to SNHU?
SNHU International Admission calculates your grades/marks by converting them to a U.S. equivalent grade point average (GPA). These conversions follow accepted practices used by many universities in the United States.
Except for doctoral applicants, an outside transcript evaluation is NOT required by SNHU. However, if you are considering having your credentials evaluated by a credential evaluation service, please refer to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) for a list of SNHU-approved providers. Be sure to have your official transcript evaluated and included with professional evaluation.
Am I required to submit a letter of recommendation, resume and/or statement of purpose for my application?
SNHU International Admission does not require applicants to submit these documents as part of the application process for undergraduate or master’s programs. The PhD application process is different than our other levels of study. Learn more on our PhD Frequently Asked Questions page.
If I am accepted to SNHU, do I have to pay a tuition deposit?
A deposit will now be required for all accepted students to secure their place on campus at SNHU. Accepted students will be contacted by international admission and asked to complete an “enrollment intent form” and pay their deposit prior to receiving their I20. Deposits will be applied toward first semester tuition and are fully refundable for students who have their visa denied or on a case-by-case hardship basis. The deposit is non-refundable in other circumstances.
To pay your tuition deposit, please fill out the tuition deposit form.
After I apply, when will I receive an admission decision and receive an I-20 Form?
Admission decisions typically take 10-14 days from the date the application and all required documents are received. Once a student has been accepted and all immigration documents are received, an i-20 will be sent within 24-48 hours. Processing time may be extended if required documents are missing. Therefore, we recommend that all of the required documents be sent to SNHU as quickly as possible.
Please note that only accepted students who have submitted a copy of their passport, necessary financial documents and paid a deposit will receive an I-20 from SNHU.
I am currently attending another U.S. university. If I am admitted to SNHU how do I transfer my I-20?
Transfer applicants will receive an I-20 transfer form from SNHU with the acceptance letter. The current institution should complete the form and return it to SNHU. The financial statement and the transfer I-20 form must be received by SNHU before a new I-20 can be issued.
I previously attended a different college/university, but I do not want to transfer credit for those courses. Do I have to submit my transcripts anyway?
Yes. Applicants must submit all post-secondary academic records with the application, even if it was a different program or you do not wish to receive transfer credit. Failure to provide all academic records may result in denial of admission, scholarship revocation and/or refusal of transfer credit.
Does SNHU work with official educational agent partners?
Yes. SNHU International Admission works with trusted agent partners around the world. Please contact international@snhu.edu to inquire.
I am currently located in a place affected by a natural disaster or other situation that might affect my ability to meet SNHU’s deadline. What can I do?
At SNHU, we recognize that certain situations may cause test center or school closures and affect students’ ability to meet published application timelines or deadlines for admission. If you are not able to provide test scores or complete your application because of such a situation, please contact us at international@snhu.edu to discuss your options. We are flexible and will work with you to ensure you can complete your application and be considered for admission.
Academic Programs
How long does it take for a student to complete the program?
Bachelor’s programs generally take 4 years to complete.
Master’s programs take 12-18 months, depending on the number of courses in the program and the student’s educational background.
What is the process for PhD admission?
The PhD application process is different than our other levels of study. See our PhD Frequently Asked Questions page for specifics.
Is my program a STEM program included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List?
SNHU currently offers the following programs that are officially considered STEM:
- BS Aeronautical Engineering
- BS Biology
- BS Computer Information Systems
- BS Computer Science
- BS Electrical & Computer Engineering
- BS Environmental Science
- BS Environmental Science with a concentration in Compliance and Sustainability
- BA Game Art & Development
- BS Game Programming & Development
- BA Mathematics
- BS Mechanical Engineering
- BS Physics
- MS Business Analytics
- MS Information Technology
How many credits can I transfer in?
Students may transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Graduate applicants may transfer in up to 12 elective credits (4 courses).
In order to evaluate transfer credit, applicants must submit an official transcript for a course-by-course evaluation. Students may be required to submit course descriptions or syllabi in some cases to receive transfer credit. Transfer credit is determined once a student has a completed application on file (application fee has been paid and all documents have been submitted).
To enroll in a master’s program, must I have completed my bachelor’s degree in the same subject? Do I need work experience in order to apply?
No. Students are not required to have studied or worked in a related field in order to apply for most master’s degree programs at SNHU. However, students with an education background in a different area of study may be required to take foundational courses. SNHU has one master’s program, MS in Professional Accountancy, that requires an undergraduate degree in accounting.
Do you provide any type of assistantship for master’s students (teaching or research)?
Since SNHU has a practice-based university model and our undergraduate classes are always taught by full professors, we do not offer many assistantship opportunities for graduate students. Our master’s degrees are short, practical programs with hands-on and pre-professional practice. After the first full academic year, students can apply for an internship with the help of our Career Services Office.
International students in lawful F-1 or J-1 status may also work on campus (even during their first year) for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time during breaks between terms. However, there is a lot of competition for the few on campus jobs available.
Do you offer internship opportunities?
We value the traditional classroom experience, but what makes SNHU special is our commitment to learning outside the classroom. Both undergraduate and graduate students can choose to do an internship during their study. After receiving approval from faculty and meeting with International Student Services (ISS), SNHU’s Career Services Office can help students locate, apply for and secure internship opportunities during their study. Learn more about internships.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 1-year period in which students can gain practical training that complements their education. When students graduate, they can apply for OPT and work in an internship or a job for a full year following the completion of their studies.
This opportunity is only for students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than 9 months as permitted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month extension.
Tuition & Financing
How much will my program cost?
For our published list of current tuition, fees and estimated living cost, see our international program costs page.
Are scholarships available for international students?
With our low undergraduate tuition, there are no scholarship opportunities for undergraduate applicants. However, SNHU offers opportunities for graduate applicants to apply for scholarships. Although SNHU does not offer full scholarships, international graduate applicants may be eligible for partial merit-based scholarship awards (called the International Merit Scholarship) based on previous academic achievement (GPA 3.0 or above). Find out more about our scholarship opportunities.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Students are eligible to apply for scholarship consideration after SNHU has received the student’s application for admission and the application fee has been paid. The student should reference the applicant ID when filling out the scholarship application. Scholarship eligibility will only be reviewed once all documents have been received and the application file is complete.
What is the maximum scholarship amount?
International Merit Scholarships for graduate students are awarded in variable amounts up to approximately 20% of the total tuition. Total tuition can be found on our international program costs page.
I am a student of need. Can I receive a fully funded scholarship?
Unfortunately, we do not offer fully funded scholarships.
What is an Affidavit of Support and do I need to submit one?
Applicants who are not responsible for their own educational expenses, or whose submitted bank statements are not in their name, are required to submit an Affidavit of Support.
When am I required to pay my tuition fees? Can I prepay my tuition? Can I pay in installments?
Tuition is due upon arrival at SNHU. Students pay for one term at a time. Students can prepay tuition online (you must be logged in to your my.SNHU account to prepay tuition). If you have any questions, please email sfscampus@snhu.edu.
Are international students required to have health insurance?
Yes. All international students are required to enroll in SNHU's international student health insurance plan. Exceptions are granted for students who receive health insurance through their sponsoring program (SACM or Fulbright, for example) or if covered as a dependent of a parent or spouse with U.S. or Canadian (but only if the Canadian insurance covers you in the U.S.) health insurance provided through an employer. Exemptions must be requested by filling out a health insurance waiver during your Check-In Appointment and are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Can international students work during their study?
International students may work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during breaks between terms. See a listing of current job openings. Unfortunately, there are a small number of jobs available each term, and on campus jobs cannot be guaranteed.
An on campus job can help with the student’s personal expenses, but these funds are not sufficient to finance tuition costs. SNHU also offers a few off-campus, paid options, which are all available only after the first full academic year of study. Students studying in the U.S. on a student visa are not eligible for off-campus work not arranged through SNHU.*
*Exceptions may apply based on student’s visa type.
Do you provide on campus and/or off campus housing for international students?
On campus housing is available for ESL, undergraduate and graduate students, with the exception of married students. On campus housing is limited and does fill up, so we recommend you make your reservation early. If you wish to search for off campus housing, you will do this on your own. Explore housing options.
Do you provide any career assistance when the program is coming to an end?
Career Services works with students throughout their academic experience as well as after graduation. Whether you are still considering potential career options or looking to advance your career, our career coaches are here to help. From the job search, to networking, to the application and interview process, SNHU offers a wide array of services.
Accepted Student Information
When do I get my SNHU email login?
You will receive your SNHU email address and login credentials within two weeks of being accepted, prior to your I-20 being issued. This will give you access to SNHU's student portal. If you do not receive your login credentials, contact SNHU International Admission at international@snhu.edu. If you have difficulty logging in to your mySNHU account, call the help desk at +1 855.877.9919.
Is there a housing deposit?
No, SNHU doesn’t charge you a separate housing deposit. Once you pay your tuition deposit, some of those funds will be allocated toward reserving housing on campus.
How do I register for on campus housing?
Once you have paid your housing deposit, you will be notified via your SNHU email address to access mySNHU. Start by going to this portal page (login required), select “Access myHousing Director” at the top of the page, and then follow the steps to apply on that page. Through this application, you will provide us any information related to the room you are requesting and any information to help us find you a suitable roommate. Learn more about the housing application process.
Can I arrive after the orientation date?
No. Orientation provides essential information about government and university regulations, expectations and support services. Without this information, you will not be successful in the onboarding and matriculation process. As a result, attendance at orientation is mandatory. Students must arrive at least 1 day before orientation in order to complete the check in process. Additionally, your required arrival date is listed on your I-20. Arriving in country after that date can also result in your entry to the U.S. being declined. If you have specific questions about orientation, email intlwelcome@snhu.edu. Learn more about orientation.
How do I register for courses for my first term? Can I register for them before I arrive at SNHU?
Students are registered for courses for their first term by their academic advisor. This is done once we receive notification that you have received your visa. Email SNHU International Admission at international@snhu.edu when you have received your visa to expedite your course registration. Your academic advisor will then contact you about registering for your first term courses. Undergraduate students will receive a new student inventory (NSI) survey that will help your advisor register you for your first term. Please be sure to complete the survey when you receive it.
Which international airport is closest to SNHU?
The closest international airport to SNHU is Boston Logan International Airport, which is 58 miles and about 1 hour by car from campus.
There is a regional airport in Manchester, New Hampshire, which is 11 miles and about 20 minutes by car from campus.
How can I travel from the airport to SNHU?
There are a number of ways you can travel to SNHU from either Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or Boston Logan International Airport, including bus, taxi, train or a combination of these. Learn more about traveling to campus.
Will SNHU pick me up at the airport?
When possible SNHU will offer a pick-up service from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, the Manchester or Londonderry bus terminals. The service would be available during the main Check-In dates during select times. Further information about the availability of this service will be sent in pre-arrival communications closer to the start of term.
Are there temporary accommodations available if I arrive to SNHU early?
Yes. SNHU has a few limited spots in our residence halls available for students on a temporary basis. Keep in mind that temporary accommodations on campus should be arranged before you arrive, and the check-in process is during regular business hours. If you arrive after business hours or on a weekend, you can stay in a local hotel until the next business day. Students must submit all health forms prior to moving into campus housing.
The Office of Residence Life manages the temporary housing options, so if you are interested in this option, contact them directly by emailing housingquestions@snhu.edu or calling +1 603.645.9758.
Do I have to complete any health requirements?
All international students (undergraduate, graduate and ESL) taking classes on campus must provide complete and accurate medical information and immunization records. The required documents must be translated into English, and students are asked to bring original copies to campus in case there are any concerns upon their arrival. Students are also encouraged to submit electronic copies of these documents before arriving to campus through the Patient Portal (login required). You will need your SNHU email and password to log in.
Students are required to provide this information prior to the start of their first academic term or moving into the residence halls. Failure to fulfill this requirement will prevent registration in future academic terms.
Students are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider prior to their arrival at SNHU in order to complete the health requirements as delineated below:
- Medical history summary form
- Physical exam report within 24 months of expected start date
- Tuberculosis screen and any needed official tuberculosis test results (skin test report, blood test report or chest x-ray report)
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, meningitis and varicella
For questions about medical documentation, contact wellness@snhu.edu.
Visa Information
I would like to study in the U.S. Can you send me an I-20?
I-20 forms are electronically sent only to students who have been accepted into SNHU. To apply for admission, please refer to the “Applying to SNHU” section in the FAQs above.
I have my I-20 Form. How do I get my student visa?
Once you have your I-20, provided by SNHU, you will need to apply for a visa. The process for applying for a visa varies by U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate depending on the country from which you are applying.
You can find country-specific information on the Travel.State.Gov website. Generally, you will need to complete the online “Nonimmigrant Visa Application” first and submit a photo ID. You will also need to schedule an appointment for your visa interview, usually held at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. Once you have completed the steps outlined in the link above, you may be granted a visa to enter the U.S. as a student.
How do I prepare for the visa interview?
Once your interview for your visa application has been scheduled, please feel free to contact your international admission counselor for a 1:1 virtual session to prepare for your interview.
Here are several things you will need to bring to your interview:
- Visa application fee (usually $160 USD but may vary)
- Application fee payment receipt
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Printed Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Photo
- I-20 form
There may be additional materials you need depending on the embassy or consulate requirements. For more information, see the Visa-Related Information for Incoming International Students document.