Admissions

Discover our range of US accredited programs, and the admission requirements for learning at Nexford

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Get started as soon as you're ready

April 1

Start the first of every month. Unlike traditional programs, you don’t have to wait for the beginning of a semester to start learning, as our courses start on the first of every month.

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We know your future is a big investment. Get your questions answered and chat with one of our friendly team members today.

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$25 application fee

Ready to move forward? Apply now and you’ll have a decision within seven days.

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Applying is simple, really!

We make things simple so you can focus on what's important: your goals. Our application and admissions process is simple and can be completed 100% online. In exceptional circumstances, if you’re missing any documents you’ll have the chance to send them later. You can find advice and guidance on applying to Nexford in our step-by-step guide.

Remember, while our application process is simple, our programs are rigorous. You’ll be challenged to think critically and you’ll need the commitment to succeed in our programs. Our team is here to help: so if you have any questions, please email help@nexford.org

Our undergraduate and graduate admission requirements are detailed below.

Admission requirements

Let’s start as we mean to go on: clear and simple. Here’s the information you need to start your application. There are general requirements which you’ll need to meet for all of our programs. On top of that, each of our programs has specific requirements.

Undergraduate certificates

Proof of identity

A photo or scan of a government-issued form of identification and a passport-style photo or selfie.


Proof of graduation

This can be either your high school graduation, or college graduation. Alternatively, proof of your General Educational Development certificate (GED) or equivalent exam, such as HiSET or TASC: valid copies of your official diploma and transcript in English. If your documents are not in English, don’t worry our team will get them translated. If you do not have an official translation readily available, we’ll handle it for you!

We offer a translation service at no cost. This simplifies the process for you, so you can concentrate on finding your documents. Just leave the translation to us.

English proficiency

If you’ve graduated from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English, we will rely on your transcript to prove English proficiency.

If your prior education was not in English, we’ll need to confirm English proficiency as part of our process to ensure you’re equipped to succeed at Nexford.

To be considered for admission as English Language Proficient to Nexford University undergraduate programs, applicants must complete one of the following:

  1. Provide Nexford with an official transcript from a high school (or of their General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent certificate e.g. HiSET, TASC, etc)
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in English language by achieving at least a minimum passing score on an approved English qualification exam within the past two years, by submitting an official score report during the admission process. (See Minimum Score Required for English Proficiency section)

Note: Admission Officers may request alternative supporting materials that might assist the university in certifying the applicant’s English proficiency status. All outcomes based on the supporting materials provided, will remain within the learners record according to the university records retention policy.

Minimum score required for English proficiency

You will need one of the following:

Undergraduate Degree
English Proficiency QualificationMinimum Score Required
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-based Test (PBT)57
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)61
International English Language Testing System (iELTS)6.0
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Test44
Eiken English Proficiency ExamPre-1
Duolingo English Test95
Exams identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)B-2


Graduate certificates

Proof of identity

A photo or scan of a government-issued form of identification and a passport-style photo or selfie.


Transcript

We need proof that you completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution with a valid copy of your official diploma and transcript in English. If your documents are not in English, don’t worry our team will get them translated. If you do not have an official translation readily available, we’ll handle it for you!

We offer a translation service at no cost. This simplifies the process for you, so you can concentrate on finding your documents. Just leave the translation to us.

We may ask you to certify that your undergraduate degree meets the university’s qualification standard and refer you to an external agency to evaluate your credit.

English proficiency

If you’ve graduated from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English, we will rely on your transcript to prove English proficiency.

If your prior education was not in English, we’ll need to confirm English proficiency as part of our process to ensure you’re equipped to succeed at Nexford.

To be considered for admission as English Language Proficient to Nexford University graduate programs, applicants must complete one of the following:

  1. Provide Nexford with an official transcript from a college or university
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in English language by achieving at least a minimum passing score on an approved English qualification exam within the past two years, by submitting an official score report during the admission process. (See Minimum Score Required for English Proficiency section)

Note: Admission Officers may request alternative supporting materials that might assist the university in certifying the applicant’s English proficiency status. All outcomes based on the supporting materials provided, will remain within the learners record according to the university records retention policy.

Minimum score required for English proficiency

You will need one of the following:

Graduate Degree
English Proficiency QualificationMinimum Score Required
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-based Test (PBT)60
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)71
International English Language Testing System (iELTS)6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Test50
Eiken English Proficiency ExamPre-1
Duolingo English Test100
Exams identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)B-2



Proof of identity

A photo or scan of a government-issued form of identification and a passport-style photo or selfie.


Transcript

We need proof that you completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution with a valid copy of your official diploma and transcript in English. If your documents are not in English, don’t worry our team will get them translated. If you do not have an official translation readily available, we’ll handle it for you!

We offer a translation service at no cost. This simplifies the process for you, so you can concentrate on finding your documents. Just leave the translation to us.

We may ask you to certify that your undergraduate degree meets the university’s qualification standard and refer you to an external agency to evaluate your credit.

English proficiency

If you’ve graduated from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English, we will rely on your transcript to prove English proficiency.

If your prior education was not in English, we’ll need to confirm English proficiency as part of our process to ensure you’re equipped to succeed at Nexford.

To be considered for admission as English Language Proficient to Nexford University graduate programs, applicants must complete one of the following:

  1. Provide Nexford with an official transcript from a college or university
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in English language by achieving at least a minimum passing score on an approved English qualification exam within the past two years, by submitting an official score report during the admission process. (See Minimum Score Required for English Proficiency section)

Note: Admission Officers may request alternative supporting materials that might assist the university in certifying the applicant’s English proficiency status. All outcomes based on the supporting materials provided will remain within the learners record according to the university records retention policy.

Minimum score required for English proficiency

You will need one of the following:

Graduate Degree
English Proficiency QualificationMinimum Score Required
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-based Test (PBT)60
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)71
International English Language Testing System (iELTS)6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Test50
Eiken English Proficiency ExamPre-1
Duolingo English Test100
Exams identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)B-2



Proof of identity

A photo or scan of a government-issued form of identification and a passport-style photo or selfie.


Proof of graduation

This can be either your high school graduation, or college graduation. Alternatively, proof of your General Educational Development certificate (GED) or equivalent exam, such as HiSET or TASC: valid copies of your official diploma and transcript in English. If your documents are not in English, don’t worry our team will get them translated. If you do not have an official translation readily available, we’ll handle it for you!

We offer a translation service at no cost. This simplifies the process for you, so you can concentrate on finding your documents. Just leave the translation to us.

English proficiency

If you’ve graduated from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English, we will rely on your transcript to prove English proficiency.

If your prior education was not in English, we’ll need to confirm English proficiency as part of our process to ensure you’re equipped to succeed at Nexford.

To be considered for admission as English Language Proficient to Nexford University undergraduate programs, applicants must complete one of the following:

  1. Provide Nexford with an official transcript from a high school (or of their General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent certificate e.g. HiSET, TASC, etc)
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in English language by achieving at least a minimum passing score on an approved English qualification exam within the past two years, by submitting an official score report during the admission process. (See Minimum Score Required for English Proficiency section)

Note: Admission Officers may request alternative supporting materials that might assist the university in certifying the applicant’s English proficiency status. All outcomes based on the supporting materials provided, will remain within the learners record according to the university records retention policy.

Minimum score required for English proficiency

You will need one of the following:

Undergraduate Degree
English Proficiency QualificationMinimum Score Required
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-based Test (PBT)57
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)61
International English Language Testing System (iELTS)6.0
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Test44
Eiken English Proficiency ExamPre-1
Duolingo English Test95
Exams identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)B-2


Apply today, graduate in the US in 2025!

Nexford's class of 2022 celebrated their achievements in Washington DC (Nexford's hometown). See what they got up to — and why applying today might just be the best decision you'll ever make.

Application process

Apply

Apply any time you want by completing our online application. Upload the documents you have, and in exceptional circumstances, if you’re missing any you’ll have the chance to upload them later.

Apply by March 30 to start learning on April 1, and join our community of learners from 110+ countries.

Our admissions team will evaluate transcripts and diplomas from anywhere in the world. If your documents are not in English, we’ll take care of their translation at no additional cost to you.

Having difficulties with your application? We've put together a guide to help you.

Wait for an admissions decision

You’ll have an admissions decision within seven days. If you’re accepted, the next step is enrollment. Our courses start on the first of every month.

Enroll

Once you’re accepted, you’ll have 30 days to complete your enrollment and make your first tuition payment. You can do everything online, including paying in your local currency if you prefer.

Complete orientation

Once you’ve enrolled your first step is joining NXU Orientation. Orientation is designed to set you up for success at Nexford, and you will:

  • Receive your NXU University Kit
  • Meet your success advisor online. Your advisor will personally guide you through everything you need to know
  • Learn about Nexford's 100% online learning environment, where you'll take courses and a whole lot more!
  • Discover your different academic path options — including elective courses you can choose from if you’re taking a Bachelor of Business Administration or MBA program
  • Find out about all the support you have access to: including faculty office hours, a writing coach, and the NXU library!

A human voice: our success is your success

Choosing the right program at the right time is a big decision. We’re here to help you make the right choice.
Any time you need advice or answers, contact our Admissions Team.

US accredited

Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

FAQ

Got a specific question? Check out our most popular FAQ.

Yes! We know that graduation is a time to celebrate your success with your friends, family and loved ones. Nexford will run local (in certain countries) and global graduation ceremonies, and plans to host a US graduation in the future too.

Readying you for the workforce is core to our mission at Nexford. We want to help you go from building profitable relationships to shaking hands as soon as possible. We have a course specifically focused on shaping your professional brand. It’s built into our AAS in Business degree and BBA degree programs. If you take either of these programs you’ll be directed to our course BUS 2250 Business Career Branding for Success. As well as providing you with essential interviewing skills and CV structuring tips, it’ll teach you how to introduce your professional brand to the workforce and stand out amongst the competition.

Affordability is in our mission: we want you to access high-quality, online education, no matter where you live in the world.

We are a mission-driven organization and a Public Benefit Organization (PBC). That means we're for-profit, but we prioritize public benefit every time.

We've made tuition affordable, so you won't need federal financial aid in the first place! Calculate what you'll pay at our tuition page. We can help you source local financial support. Email help@nexford.org to find out more.

You might be eligible for a scholarship. See our current scholarships, including the Nexford Financial Need Scholarship, here.

Learn how to build a case for financing your studies.

Yes, we do! To support learners who are academically prepared for college but who lack the financial means to attend, Nexford University created the Nexford Financial Need Scholarship.


The Nexford Financial Need Scholarship was developed to benefit learners who meet a set of criteria to determine their financial need. The criteria includes, among other items, the employment level and number of financially dependent family members the applicant has. There are limited scholarships available each term. Each application is evaluated by the Scholarship Committee, after detailed information is provided by the applicant. The scholarship decision is final, with no appeal process.


There is a limited quantity of scholarship slots available — discuss with a Nexford Application Specialist or contact help@nexford.org to learn more.


You can also visit Nexford.org/scholarships to check out the terms and conditions of the other scholarships available to learners you may be interested in.


Yes, there is! Before your first month, you'll have a whole week where you can log in to the online platform at no extra cost, explore where you'll take courses, and connect with your success advisor and faculty.

Orientation is designed to make you feel confident and comfortable before your first course.

We'll send you an email with more information about a week before you're set to start. Get ready!

Each course contains six modules that build on each other. You'll complete them in order, and show you've mastered the content.

When you enroll in a course, you'll be able to see all six modules in your dashboard right away, so you can start planning ahead.

Every module teaches business skills you'll use. Practice your skills as you go with practical assignments. Then, at the end of the whole course, tie your learning together with a final assessment.

The feedback you receive will be valuable for upcoming modules and courses to build on your knowledge as you go.

You have almost completed your application! Before you sign and submit the required documentation, the below statements will help you understand the next steps of your admission to Nexford University (NXU).

Under Accepted Evaluation Pending (AEP) status, you acknowledge that your application for full admission to Nexford University (NXU) is not complete, and that you will be automatically placed under provisional admission status. Specifically, you have not submitted one or more of the following documents for review by NXU Admissions:

  • A scan or photo of your government-issued identification and a passport-style photo or “selfie.”
  • Official transcripts showing completion of high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development or equivalent certificate (e.g. HiSET, TASC, etc))
  • Official transcript(s) from school(s) attended previously (other university, college, etc.)
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (one of the following):
    • Certificate of English proficiency recognized by NXU that was issued within the past 2 years, affirming that you earned at least the minimum qualifying score (see the Minimum Score Required for English Proficiency section University Catalog)

Please keep in mind that any incorrect or unreadable documents submitted will also place you under the provisionally admitted status. The AEP status, i.e., provisional admission, will remain until all remaining required documentation is submitted correctly and accurately.

While on AEP status, you are entitled to enroll in one (1) NXU course in the degree program of your choosing, subject to the following restrictions:

  • The course must be in a degree program (AAS, Bachelor of Business Administration, or MBA) for which you are qualified (as provisionally established by the partial application submitted and any supporting documentation provided by the deadline noted below). If the information provided is determined to be inaccurate or misleading while you are under AEP status, the University reserves the right to unenroll you from the course and place you in a different course, or to nullify your application
  • Before the start of the course, you must complete NXU’s Orientation for new learners with a passing grade, else you will need to retake NXU Orientation the following month, and accordingly delay the start of your program until the first of the month after Orientation

In order to apply your completed course towards your intended degree program, you must:

  • Submit all remaining application materials to NXU within 60 days of the enrollment start date; and
  • Meet the University’s minimum academic requirements for successfully completing the course

If you do not submit all your remaining application materials to NXU by the day-60 deadline, then:

  • You will be placed on suspension, which will run for two (2) months from date of suspension, to allow time to submit your documents
  • You will not be allowed to enroll in future courses, and will not receive tuition invoices within the two-month timeframe
  • You will not receive academic credit for any completed course(s) and will instead be eligible for a non-degree certificate of completion. This certificate can be evaluated for possible credit if you are accepted into an NXU program in the future
  • In the case of missing evidence of English language proficiency, Admission Officers may request alternative supporting materials that might assist the University in certifying their English proficiency status
  • If admission documents are still outstanding after the two (2) month suspension, you will be administratively dismissed from your program
  • You will have to reapply through the Office of Admissions (admissions@nexford.org) along with submitting missing application materials at the time of readmission to Nexford University, after which you may resume your studies on the first day of the next month


For learners who fail to submit their pending admission documents within the 60-day deadline, exceptions can be applied in certain circumstances if the learner submits the appropriate verification and/or supporting documentation. If approved by the Manager of Admissions and Registrar, this will allow the learner a 30-day extension to submit their pending admission documents.


According to the University records retention policy, all outcomes based on the supporting materials provided remain in learners’ records. Any documents received by Nexford University will not be returned to the applicant/learner and cannot be reissued to the applicant/learner or another institution.

Please note that you will be responsible for any costs associated with the submission of your completed application for review by NXU Admissions, and for the monthly tuition fees associated with your first-course enrollment as an AEP learner.

As an AEP learner, enrolled in a course, you will be subject to the same academic policies applicable to all NXU degree learners, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Courses run for 54 days
  • Each course is divided into 6 modules and a final project, each with specific deadlines
  • Learners are required to engage in their course by day 10, else they will be dismissed from the course
  • Learners may receive module deadline extensions under certain restrictions
  • Learners may resubmit module assignments under certain restrictions
  • Learners may not resubmit a course final project
  • Learners may request an Incomplete in a course under certain restrictions – subject to review/approval by your professor – which, if granted, extends the course’s closing date to day 70
  • Learners may withdraw from a course until day 38 of the term

(Additional details pertaining to these and other pertinent academic policies are discussed in NXU’s Orientation)

For more information about Nexford’s Accepted Evaluation Pending (AEP) status, please contact help@nexford.org.

By accepting these Terms and Conditions of application, I confirm that I am physically able to operate a computer for a prolonged period of time (more than an hour), as required to succeed with course completion at Nexford University.

  • It should be accepted in the US as we are nationally accredited in the US by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • Acceptance of your credentials from NXU is still dependent on the receiving organization. It is the sole discretion of the receiving institution/employer whether or not they will accept the degree that you will get at any university.
  • What we ensure is that you can stand out in a competitive job market. We utilize competency-based education to ensure you are able to apply your knowledge to real-world situations rather than just spending time memorizing theory. You'll have a capacity to adapt and pivot, and walk away with highly portable skills.

Starting August 1, 2022, Nexford University will begin reviewing requests from learners for transfer credit. In order for transfer credit to be awarded, an official transcript from awarding institution must be submitted for review.  Learners may review the transfer credit policy and any transfer credit review fee in the University catalog.

Want to transfer your Nexford credits elsewhere? Each university has it's own credit transfer policy, so we recommend you contact them directly as it is the decision of the receiving school if transfer credits are approved.

Short answer – no. You’ll need to meet all the requirements of your “Incompletes” and have your final grades issued before enrolling in any new courses. There is one exemption to this rule. If you’ve already pre-enrolled for new courses during the month prior, then we’ll let you make a start on these while you finish off your Incompletes. It’s worth noting; our course start dates always fall on the first of the month.

You can, but not right away. All Nexford learners start out by taking one course at a time. We want to make sure you get a feel for the structure and workload of studying at the university and make your transition to online learning a smooth one. In certain programs, the first few courses are completed one at a time. Once you’ve demonstrated that your grades are up to scratch, you’ll be permitted to take on a heavier course load if you wish. We strongly recommend you speak to your Nexford Success Advisor before enrolling in multiple courses.

When you apply, you'll pay a one-off fee of $25, which allows us to process your application.

You can't check – but you'll get an answer within seven business days. How's that for fast!

Online institutions vary in quality, so you're right to ask the question. Nexford is trustworthy and legitimate because it has been reviewed by and granted a license to operate as an institution of higher education by the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission. 


We're also accredited in the US by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and accredited by Accreditation Service for International Colleges, which is an international accreditation.

Nexford's learning experience is unlike any other. Think engaging, interactive online learning that helps you gain the skills you need – fast.


Our online learning environment contains everything you need to learn at Nexford. It's where you'll take courses, chat with peers, submit assignments, receive feedback, track your grades, and access your faculty's calendars to book one-on-one sessions. It's also where you'll manage your enrollment, add courses, and pay your tuition.


You'll get access to your modules through Canvas, a learning management platform, and you can even take your learning wherever you go with the Canvas mobile app. Module materials include reading, videos, interactive elements, quizzes, and relevant case studies. 


Live lectures are done by faculty once every two weeks or more often. Don't worry, these sessions are entirely optional, and you don't have to wait for them to progress in your learning or course — everything you need to complete your projects, assignments, or assessments is available through your modules.


Assessments are weekly, and you must meet assessment and project deadlines to progress seamlessly. We recommend you allocate a minimum of 15-20 hours per week to your learning at your most convenient time to achieve this. If you need additional support, our Learner Success team is available 24/7. They will also help you with transitioning to online studies, creating your study timeline, and goal setting.


Overwhelmed? Don't be! You'll get a full tour of the learning environment during orientation. You're in safe hands with us.

Not ready to apply?

If you’re not sure yet which program is right for you, or you’ve got any other questions about Nexford, you’re probably not ready to begin your application. That’s okay! Our Nexford Application Specialist would be happy to speak with you. You can email them at help@nexford.org or fill out the form and an Application Specialist will contact you right away.