7 tips for completing your Nexford application

Congratulations! You’ve decided to further your education, strive for your career goals, and apply for Nexford.

So how do you make your application the best it can be? We asked our faculty and academic advisors to share their top tips for how to:

• Submit a great application

• Ensure a quick decision

• Choose your start date (there’s one every month!)

• Find support where you need it.

We’ll walk you through the journey from start to finish and help you prepare for each stage of the application process. “We believe in a journey with minimum stress, ” says Marquettia Bivens, Nexford’s Registrar & Admissions Manager.

Tip 1: Choose the right program for you

When you press “apply”, you’ll see three options:

• University degree – choose this if you want to take a full MSDA, MSDT, MBA, BBA or AAS in Business degree

• Certificate – choose this if you’re interested in a standalone certificate

• Single course – choose this if you want to upskill with a single course.

Choose the option that matches your skillset and experience.

Want to know more about the programs and learning at Nexford? A little background knowledge goes a long way! Tari Diete-Spiff, Nexford’s Admissions Officer, recommends you “really think about your goals when exploring our website. You need to be sure about your program so you can thrive doing something you’re passionate about.”

Tip 2: Upload your photo

We’ll ask that you upload a photo ID, and passport-style digital photo (can be a selfie), so we can verify your identity. Your passport is your best option here – if you submit a national identity card, it may take longer to process your application.

Your photo ID should:

• Show your most recent legal name

• Be written in English

• Be valid within the past two years.

Tip 3: Think about your supporting documents

At Nexford, we have made applying simple, so that you can focus on what’s important – your goals.

After your first course starts, you’ll have 60 days to send us your missing documents, such as a diploma or grade transcript!

Try to make sure all your documents are translated into English before you upload them. However, if not, don’t worry! We can organize in-house translations, but it may take longer to receive. “To get the quickest response from us, ready your translated documents as soon as you can,” says Sheila, Nexford’s Chief Academic Officer, “that way we can process these straight away, and you’ll get your response sooner!”

Additionally, you may have to take an English test. English is essential at Nexford and in the global workforce, so it’s important that you’re proficient in written and verbal English. If you’ve taken an English language test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS within the past two years, you can upload your results.  If not, then you may want to consider taking the Duolingo English test for $49. Please refer to our university catalog for the minimum requirements. After you’ve taken the test, you can share your certificate to Nexford University by following the instructions in this link.*

If necessary our admissions team might give you a quick call for a further evaluation, but don’t worry, this is a good chance to meet our team!

You’ll also need to upload your academic transcript.

If you’re applying for a BBA or AAS in Business, that’s most likely your high school certificate. If you’re applying for an MSDA, MSDT, or MBA, it will be your undergraduate degree.

Tip 4: Help us know you better

Online learning doesn’t mean you’re alone; you can introduce yourself to faculty and success advisors during your application. The documents you upload can tell a story about your life, career and, education. The more we know about you and your history, the more we can help you succeed at Nexford. Sandra explains, “If you’ve studied somewhere else, or you have a lot of professional experience, you can upload your CV or certificates.”

“Help us get to know you better! Your Success Advisor can create a personalized study plan, and we can check Nexford is a good fit for your career goals.”

Tip 5: Pay your application fee

There are two types of fees you’ll pay at Nexford:

• Your $25 application fee, which you’ll pay during your application

• Your tuition fee, which you can pay monthly, or in two and six-month installments (you can change this anytime!)

We calculate your tuition at a competitive, affordable rate for your country, so choose the correct location when you’re applying.

If you’re having trouble paying because of financial concerns or technical difficulties, you can always contact the Admissions Team at admissions@nexford.org. We’re here and always happy to help!

Tip 6: Put the decision date in your calendar

After you submit your application, you’ll receive a decision in four to seven days.

If you’re successful, you’ll receive an offer letter! Its contents will tell you that you’ve been accepted to Nexford, and can now enroll and choose your start date. Don’t wait too long before you enroll, suggests Sandra.

“Programs start on the first of each month. You can choose to start now, or in the future,” she continues, “whenever you plan to start, make sure you choose the date as soon as you get your offer letter. If you wait too long, you might miss the enrollment deadline and have to wait until next month.”

“If your application is unsuccessful, we want to help you, so we promise to tell you why and give you some tips on how to improve,” says Marquettia, “It might be that you’re not quite ready, and need to brush up on your soft skills, however, that’s fine, it means you’ll be a stronger candidate when you apply again.”

Tip 7: Design your MBA pathway

This tip only applies to you if you’re enrolled in our MBA.

If you have a degree in business, you can enter into your MBA straight away.

If you don’t have a business degree, you’ll enroll in four Foundation Courses. These courses provide the base skills you’ll need for the broader MBA. Each course takes 6-8 weeks; at the end, you can start taking MBA courses.

Not sure which pathway applies to you? Tari recommends to, “take your time with your application, you might not be able to go back later and we don’t want you to waste your time or money going down a route that’s not for you!

If you need help or advice, please ask us, as we are always here to answer your questions and recommend a pathway!”

If you want to know more about the application process, read our handy admissions checklist.

*Please note, for Nexford's current English proficiency requirements, always visit the Nexford University Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.