Founded in 1935 as a unit of Virginia Union University, Norfolk State is now one of the larger historically Black universities in Virginia. The campus sits on the Elizabeth River near downtown Norfolk, and The Tide light rail stops beside it. Computer science, cybersecurity, engineering and nursing are strong draws. Hampton Roads has the world's largest naval base and a big shipbuilding industry, which shapes many careers here.
Norfolk, Virginia, United States
Official website: nsu.edu
1935
Public historically Black university
Norfolk, Hampton Roads
$20,000 – $24,000
Out-of-state and international students, before aid
$12,000 – $15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on nsu.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Electronics Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Cybersecurity
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Cybersecurity and computing linked to defence employers in Hampton Roads.
A riverside campus with its own light rail stop.
One of Virginia's historically Black universities.
Graduates join the Navy's civilian workforce, defence contractors and shipyards.
Nursing graduates work at Sentara and other regional health systems.
STEM graduates can apply for OPT extensions after study.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Norfolk is a navy town on the Chesapeake Bay, with Naval Station Norfolk to the north and a walkable downtown along the Elizabeth River.
Rent is moderate. Virginia Beach is about half an hour east, and the summers are hot and humid.
Form I-20 issued by Norfolk State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Norfolk State reviews international applications on a rolling basis. Apply by early summer for fall and by October for spring so the I-20 and visa can be arranged.
Students start in August for fall or January for spring. Some graduate programmes admit in fall only.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Norfolk State University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Computer science, electronics engineering, cybersecurity and nursing are popular. Undergraduates need school transcripts and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61; graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and a higher English score.
Scholarships for international students are limited. Some merit awards and graduate assistantships are open to them, so ask the relevant office.
