International Freshman Admission

Christopher Newport offers partial merit-based scholarships to all incoming first-year students. Scholarships are offered through two academic programs, the Honors Program and the President’s Leadership Program.

For students already in the U.S., in-state tuition qualification is determined on your current visa type.

The current student population is approximately one percent international students. Students attend CNU from 32 countries.

Safety is a top priority. Christopher Newport has a full-time, professionally trained police department, responsible for the safety and welfare of all members of the university community and their guests. CNU offers a variety of programs and support services to ensure the safety of everyone on-campus, and has an emergency notification system active throughout all of campus in case of an emergency.

Christopher Newport offers more than 200 student clubs and organizations, so there is no shortage of things to do. If you wish to leave campus, the Newport News community has museums, restaurants, movie theaters, hiking trails, beaches and more available to you. Additionally, it's a 30-minute drive to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Both Richmond and Washington, D.C. are accessible by public transportation and are within a three-hour drive.

Within walking distance of campus you will find grocery stores, restaurants, shops and a hospital. The local transit, Hampton Roads Transit, stops at the edge of campus should you wish to travel further. Additionally, all students can have a car on-campus with the purchase of a parking pass.

No. As an NCAA Division III school, we do not offer athletic scholarships. However, all first-time freshmen can apply for our merit-based scholarship programs.

No. When applying through the Common Application, you will need to select your application type: Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Once we receive your application, it will be designated as an international application.

No. If English is not your native language, you are required to submit English proficiency exam scores. Native English speakers can submit SAT or ACT scores.

Students must apply to either the Honors Program or the President’s Leadership Program in order to be considered for a scholarship. The application process includes an additional essay through the Common Application and an admission interview, either on-campus or virtual.

International students are notified of admission decisions on a rolling basis, once their application is complete and has been reviewed. Official admission decision are sent via mail. For any student living overseas, you will also receive an email copy of your admission decision letter.

We strongly encourage first-time freshman to start in the fall. By starting in the fall, you will have access to more orientation programs to help you succeed at Christopher Newport.

The assistant director of admission for international recruitment is Sasha Kirik. You can email sasha.kirik@cnu.edu or call +1 (757) 594-7045.

No, there is no university health insurance. Students cannot use health insurance for the on-campus health services. You must have your own health insurance should you require medical care off-campus.

All international students are required to hold a visa in order to study in the U.S. If you do not currently have a visa, you need an F-1 visa. If you are currently in the U.S., you may be able to study without changing your visa type. More information on the visa application process is available on the visa information page.

Typically, international students will open a U.S. bank account in order to have easy access to their money. CNU is not affiliated with any specific banks.

To secure your space in the class, you are required to pay a $500 USD enrollment deposit using our Admitted Student System.

Yes. Depending on your visa type, you may require special permissions to do so. All international students must contact their designated school official about any planned travel, domestic or international.

First-time freshman will arrive a week before the start of classes. During that week, students participate in Welcome Week, the second part of first-time freshman orientation. It is very important you are on-campus for the start of Welcome Week.

Yes. CNU has a three-year residence requirement designed to help students succeed while at Christopher Newport. First-time freshman will all be housed in Living and Learning communities (LCs). LCs are designed so you take some classes in your first semester with students with whom you live.

In your acceptance letter, you will receive information about how to access the Admitted Student System. There you will find more information about what to expect in the coming months.