Learning has no age limit. Get your degree or just learn something new.

If you're 60 years of age or older and have been legally domiciled in Virginia for one year, you may be eligible to take up to three non-credit and audit courses at no cost, on a space available basis. You can also take credit courses tuition-free if your taxable income for the previous year was $15,000 or less.

Follow the step-by-step checklist below to get started.

1: Apply for Admission

Apply in person at any Student Services Center. Bring proof of age and complete the Senior Citizen Certification of Eligibility for Free Tuition form.

2: Get a Copy of the NOVA Catalog

The NOVA Catalog describes the courses, college policies and degree and certificate programs offered at NOVA.

• Get a free print copy at any Student Services Center or the Extended Learning Institute.

3: Enroll for Classes

You may only enroll on the first day of classes. You can check course availability through NOVAConnect.

4: Pay Tuition

You do not pay tuition. If you qualify for free tuition, you only have to pay any necessary course fees.

5: Buy Your Books

Print your schedule of classes and take it to your campus bookstore, or buy your books online.

6: Buy a Parking Permit

If you receive a waiver of tuition and fees as a senior citizen, you may receive a student parking permit at no charge by presenting a signed copy of the senior citizen registration form at any Parking Services Office.

If you are not eligible for waiver of tuition and fees as a senior citizen, you can buy your parking permit online through Parking Services using your credit card 24 hours after you enroll for classes. You can also pay for a permit by cash or check at any of the campus Parking Services offices.

• Parking permits are required for all semesters/sessions of enrollment.
• Permits are required for all vehicles parked in all lots (except parking meters and hourly pay lots).
  • Student permits are valid only in "B" lots.
• To use the parking garages at the Annandale and Medical Education Campuses, you must have a NOVACard ID and a parking permit.
  • Hourly pay parking is available in the garages for those without a current permit and ID card.

7: Get Your NOVACard Student Identification

Get your free NOVACard 24 hours after you enroll for classes. It also serves as your library card and can be used for copying and on campus and a variety of discounts.

8:  Activate Your Email Account

Activate your free email account.

• To protect your privacy, instructors may only use a student's official NOVA email address.
• You will receive updates on course changes and other pertinent information through your NOVA email account.

9: Explore

Learn more about the services and activities at Northern Virginia Community College:

• Libraries
• New Student FAQ 
• Flexible Learning - Senior Citizens
• Schedule of Classes
• Student Handbook