Getting Started
NOVA makes it easy with our open-door admission policy. You are eligible for admission if you are:
- A high school or GED graduate.
- A non-high school graduate 18 years of age or older and able to benefit academically from enrollment as demonstrated by reading, writing, and mathematics assessments.
- A transfer student from an accredited college or university.
- A current high school junior or senior who is 16 or older has parental permission and a permission letter from the high school for Dual Enrollment.
Applying to NOVA is the first step in navigating your journey into higher education.
1. Apply for Admission
- Complete the Application for Admission
- On your admissions application, select a program of study and feel free to modify it later.
- After submitting your online application, save the confirmation page, which includes your student ID number and myNOVA username.
- Send your official high school and college transcripts to NOVA.
Past students:
- If it’s been 3 years or less contact the IT helpdesk for assistance with your username/password.
- If it’s been more than 3 years - Reapply
Dual Enrollment
- If you plan to take NOVA classes while in high school, please see the Dual Enrollment coach for assistance.
International Applicants
- International applicants must follow specific application deadlines. For more information, refer to the International Admissions page.
2. Activate your myNOVA Account and complete the Multi-factor Authentication Security (MFA).
- Activate your myNOVA account within 24 hours using the temporary password provided. After 24 hours, the password will expire and you will be required to reset it.
- To ensure the security of your account, please set up MFA (Multi-factor Authentication) For assistance, please contact the IT Helpdesk.
3. Complete the Direct Enrollment or Self-Placement Survey
- Upon activating your account, please complete the survey immediately to expedite your enrollment in classes.
- Please note that high school students currently applying for NOVA classes before graduation (such as Dual Enrollment, Early College, or STEM) should NOT complete the survey.
4. Register for Classes
- View the Schedule of Classes
- Sign in to myNOVA
- Resolve any outstanding verification/holds issues
- Register for classes
5. Tuition Payment Options
- Apply for Financial Aid.
- Complete your (FAFSA) online early at www.fafsa.gov
- using CVCC School Code of 003727 to have your FAFSA information sent to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).
- Learn more about the Types of Aid offered at NOVA.
- Complete your (FAFSA) online early at www.fafsa.gov
- NOVA Payment Plan: consider entering the payment plan early and taking advantage of spread-out payments.
- Scholarships: apply early for many Scholarship opportunities offered by NOVA.
- Third-Party Payment: follow up with your company or organization on employee tuition.
Financial Check-in Reminder!
As a reminder to any student who enrolls in a class at NOVA, the student is responsible for paying for that class after enrolling, or the student must have other payment arrangements in place (payment plan, third-party billing, Veterans Benefits, financial aid etc.). Don’t Wait! Check your message center for notifications.
6. Parking and NOVACard
- If you plan to park on campus, please visit the Parking Services website to order your permit.
- Acquire your NOVACard which serves as the official identification card for NOVA.