International Student (F-1) Applicants

First-time college students must send an official copy of their high school transcript to SFCC. Applicants who have attended a college/university must also send foreign transcripts as well as U.S. academic records directly to the college. Transcripts from foreign high schools and colleges/universities must be translated into English and notarized.

International applicants must submit scores from the Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. These scores must be sent directly from the testing service to the International Student Programs Coordinator. The minimum acceptable TOEFLiBT score is 66. This test is not required of students from countries where English is the native language; however, you will be required to submit ACT or SAT scores demonstrating college readiness as indicated: 19 (ACT) on both English and Reading sections, or 450 (SAT) on the Critical Reading section. Transfer students who have completed College English Composition at a U.S. school are exempt from having to provide a TOEFL score, but must provide proof of successful completion. Information to register for the TOEFL exam can be found here.

Applicants must submit a recent (six months or less) financial statement (download printable form) regarding the resources provided for the student while the student is in the U.S. This form must be signed, dated and stamped with the financial institution’s seal and sent directly to the International Student Programs Coordinator at SFCC from the financial institution. Because there are no institutional funds available to support an international student, each student must be able to meet all financial obligations while attending SFCC (there is no housing available on campus). You are required to present proof of available funds in the amount of at least $27,546 U.S. dollars. This is an estimated amount based on expected tuition and living expenses for the academic year. Listed costs will increase with each dependent added to your I-20 (Tuition and fee charges for international students on F-1 visas are the same as for non-resident students). Applicants who are sponsored by a government agency or private company must submit verifying documentation. If funds are being provided from a sponsor, please provide a letter of sponsorhip.

Applicants must upload a statement of approximately 500 words explaining their intended program of study, their educational goals, and how their chosen program will help them achieve those goals.

If you are transferring from a U.S. university and you wish to have credits transferred, an official transcript must be sent directly from the university to the SFCC International Student Programs Office. A letter or SFCC Transfer Form from your designated student advisor (PDSO/DSO) indicating permission to transfer, and a copy of your I-20 issued from the attending university, are needed. (download printable form)

All international students and exchange visitors entering the U.S. must pay a fee mandated by Congress in September 2004 with a Form I-20. All applicants must pay the SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interview. You can complete the Form I-901 and pay this fee at www.FMJfee.com with a credit card or through the mail.

All international students attending SFCC are required to have health insurance. Hospital care and all medical care in general are expensive; without insurance you will be held responsible for all costs. Proof of insurance must be provided at the time of your arrival.