Welcome to the International Student Programs Office (ISPO) at Santa Fe Community College! At SFCC, we are delighted to welcome international students interested in pursuing an Associate’s degree. Whether SFCC is the first educational institution you will be attending in the United States, or if you are transferring from another U.S. college or university, you are encouraged to apply and earn your degree through any of our F-1 visa-approved academic programs.
For all application requirements, please see our International Student Applicants page.
What do we do and who do we serve?
International students at SFCC study on an F-1 visa. Students on all other visas (J-1, etc.) are welcome to apply and attend, but are not required to submit an international student application.
The ISPO also supports, and provides information for, study abroad opportunities and scholarships for SFCC students.
Why study at SFCC?
Santa Fe Community College is located in Santa Fe County in beautiful northern New Mexico. This location gives you access to mountains, forests, hiking and biking trails, and a sense of community in the city.
The faculty and staff at SFCC are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and inclusive. We offer over 30 different Associate’s degree programs and state-of-the-art facilities in the arts and sciences. Our experienced faculty and staff promote academic excellence and work collaboratively with students to help them reach their educational goals.
Throughout your time at SFCC, you will have a robust community of faculty, staff, and students here to support you. In addition to a team of academic advisors, you will have access to our tutoring center, counseling services, accessibility services, and a fitness center. We also offer opportunities for international student engagement through our student government, clubs, and other programs. We have a beautiful campus located on the southside of Santa Fe with views of the surrounding mountains. You will find a rich local culture, plentiful food options, and an exciting arts and entertainment scene in Santa Fe.
How to apply as an F-1 student
International student applicants must complete all application materials by June 1 for Fall semester admission or November 1 for Spring semester admission.
Once we process your application, we will issue you a Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility.
Next, you will pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. You will then bring your Form I-20 to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence and apply for your F-1 visa (Note: visas cannot be issued inside the United States).
For detailed instructions on degree program eligibility and how to apply, see our International Student Applicants page.
Contact Information
For questions on applying to or studying at SFCC as an international student, please contact Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Nicole Ferreira, at nicole.ferreira@sfcc.edu or schedule an appointment here. Email inquiries are also welcomed at international@sfcc.edu.
