International Students

Application Process

Prospective international students are required to submit electronic forms and additional documentation as instructed in this section. Please complete the application steps in the order listed.

Step 1:

Complete the electronic South Central College Online Application

• This application must be submitted by all international and domestic students who apply for admission to South Central College (SCC). 
• To complete this application, you will be required to either log in with an existing StarID and password or create a new StarID and password. 
• It is very important that you remember or securely store your StarID and password, because you will need them not just during the application process but throughout your time as a student at SCC. 

Step 2:

Complete the International Student Application

This application asks for more in-depth information that is used in the creation and maintenance of a student’s Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

Step 3 (Only for Transfer Students in the U.S.):

Provide official transcripts for all U.S.-based education institutions you have attended. 

• For schools belonging to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, we will be able to access your transcript(s), provided you do not have any unpaid balances with those institutions. We cannot admit you until any unpaid balances have been paid. 
• All other schools must send an official transcript directly to SCC. As the process varies from school to school, you must contact your previous school(s) directly to make this request. 

Step 4 (Only for Transfer Students in the U.S.):

Ask your current international student advisor to complete the International Transfer Student Advisor Form.

Step 5:

The individual(s) or government financially sponsoring the international student must complete the electronic International Student Financial Form.  

• If you have more than one financial sponsor, each sponsor will need to submit a separate copy of this form, indicating how much sponsorship they are willing to provide. 
• A separate bank statement for each sponsor is also required. 

Step 6:

Use the Document Uploader to upload all of the following (log in with your StarID and password).

• On the login screen, choose “South Central College” from the “Current College” dropdown list.
• Once logged in, choose “International Students” in the "Department" dropdown menu.
• You may upload all documents in one submission, provided the submission size does not exceed 5 MB.
• If your total file size is too big, please upload your documents separately):

1. A notarized bank statement for each financial sponsor that meets the following requirements:

• The bank statement must be in English.
• The bank statement must be dated within the last two months.
• The bank statement must be notarized.
  • A notarized bank statement means that a notary (person) has signed and attested that the bank statement is original and appears genuine.
  • Any supporting letters from the bank must also be notarized.
  • Although we do not require original bank statements be mailed/posted to the school, originals will be required at the time a student interviews with Department of State as part of the visa application process.
• The name of the account holder on the statement must exactly match the name of the sponsor listed on the International Student Financial Form.
• The statement must include a list of transactions and an ending balance.
• The statement must show an ending balance of at least $23,338.00. This represents South Central College’s Estimated Annual Expenses (including tuition and fees, health insurance, living expenses, etc.) for the 2023-2024 academic year

2. High-quality scans or electronic copies of all high school (secondary school) and/or college transcripts for all education institutions you have attended outside the U.S.

3. High-quality scans or electronic copies of your passport photo page and visa photo page (if you already have one)

4. A completed Immunization Record for Students form.

• If you previously attended a college or university in the state of Minnesota, complete Part 2.
• If you have not attended a college or university in the state of Minnesota, complete Part 3.

5. If you are not from a country with English as an official language and/or as the language of instruction in higher education as indicated on the International Student Application, provide proof of your English language proficiency via one of the following options:

• English proficiency test score
  • Duolingo English Test — Score of 95 or higher 
  • ELS Educational Services, Inc. (ELS) — Score of 109 or higher 
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) — Score of 5.5 or higher 
  • Michigan English Test (MET) — Score of 80 or higher 
  • Test of English Foreign Language (TOEFL) — Paper TOEFL: Score of 500 or higher; Web TOEFL IBT: Score of 61 or higher 
    - OR -
• Evidence of English proficiency attained inside the U.S. 
  • Students transferring from another U.S. college or university may satisfy the requirement after completion of an English composition course with a grade of C or higher. 

Document Uploader

Application Checklist

The following International Student Application Checklist2023-24.pdf is a helpful guide that will help you keep track of the forms and documents required for admission as well as the specific requirements for each.

Application Deadlines

New International Students Currently Outside the U.S.
Fall Semester Start (semester starts in August): Deadline is May 1
Spring Semester Start (semester starts in January): Deadline is September 1

Transfer Students Currently Inside the U.S.
Fall Semester Start (semester starts in August): Deadline is July 1
Spring Semester Start (semester starts in January): Deadline is November 1

Additional Requirements

• Understanding Postsecondary Study in the States:
  • All international students who wish to study in the United States must understand federal regulations regarding F-1 Postsecondary Study. Students must declare a major, and study on a full-time basis for a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
  • A minimum of 9 credits must have some in-person learning requirement, and you may not take more than 3 credits in a completely online format each semester toward the Full Course of Study requirement. 
  • It is a student’s responsibility to research and understand the law regarding F-1 student visas, and students must adhere to these regulations to maintain status.
• Purchasing Student Health Insurance:
  • All international students who attend South Central College (SCC) are required to purchase health insurance, which is currently provided by United Healthcare Student Resources, per Minnesota State Colleges and Universities policy (5.B.2.).
  • The only exception to this rule is if a student is sponsored by their home country (e.g., a Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) student). 
    • If your home government is sponsoring you to study in the U.S., including purchasing health insurance coverage for you, you must email documentary evidence to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Continuing and fall-admitted students will be billed for health insurance annually (in early July each year) via their student account, and payment is due by July 31 each year. For spring-admitted students, the annual amount is pro-rated and payment is due by December 1. 
  • Students will have all of their registered courses dropped for nonpayment if health insurance is not paid by established deadlines. Students graduating partway through the insurance coverage period (August 10 - August 9) can request a refund for any unused, unrequired health insurance after the date of graduation.

Next Steps After Admission

Once students are admitted to South Central College (SCC), they will receive the following:

• A Welcome Email from the International Student Office containing:
  • A formal letter of admission (“Welcome Letter”)
  • An Admissions Certificate
  • A Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”
  • “F-1 Postsecondary Guide to Studying in the States”
  • Important information about next steps the student must take, as detailed below:
• Next Steps to Take at South Central College:
  • Visit the Next Steps After Admission webpage.
  • Watch the Online Orientation video and answers quiz questions at the end.
  • Complete the Student Course Placement (only if you receive an email directing you to do so).
  • Schedule and attend a New Student Advising & Registration Session.
  • Pay international student health insurance in full, per MN State policy (Part 5.B.2.) (unless you have provided evidence that your home government is fully sponsoring you to attend college/university in the U.S.).
    • A pro-rated charge for student health insurance will be added to your student account, and help and information about how to pay this charge will be provided.

Transferring Postsecondary Credits Obtained Outside the U.S.

To transfer postsecondary (college or university) credits obtained outside the U.S., there are a number of organizations that can evaluate your completed courses on a “course by course” basis.  This is a paid service, but it is a valuable one that can oftentimes determine U.S. course equivalencies.  The following are two of the most frequently used companies:

Educational Credential Evaluators
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: 414-289-3400/Fax: 414-289-3411

World Educational Services
P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113
Phone: 1-800-937-3895/Fax: 212-739-6100

Applying for a Student Visa

• Visa appointment wait times vary considerably by country, and it may take months to plan due to various requests and security clearance checks, for example.
• It is legal a requirement to enter the United States with the correct type of visa (F-1 visa, for example).
  • If you plan for any dependent(s) to join you, either now or in the future while you are a student at SCC, please let us know so any dependent(s) can be added to your Form I-20. 
  • F-1 students’ dependent(s) should not enter the U.S. on a B Visitor visa, for example. 
  • Dependents can apply for an F-2 visa, but only if they have been added to a student’s Form I-20.
• Steps to Take in the Student Visa Application Process:
  • Pay your SEVIS Fee (I-901) with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
    • Please Note: Your SEVIS Fee payment receipt must be taken to your visa interview in your home country (this fee is assessed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  For more details, please visit Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee webpage).
  • Visit the Student Visa webpage and carefully read information about completing the Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
  • Locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to your home country address.
  • Schedule an appointment for a visa interview (approximate visa wait times can be found on the U.S. Visas webpage – you will need to scroll to the bottom of that page and enter the location of your nearest embassy/consulate).
• Take the Following Documents to Your Visa interview (U.S. Department of State May Request Additional Information):
  • Proof of identity
  • Valid passport
  • Signed Form I-20 (parent/guardian signature is required for students under 18 years old)
  • Official letter of admission to the school
  • Documented proof of financial support for at least one year (for yourself and for any dependents)
  • Proof of SEVIS Fee payment (receipt)
  • Any other documents requested by Department of State
• Visa Approvals & Denials:
  • The International Student Office needs to know if your visa application is approved or denied. 
  • If your visa is denied, you should ask the embassy/consular official to kindly provide you with a written explanation of the denial. 
  • Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inform us of the outcome of your visa interview.  Write “Visa Approval” or “Visa Denial” in the subject line of the email, along with your full name and Student ID (found in your Welcome Letter). 
    • If necessary, we can defer your admission to a future semester if you plan to re-apply for a student visa (if it was denied the first time or subsequent times).
• Vaccination Requirements for U.S. Entry:
• Please visit the Department of State | Vaccinations webpage for details about vaccination requirements for entering the U.S. as a nonimmigrant student.

Things You Should Know

• On- and Off-Campus Employment laws and regulations governing international students are complex.  Since nonimmigrant students are ineligible for federal financial aid, traditional work-study positions on campus, for example, are not permissible.  However, if a position funded by departmental or institutional dollars becomes available at SCC, you may be able to accept it, provided you fully understand Employment laws and regulations for nonimmigrant students.  Please visit Working in the United States.  To learn more, contact the Designated School Official (DSO) or the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) at SCC.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a training opportunity that “occurs before a student’s program end date on the Form I-20, ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,’” and it must be an essential component of an existing school curriculum, such as a required internship or practicum.  For more information, contact the P/DSO or the PDSO.  Please also Read These Curricular Practical Training Reminders.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) is “temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study,” and it can take place as Pre-Completion (before the student’s Program End Date) or Post-Completion (after the student graduates).  Students may work part-time (20 hours or fewer per week) while school is in session and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) when school is not in session.  Post-Completion OPT must be engaged in full-time.  To learn more, ask the P/DSO.  Please also visit Optional Practical Training | ICE.
• Maintaining Your F-1 Student Status is crucial while studying at SCC and at any other institution in the U.S., and the DSO can support you in achieving just that.  To learn more about Maintaining Your Status, from your arrival in the U.S. to your departure – and everything in between – be sure to utilize the knowledge of the P/DSO. 
• Transferring from One U.S. School to Another U.S. School as an international student is a process that must also adhere to laws and regulations.  Please refer to the Transfers | ICE webpage and/or contact the P/DSO to learn about the transfer process. 
• Travelling Outside the U.S. and re-entering at a U.S. Port of Entry requires a clear understanding of the documentation you should prepare BEFORE you depart the United States.  DO NOT travel outside the U.S. without first meeting with the P/DSO.  You can expect to take the following, at a minimum, with you on your trip:
• An up-to-date Form I-20 with Travel Endorsement signed on Page 2 by the P/DSO
• A current, valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining beyond the date on which you plan to return to the U.S.
• A valid visa that will not expire while you are outside the U.S.  However, if you are traveling for fewer than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or one of the adjacent islands listed on the Travel | ICE webpage, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. on an expired visa, provided you have your signed Form I-20 and an unexpired I-94
• Proof of financial resources to support your education and living expenses in the upcoming semester(s)
• An unofficial transcript detailing your upcoming courses, to evidence your intent to resume your studies
• Your health insurance ID card in case you need urgent assistance while outside the U.S.
• The contact information of the P/DSO

Current Student and Faculty Resources

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Faculty/Dean Verification
• Health Insurance for Students on OPT Form
• I-20 Extension Form
• International Student Concurrent Enrollment Form
• International Student Financial Form
• International Student Resources Course on D2L Brightspace (StarID & Password login required)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) Recommendation
• Reduced Course Load Form