South Central College (SCC) proudly serves international students from numerous countries around the world. We offer a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for students pursuing a higher education qualification from a number of available programs (please refer to our Majors and Programs webpage for more information).
SCC has been authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to accept international students who meet admission requirements set by the school and according to the Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR 214.2). SCC is an SEVP-Certified School. SEVP is the program utilized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to manage the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a web-based database used to maintain and share information about nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States.
Application Requirements
As of August 1, 2024, SCC no longer accepts admissions applications from prospective students outside the United States (U.S.) who are not already in possession of an “Initial I-20” and F-1 visa. Canadian citizens may apply as they do not need an F-1 visa for U.S. entry. SCC also accepts admissions applications from the following:
International Transfers Students
An international “transfer student” refers to an individual who already has an F-1 visa and an I-20 for attendance at a college or university in the U.S. Transfer students may apply for admission in either Active or Initial SEVIS status only. SCC cannot accept students in terminated or completed status.
Change-of-Status Students
A “change-of-status” student refers to an individual who is inside the U.S. with a valid visa that allows them to apply to the U.S. government to change their current nonimmigrant status to F-1 Student for the purpose of completing a program of study, provided they timely file their application.
International Student Information
Application Process
South Central College (SCC) welcomes a variety of student types. For admissions purposes, an international student is defined as:
- A F-1 Student already in the U.S. who is transferring from another SEVP-certified college or university.
- SEVIS status must be “Active” or “Initial.” We cannot accept students in “Terminated” or “Completed” SEVIS status.
- A Canadian citizen (does not typically require an F-1 visa) who needs an I-20 from the college or university they plan to attend.
- An eligible nonimmigrant visa holder in the U.S. who intends to apply to change their status to F-1 Student to complete a degree. Current visa must not be expired or expiring within 60 days. Not all visa holders can change their status to F-1 Student.
Note: If you are inside the U.S. with a different visa (e.g., F-2, H-4) that allows part- or full-time study, you do not need to complete Steps 1–5. Instead, please email
Required Steps for F-1 International Student Admission
Step 1: Submit SCC Online Application
- Log in with your existing StarID and password (if transferring from a Minnesota State college or university), or create a new one.
- Save your StarID and password for future use.
Step 2: Submit International Student Application
- Provides SEVIS and I-20-related information.
Step 3: Submit International Student Financial Form
- To be completed by your financial sponsor
- Each sponsor must submit a separate form.
- Each must also provide a separate, notarized bank statement (see Step 5.1).
Step 4: Submit Official U.S. Transcripts
- Non–Minnesota State colleges: An official transcript must be sent directly from current/previous colleges:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail. - Minnesota State colleges: SCC can retrieve your transcripts if you do not have an unpaid balance hold. SCC cannot admit students with unpaid balance holds.
- High schools (if any): Official transcript must be sent directly from the school.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Use the secure Document Uploader (StarID and password login required). Submit the following:
- 5.1 Notarized Bank Statement:
- In English
- No older than 2 months
- From a personal (not business) account (not business), matching the sponsor name on the financial form
- Minimum balance: $23,395.00
- Add $7,000 for the first dependent, and $3,000 for each additional dependent
- Must be notarized, including any supporting bank letters
Note: A notarized bank statement means a notary (third party) attests to seeing the original document.
- 5.2 Non-U.S. Transcripts: Scan or copy of:
- Your high school transcript (required)
- College/university transcripts (if applicable) from outside the U.S.
- 5.3 Passport & Visa:
- Copy of your passport and visa photo pages (not required for Canadian citizens)
- Include the same documents for any dependents listed on your I-20
- 5.4 I-94 Arrival/Departure Record:
- Visit the I-94 Website and click “Get Most Recent I-94.”
- Visit the I-94 Website and click “Get Most Recent I-94.”
- 5.5 Immunization Form:
Download the Fillable PDF/upload when completed- If previously attended a Minnesota State college or university: Complete top section + Part 2
- If not: Complete top section + Part 3
- Vaccination records from home country are not accepted as a substitute.
- 5.6 English Language Proficiency (if applicable):
Required if your country does not use English as an official or instructional language -
- Accepted scores (sent directly from testing agency):
- Duolingo: 95+
- ELS: 109+
- IELTS: 5.5+
- Michigan MET: 47+
- TOEFL: Paper – 500+, IBT – 61+
- OR: Completion of a U.S. college English composition course with a grade of C or higher
- Accepted scores (sent directly from testing agency):
Document Uploader Instructions
- Select South Central College from the “Current College” dropdown
- Select International Students in the “Department” dropdown
- You may upload:
- All documents at once (max 5 MB)
- Or each document separately
Application Checklist
The International Student Application Checklist (PDF) is a handy document that reflects the application "steps" and required documentation needed for admission purposes. It has been designed so you can "check-off" each step once you have completed it.
Application Deadlines
Transfer Students & Canadian Citizens
- Fall (August) Start: July 1
- Spring (January) Start: November 1
Change-of-Status Students
- Fall (August) Start: May 1
- Spring (January) Start: September 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 determine U.S. diploma/degree equivalency and transfer foreign postsecondary credits into the U.S. education system, there are a number of organizations that can help. This is a paid service, but it is extremely valuable. 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
Working and Maintaining Lawful Status
- On-campus employment laws governing international students are complex. Since nonimmigrant students are ineligible for federal financial aid, traditional “work-study” jobs on campus are not permissible. However, an F-1 student may accept an on-campus job only if the position is funded by departmental or institutional dollars at the college. F-1 students must fully understand and adhere to employment laws.
- Please visit the Working in the United States webpage and contact the Principal/Designated School Official (P/DSO) at SCC for support with the on-campus employment process.
- Off-campus employment laws governing international students are complex, and students must complete one academic year of study in the U.S. before they are eligible to apply to the U.S. government for work authorization. F-1 students must fully understand and adhere to employment laws. There are two types of off-campus employment authorization:
- Special Student Relief
- Severe Economic Hardship (scroll to F-1 Student Off-Campus section)
- Please visit the Working in the United States webpage and contact the P/DSO at SCC for support with the off-campus employment process.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a training opportunity that occurs during a student’s program of study, before graduation, and it must be integral to the school’s established curriculum. F-1 students must complete one academic year of study in the U.S. before they are eligible for CPT.
- Please visit the F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) webpage and contact the P/DSO at SCC for support with the CPT process.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another practical training opportunity. There are two types of OPT:
- Pre-Completion OPT - occurs before the student graduates
- Post-Completion OPT - occurs after the student graduates
- F-1 students must complete one academic year of study in the U.S. before they are eligible for OPT.
- Please visit the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students webpage and contact the P/DSO at SCC for support with the OPT process.
- Maintaining lawful F-1 Student status is crucial while studying in the U.S.
- Please visit the maintaining status webpage and contact the P/DSO at SCC with any questions.
- Transferring schools as an international student is a process that must also adhere to federal law.
- Please visit the Transferring to Another School webpage and contact the P/DSO at SCC with any questions.
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)
- International Student Transfer-Out Form
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) Recommendation
- Reduced Course Load Form
Schedule Your Appointment with an SCC Advisor
To schedule a campus tour or to make an in-person, phone, or video appointment, please click on the button below.
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
Designated School Official (DSO)
