Admission of International Students

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In addition to the regular admission requirements, and before an I-20 can be issued, all international students must request an International Student Information Packet

Prior to being issued an I-20 form, all international student applications must be submitted no less than 3 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the applicant hopes to gain admittance.

ALL International Students must present the following requirements.

International First-Time Students

  • Admission application
  • A certified, original, translated, and evaluated copy of the student’s high school transcript, if graduated outside of the United States.
  • A current and valid passport or other official documentation to verify lawful presence
  • A current photo (passport-size, preferred)
  • A minimum score of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a total score of 61 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a 2A on the Step EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency, a total score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL, or a 95 on the Duolingo English Test must be taken by each international student whose national language is not English and who did not graduate from an English speaking high school. Official scores should be sent to Southern Union State Community College prior to a decision on admission.  
  • A signed, notarized statement verifying adequate financial support
  • Receipt of payment of I-90I Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee
  • A medical health history with proof of vaccination
  • Documentation demonstrating adequate accident, sickness, and life insurance that includes evacuation repatriation. Students must maintain insurance coverage throughout the duration of their I-20.

International Transfer Students

  • Admission application
  • A certified, original, translated, and evaluated copy of the student’s high school transcript verifying completion status and a translated and evaluated transcript from each college attended if graduated outside of the United States. 
  • Original transcripts from all US institutions attended
  • A signed notarized statement verifying financial support
  • Copy of the student’s current Form I-20
  • Receipt of payment of I-901 Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee.
  • Copy of student's Visa and Passport
  • A medical health history with proof of vaccination
  • Documentation demonstrating adequate accident, sickness, and life insurance that includes evacuation repatriation. Students must maintain insurance coverage throughout the duration of their I-20.

Other non-immigrant students must meet all ACCS admission requirements as well as provide documentation of immigration status as prescribed by the institution. An international student who fails to provide the required documentation will not be admitted to any ACCS institution.

When all documentation is completed, it must be forwarded to the International Student Coordinator.

*Note: International student applications are not eligible for conditional admissions status.

  1. English as a Second Language Exam Waiver

    The English as a Second Language exam may be waived for students from all English speaking countries including, but not limited to: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia (Australian English), the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize (Belizean Kriol), the British Indian Ocean Territory, the British Virgin Islands, Canada (Canadian English), the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guernsey (Channel Island English), Guyana, Ireland (Hiberno-English), Isle of Man (Manx English), Jamaica (Jamaican English), Jersey, Montserrat, Nauru, New Zealand (New Zealand English), Nigeria, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Singapore, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Gambia, the United Kingdom, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States.

    Admission to an ACCS institution does not ensure admission to any individual program or course. Institutions are expected to comply with all applicable accreditation requirements and standards regarding program admission.

  2. Transfer Credit from Foreign Institutions
    Students who have attended academic institutions outside the United States must submit an official translated copy of their high school transcript and college transcript translated by SpanTran, World Education Services, Inc., Education Credential Evaluators or JS&A (Josef Silny & Associates). Course descriptions must be included with evaluation/transcripts. Transfer credit is not guaranteed and will be subject to the following conditions:
    • Transfer credits must fall within the school’s guidelines and are subject to approval by the registrar, dean and/or program chair.
    • Courses must be germane to a program/degree/certificate at Southern Union State Community College.
    • A transfer grade of “D” will only be accepted when the transfer student’s cumulative GPA is 2.0 at all institutions where the “D” grade was earned. If the student has a cumulative 2.0 or above, the “D” grade will be accepted the same as for first time students.
    • Transfer students will be subject to placement testing as detailed in the section “Policy on Placement Testing”.
  3. Issuance of Form I-20
    • The I-20 will be issued to the student only after all requirements above have been met and the student’s file is complete