SCC: Partnering with Students from Around the Globe
International students, SCC welcomes you and the perspectives you bring to our campuses. You are considered an international student if you are requesting or have requested a student visa, or have transferred from another college under a student visa, or possess a visa other than the one approved by Spartanburg Community College and SEVIS (Student Exchange and Visitor Information System).
International students should begin the application process at least one semester or three months prior to enrollment. Lawful Presence in the United States must be verified before enrollment (see link below).
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Steps to Enroll at SCC for International Students
After completing the International Student Information Form, you'll be contacted by email by a SCC International Admissions Counselor for next steps.
We recommend that you apply to SCC at least 3 months prior to your start term to ensure timely completion of the admissions and registration process. Lawful Presence in the United States must be verified before enrollment (view Lawful Presence Policy).
Apply now or visit any SCC campus location. Once you’ve applied, log into your My SCC Portal account, and access your SCC email account. (View the guide on your MySCC Portal here.)
Take the TOEFL test unless approved for exemption, with a minimum score of 500 on a paper-administered exam or 63 on the online exam. An applicant’s citizenship or immigration status has no bearing on the language proficiency requirement. Applicants are not required to demonstrate English proficiency when one of the following applies:
- The primary language of the applicant is English. Countries and territories considered primarily English speaking are: Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nevis & St. Kitts, South Africa, St. Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales), and the United States.
- The applicant graduated from a secondary school in the United States and has shown basic proficiency through the college’s placement exam.
Test scores should be sent to the SCC Admissions Center.
International students are required to submit a tuition deposit covering two semesters before receiving an I-20 form. Contact the SCC Business Office to pay tuition.
Once the following documents are submitted, SCC will issue an I-20 form.
- A certified English translation/evaluation of high school and/or college transcripts.
- High school - document by document
- College - course by course
- An official copy of the TOEFL report, unless approved for exemption, showing a minimum of 500 (paper-administered exam) or a score of 63 (online exam).
- Provide an Affidavit of Support (signed and notarized).
- Evidence of a tuition deposit made to the college.
- Certified or notarized bank letter verifying that a minimum of $21,182.00 USD is available to finance the first year of education. The letter must be submitted on bank stationary and notarized by a bank officer. Letter must be dated within the last three months and funds must be stated in U.S. currency equivalency.
- Proof of medical insurance.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Payment is required prior to the visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy.
- To obtain your visa, you must bring the following documents to your visa appointment
with the U.S. Embassy-
- I-20 form
- Letter of acceptance from SCC
- Proof of payment for SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Find the U.S. Embassy closest to your home; make an appointment for the visa interview before your travel to the U.S. (The earliest date of entry into the U.S. is usually 30 days prior to the start dated on your Form I-20).
- At the port of entry to the U.S., you will be interviewed again and the Arrival/Departure Form I-94 will be issued.
Notify the SCC International Admissions Counselor of your arrival and make an appointment to complete requirements. Please bring all documents with you. Provide advisor with medical clearance form.
Meet with an admissions specialist at SCC to determine if you should complete the placement skills assessment, or see if you are eligible for other options in placement requirements.
Confirm your acceptance by visiting with an admissions specialist at any of our five campuses.
Meet with an Admissions Counselor who will assist you with registering for classes. Lawful Presence in the United States must be verified before enrollment (view Lawful Presence Policy).
Visit the Business Office to confirm that your tuition and fees are paid. Then, have your SCC student ID made in the Admissions Center, and buy books for classes at The Book Inn.
Congratulations! You're Part of the SCC Family!