International Students

Individuals who have been granted legal permanent resident status will be required to submit the same admissions documents as a United States citizen to include the establishment of residence for tuition purposes.

Individuals who plan to attend Pensacola State College while in the United States on a visa other than the F-1 Student Visa should contact the Registrar’s Office to determine eligibility. Several visa categories will permit enrollment in college courses during the temporary stay in the United States.

Undocumented aliens will be permitted to enroll at Pensacola State College but will not be able to declare a status as resident for tuition purposes. The undocumented alien will not be eligible for any financial assistance.

Individuals who will require the F-1 Student Visa, including those who are transferring the F-1 Visa from another institution to Pensacola State College, must present the documentation listed below.

Official copies of all documentation are required. International mail delays, transcript verifications, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) regulations governing the issuance of the Immigration Form I-20, consular appointments, etc., must be anticipated. The College encourages non-citizen students seeking the F-1 Student Visa to begin the application process at least four months in advance of anticipated enrollment. Required application papers and credentials include the following:

  1. International Student Application for Admission. The International Student Application is available in the admissions office or on the website at www.pensacolastate.edu.
  2. Secondary School Records. Official transcripts of secondary school records, diploma, General Certificate of Education (GCE), or Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) are required. Transcripts in languages other than English must be translated with certified translations provided. The secondary school record documents of an applicant who has completed his or her secondary education in a foreign country are evaluated in accordance with the general regulations governing admission of freshman students as well as guidelines established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars (AACRAO) and the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA).
  3. College Transcripts. International students who have attended colleges in the United States must have official transcripts sent to Pensacola State College. Students who have completed college-level work at institutions outside of the United States and wish to receive transfer credit will be required to seek the services of recognized credentials analyst. See Transfer Students from Other Countries.
  4. Financial Support Documentation. An official statement from the applicant’s (or sponsor’s) bank or other financial institution is required and must verify the availability of sufficient funds for tuition, matriculation, books, and living expenses. All monetary amounts must be indicated in United States dollars. If the international student will be provided funding through his or her home country’s government or some other agency, documentation verifying the availability of sufficient funds for tuition, matriculation, books, and living expenses, etc., must be submitted.
  5. Language Proficiency. For those international applicants whose native language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be required. The minimum score acceptable for admission is 500 (on the paper-based exam), 173 (on the computer-based exam), and 61 (on the internet-based exam). An official TOEFL score report must be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office; Pensacola State College’s school code for this purpose is 5535. Student copies of the TOEFL score report will not be accepted. Students who have not taken the TOEFL but have completed an English Language School (ELS) through Level 109 will be considered. An official ELS transcript must be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office from the testing agency or the institution offering the ELS program. No exceptions will be made to these requirements for language proficiency.
  6. Medical/Health Insurance. Health insurance with hospitalization coverage is required. Evidence of a health insurance policy valid in the United States and covering the period of enrollment must be documented prior to registration.
  7. The Immigration Form I-20. When all required documents and credentials are received, Pensacola State College will issue the Immigration Form I-20 recorded through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of the United States Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The admitted international student will be responsible for establishing an appointment with the appropriate Embassy and paying any fees associated with the process to receive the F-1 Student Visa.
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